The Abu Dhabi delegation, led by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), will focus on the emirate's extensive summer events at the the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the region’s biggest travel and tourism fair taking place in Dubai next week.

Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry will be displaying one of its largest ever product portfolios at the ATM, being held from April 25 to 28 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. More than 30,000 travel professionals representing 86 countries will be in attendance at the event.

The emirate’s leading hotels, destination management companies, tour operators and attractions will be represented at the ATM

Abu Dhabi Summer Season will take place from July 7 to September 11 and will be presented by Yas Island and held across venues in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Gharbia.

“Last year’s Summer Season witnessed a significant increase in the number of guest arrivals into the emirate – up 21 per cent over the same period the previous year and we expect it will be of significant interest to the travel trade at the Arabian Travel Market,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of promotions and overseas offices at TCA Abu Dhabi.

“We will build on this success by offering another superb selection of entertainment and promotions during our 2016 Summer Season targeting key markets across the GCC, India and Europe. Our annual Summer Season, along with our stunning scenery, rich culture and diverse range of entertainment and a fantastic choice of highly competitive priced accommodation makes the emirate an excellent destination to visit all year round,” he added.

“This year is packed with 18 thrilling international theatre and stage shows, leading comedy acts, music concerts, an illusionist and some amazing children’s shows, combined with a wide range of activities and extended activations, each lasting for a month at a time. We will also celebrate Indian Independence Day and Eid Al Fitr with fabulous concerts. Superb summer offers, promotions and prizes across Abu Dhabi’s hotels, malls and attractions will again feature across the Summer Season period.”

The three-month 2015 Summer Season, which ran from June 11 to September 5, helped attract 951,979 guest arrivals into the emirate. The number of visitors from India showed the largest increase during the period, rising 29.8 per cent from 2014. Visitors from within the UAE showed double digit growth, while visitors from the GCC, not including the UAE, increased by 9.8 per cent to 79,086.

Along with the significant rise in visitor guest arrivals, participating malls across the emirate also saw large increases in footfall and trade. The 12 malls which hosted TCA Abu Dhabi’s weekly prize draw to win a Mercedes-Benz car reported 15-20 per cent growth in business.

Joining TCA Abu Dhabi for the first time at the ATM will be Al Maryah Island, representing all the island’s properties, which will be highlighting the location as Abu Dhabi’s business and lifestyle destination for regional and international tourists and investors alike.

Ali Al Mheiri, executive director of Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure, said: “Our goal from taking part at the ATM is to showcase Al Maryah Island as a business and lifestyle destination for GCC and Middle East investors including those in the tourism and hospitality sectors. We are bringing to life a visionary concept for a mixed-use neighbourhood, integrated with the existing urban framework.

“This sought-after address is home to Abu Dhabi Global Market, the emirate’s first international financial centre, offers Grade A commercial offices at Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, premium shopping and dining at The Galleria, luxury five-star hotel services at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi and the soon to open Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, world-class multi-specialty healthcare facilities at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, all surrounded by a striking waterfront promenade, which plays host to major cultural and community events throughout the year.”

The five-star 369-room Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel, which overlooks the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which will be joining the Abu Dhabi pavilion reports a 20 per cent increase in guests in 2015 and expects strong growth to continue through 2016.

Khaled Al-Idrissi, director of sales and marketing, said: “The ATM will serve as a launch pad to create relationships which will allow Fairmont Bab Al Bahr to establish key partnerships in the GCC market and maximise growth opportunities for 2016 and beyond.  Additionally, it is a platform which we utilise for contracting purposes. The Middle Eastern market continues to see growth year over year. With the increase in direct lift into Abu Dhabi from major cities growing, we expect this upward trend to carry on.  This paired with a number of cultural attractions opening in Abu Dhabi in 2016 along with the value for money provided to guests for a premium product in both quality and service will assist in Fairmont Bab Al Bahr reaching its targets for the market this year.”

Also joining TCA Abu Dhabi will be Danat Hotels & Resorts - a division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels. It manages a portfolio of four- and five-star properties in the emirate.

Rima Rawass, group marketing manager, said the company will be looking to expand its market share during the ATM and make new contacts to increase brand awareness while also promoting its hotels’ Ramadan and summer offers.

“Danat Hotels & Resorts is going to promote our group summer promotion for the residents of GCC countries which is expected to be very strong like previous years. We are expecting domestic tourism to be very active this year. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, our Danat Hotels & Resorts will have special offers and prepare Ramadan packages for rooms including Iftar or Sohour and special rates for Ramadan evening events.”

The Telal Resort, a luxury resort in the Remah Desert near Al Ain, will be using the ATM to gain exposure for its unique desert property.

The Abu Dhabi Pavilion can be found at Hall 2, stand ME2110 which will also include a profile of The Louvre Abu Dhabi and a dedicated Cruise Abu Dhabi section promoting home porting in the capital city. - TradeArabia News Service