ABU DHABI IS A DESTINATION THAT IS INCREASINGLY POSITIONING ITSELF AS A LEADING GLOBAL SPORTS VENUE, HOSTING MORE AND MORE HIGH-PROFILE INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS EACH YEAR.
As Durai revealed, one of the main reasons of the sector’s rapid growth was the introduction of more relaxed visa options, including a new multiple entry visa for cruise guests which facilitated the administrative processes and has helped reach a wider pool of international vacationers.
WITH ITS CRUISE SECTOR HAVING BEEN IDENTIFIED AS AN EMERGING NICHE, ABU DHABI IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE ARABIAN GULF’S AMBITIONS TO BECOME A LEADING WINTER SUN CRUISE HUB.
Aiming to cultivate positive attitudes to the status of art and its place within the cultural and social fabric of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) collaboratively organised the fourth edition of the ADEC Students Showcase.
The progress made by TCA Abu Dhabi is unequivocal, with a broad range of incentives to boost all sectors of tourism, including MICE.
In particular, Advantage Abu Dhabi, an Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau programme, is seen as a catalyst in bolstering the emirate’s MICE segment by adding bespoke destination support to business event organisers as well as stimulating business for local suppliers and enhancing the overall experience for delegates.
“TCA Abu Dhabi has done a wonderful job exposing our destination opportunities to the MICE buyers and influencers, especially within key target markets such as China, India and Eastern Europe,” enthused van Alphen.
Testament to this, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi has worked alongside TCA Abu Dhabi, with the aim of utilising every possible opportunity to showcase both the property and the city, especially in regards to familiarisation trips.
Taking advantage of TCA Abu Dhabi’s activity across the world and success in showcasing its product, Maifi noted that Mecure Abu Dhabi Centre Hotel has worked closely with the organisation, following its guidelines and participating in numerous exhibitions under its umbrella.
Acknowledging the importance of maintaining ties with ADNEC, exhibitors and event organisers, Tannous said, “We see them as our long drawn partners for success.
” He added that through such collaborations, the hotels have been able to truly grasp what different visitors look for.
Tannous further outlined that both Centro Capital Centre and Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana offer various tailor made packages as part of the group’s Business Escapes initiative, which provides guests ample opportunity to unwind after a busy day on the MICE circuit.
Moreover, each property features a dedicated team to plan and execute the event from start to finish.
Similarly, in an effort to entice MICE organisers to the property, Mahy Noor, events manager, Bab Al Qasr, explained that the address offers complimentary rooms for every 25 paid room nights per night along with room upgrades and commission on room rates as well as food and beverage spend.
ADAPTING TO CHANGE
Confident that the market will return to healthy levels once the global economy stabilises, van Alphen concluded that this moment in time is nothing other than an opportunity to push and expose the capital for future MICE as well as the chance to think differently and seek business in new areas.
Mentioning the need for unique concept events that provide global solutions, Tannous agreed, “Stakeholders in the hospitality industry need to align their strategy with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 to focus on attracting a wide pool of business travellers to the emirate.”
While the addition of rooms is putting pressure on hoteliers, it is also stimulating the industry.
Lance summarised, “The number of full service and international branded hotels coming into the marketplace has also made Abu Dhabi more attractive as a MICE destination.”
He continued to say that this, and competitive rates are the two decisive factors for MICE buyers.
Vaubell expounded that the boost in hotel rooms will enable the capital to host much larger city-wide events, indicating what the future will hold for Abu Dhabi.
Even with the spectacular transformation seen in the hospitality industry in the past decade, Lance elucidated, “Abu Dhabi is still in an awareness phase, similar to where Dubai was 10 – 12 years ago.”
However, this leaves plenty of room for growth.
Explaining that TCA Abu Dhabi is on a mission to enhance its tourism product with Etihad Airways as an invaluable and strategic partner, Lance predicted, “Abu Dhabi will soon be not only the fastest growing MICE destination in the region, but on a global scale.”
Considering its strategic geographical location, it is no wonder that Abu Dhabi is set to play host to such a varied, global calendar of events, from Special Olympics in 2019 to the 18th Ottawa Conference on Medical Education in 2018, among many others.
DESPITE ITS STRONG EMPHASIS ON MICE IN RECENT YEARS, THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN ABU DHABI WAS NOT IMMUNE TO THE CHALLENGES OF 2016.
According to Mastercard’s Global Cities Index Report, Abu Dhabi has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world and holds the number one spot in the Middle East.
Despite describing Abu Dhabi as a corporate-driven market, Dsouza noted how the emirate has successfully diversified its tourism industry, developing Saadiyat Island into a cultural hub, and promoting itself as an adventurous leisure hotspot with Yas Island being a major attraction.
While traditions are a key part of culture in the UAE capital, the city is evolving into an ever-contrasting destination.