Abu Dhabi Launches as a Travel Brand in the US : Face of ...

NEW YORK, May 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) ?
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has a dedicated promotion office
in the US. Based in New York City, the office, which is staffed by a
team of four and led by Country Manager Kershing Goh, will represent the
emirate?s interests in developing tourism from the United States. As a
part of the office launch celebrations, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture
Authority kicked-off a multi-faceted campaign, which includes the
takeover of New York City?s Times Square, branding initiatives involving
the Big Apple?s iconic yellow taxis as well as a slew of new attractive
travel offers to the Arabian emirate recently described by the USA?s
Travel & Leisure magazine as: ?fast developing into the hottest
destination in the Middle East.?

?Our aim is to take the taste, sound, sight, touch and scents of Abu
Dhabi to one of the centers of New York?s action,? said Mubarak Al
Nuaimi, the authority?s International Promotions.

Aptly-themed ?Traveller?s Welcome- A Taste of Abu Dhabi?s Hospitality,?
the Abu Dhabi Interactive Pop-Up will take over Times Square?s Father
Duffy Square from the 17 ? 19 May, opening daily from 10 am ? 9 pm.
Visitors will get a glimpse into true Abu Dhabi offerings, with a
traditional majlis in the iconic landmark offering dates and coffee,
henna artists, perfume mixologists and more.

Captivating video footage depicting the emirate?s future progression,
from the highly anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi,
to Masdar City ? the world?s first carbon-neutral, zero-emissions city ?
will roll, while those with a sense of adventure can interact with a
falcon and trainer- a signature Abu Dhabi offering. The United Arab
Emirates? award-winning national airline carrier Etihad Airways will
also be present welcoming guests to the Pop-Up experience and offering
exciting giveaways.

?Opening a US office was a natural progression for us,? says Dayne Lim,
Product Development Director, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.
?Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming an important travel destination and with
all the exciting developments over the next few years, it will be a
destination to reckon with. We believe what we have to offer will appeal
to visitors from the US on both business and leisure fronts. With
increased air access from the US planned, this is a timely initiative.?

To coincide with the launch, Abu Dhabi has partnered with leading tour
operators Abercrombie & Kent, Cox & Kings, Linara Travel, Ritz Tours and
Goway Travel to introduce travel packages to the emirate. These special
offers, as well as information surrounding the launch activities, can be
found at
www.DiscoverAbuDhabiNYC.com .

The opening of the US office is Abu Dhabi?s first major foray into
America and a part of the emirate?s measured efforts towards economic
diversification of which tourism is a key pillar. US hotel guest nights
in Abu Dhabi have been steadily growing over the years reaching 486,488
nights, a 16% increase in 2011 from 2010. Based on guest nights, the USA
is the emirate?s second international source market for Abu Dhabi. On
the MICE front, Abu Dhabi has also welcomed a number of significant MICE
groups from the US, including significant America participation in
February?s World Ophthalmology Congress with 12,000 attendees and the
destination?s largest congress to date.

Heightened air connectivity between the USA and Abu Dhabi is on the
cards with Etihad Airways planning to launch daily, non-stop services
between Washington D.C. and Abu Dhabi International Airport from March
31 next year. The airline currently operates daily, non-stop flights
from JFK New York and Chicago to Abu Dhabi International.

With the number of visitors far exceeding expectations in 2011, and the
impressive openings of leading hotels and resorts over the last several
months, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a strong competitor in the travel
sector.

For more information about Abu Dhabi?s US launch activities and travel
offers, visit
www.DiscoverAbuDhabiNYC.com
or call 212.338.0101. For more information about Abu Dhabi, visit
www.visitabudhabi.ae

ABOUT ABU DHABI TOURISM & CULTURE AUTHORITY

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the
heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the
development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction
which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority
manages the emirate?s tourism sector and markets the destination
internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting
visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programs relate to the
preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting
archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including
the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural
events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honor the emirate?s
heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination?s
development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging
stakeholder base.

SOURCE: Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Shone Jemmott, 212.338.0101
SJemmott@adta.ae

Copyright Business Wire 2012

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