Abu Dhabi to build on increase in Italian visitors

Abu Dhabi's tourism stakeholders are heading to Rimini in Italy next month for a major push at the 50th edition of TTG Incontri - the country's largest B2B tourism show, running from October 17th to 19th. An eight member Abu Dhabi delegation, led by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), will be at the show looking to build both inbound visitor numbers to the emirate and the average-length-of-stay of Italian hotel guests. "This push comes as we are reaping the rewards of investment in Italy, where we operate a full-time representative office, and through our "ambassador" relationship with young Italian golfing legend, Matteo Manassero," explained Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Overseas Offices and Promotions, TCA Abu Dhabi. "We are witnessing ever greater numbers of Italians staying in our hotels - and they are among our longest-stayers, though we believe we can encourage even lengthier stay periods now that the destination has so much to see and do. And with excellent air connections with Etihad flying five times daily from Milan to Abu Dhabi and Alitalia operating five flights a week from Rome, there is great growth potential." TTG Incontri partner, the Hilton Abu Dhabi, reported receiving an increasing number of room nights from the Italian market this year, with arrivals in the first seven months of this year already accounting for 87% of its total Italian intake last year. On Abu Dhabi's Yas Island entertainment destination, the Yas Viceroy also reported a rise in its leisure business following the opening of the award-winning Yas Waterworld water park and Yas Beach, which is free to enter for hotel guests. DMC Kurban Tours will use TTG Incontri to roll out new Abu Dhabi packages with daily guaranteed departures from Italy. From January to July this year, 25,621 Italians stayed in Abu Dhabi's hotels and hotel apartments - a 23% increase on the first seven months of last year. Together, Italian guests accounted for 129,678 guest nights, which is a year-on-year rise of 11%. Italians rank amongst Abu Dhabi's longest stayers, with an average of just over five nights. "If we can persuade the Italian trade of the sheer breadth of the emirate's expanded offering we are confident of building the length of stay upwards to seven nights," said Al Nuaimi. Source: WAM