A roadshow promoting Abu Dhabi in three US cities highlighted the capital’s attractions in an aim to draw more American tourists and business travellers to visit the emirate.
The three city tour — organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority — raised awareness about Abu Dhabi in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles through meetings with major travel and business groups.
The United States is a key market of the city with 67,000 American hotel guests visiting Abu Dhabi in the first five months of this year.
About 136,657 hotel guest arrivals from the US were recorded last year across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra region.
“The United States is one of our priority markets which is showing consistent growth year-on-year,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director promotions and overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.
“Our strategy is to target growth through partnerships with major players in the US travel industry and through relationships with US-based associations to encourage the hosting of business events in Abu Dhabi.”
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Extensive marketing campaigns in the US and promotion of the capital as a world-class destination has led to a rise in the number of visitors from the US and the authority plans to capitalise on the growth trend, Mr Al Nuaimi said in a statement.
The authority was joined by representatives from Etihad Airways and top hotel chains.
The US Department of Homeland Security recently lifted the electronic device ban in cabin baggage on all flights between Abu Dhabi and the United States.
The move followed the validation of security measures at the US pre-clearance facility in Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Etihad Airways provided US travellers connectivity to business and tourist destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and Africa, said Martin Drew, Etihad Airways senior vice president of the Americas.
The airline operates 45 weekly flights to Abu Dhabi from Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington and connections to more than 300 destinations.
Other roadshows planned this year by TCA Abu Dhabi will cover the UK, Ireland and France.
