The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed and renewed 21 trade and industry partnership agreements at the Arabian Travel Market, strengthening the emirate's global commercial network and advancing the objectives of Tourism Strategy 2030.
In addition, the organisation was recognised for its
commitment to experiential authenticity with an accolade for Best Stand Feature
at this year’s show.
Designed to immerse visitors in the emirate’s rich heritage,
the Experience Abu Dhabi stand was recognised for its striking showcases, from
the Liwa International Festival buggy to cultural activations by local
artisans.
Further, the space integrated sustainable practices,
including replanting flora and minimising environmental impact. This
recognition highlights the dedication of the teams who brought this authentic,
socially conscious vision to life.
The agreements span travel technology, tour operations,
aviation connectivity, luxury hospitality, and destination marketing,
empowering partners to promote Abu Dhabi to a broader and more diverse base of
travellers.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director, International Operations at DCT
Abu Dhabi, said: “These agreements reflect the strength our global partnerships
as we position Abu Dhabi as a growing destination with a wide range of unique
experiences and investment opportunities. Each partnership enhances our ability
to bring Abu Dhabi's world-class offering in arts, culture, cuisine, and
entertainment to travellers seeking meaningful, immersive experiences. With the
upcoming opening of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi on 11 December, the continued progress
of Sphere Abu Dhabi, and the planned Disney Theme Park Resort, guests will have
even more reasons to visit.”
Underscoring the rising significance of the home market, Abu
Dhabi signed strategic collaborations with two entities, MakeMyTrip and
Musafir, to leverage their domestic network to drive visitation across Abu
Dhabi and Al Ain.
DCT Abu Dhabi also strengthened its reach in priority source
markets, signing nine joint marketing partnerships with Indian travel companies
during the event, with terms of between 12 and 18 months, targeting 75,500
additional visitors to the emirate.
DCT Abu Dhabi expanded partnerships in China: in a new
agreement for 2026-27, Trip.com Group will deploy a comprehensive, multi-market
initiative that leverages its extensive distribution network to target this
high-growth market with marketing campaigns and products designed to drive
longer stays.
DCT Abu Dhabi also reinforced partnerships with China’s
Qunar through a new programme to promote long-stay experiences, maximise
visitor spending and deepen engagement with Abu Dhabi's diverse offerings.
On the hospitality front, a new partnership with Accor will
promote Abu Dhabi among domestic tourists for staycations, leisure breaks and
repeat visits by leveraging the global hospitality brand’s extensive hotel
loyalty programme.
The partnership will highlight Abu Dhabi experiences and
Accor hotel offerings, showcasing the emirate as a versatile destination.
Also adding to the emirate’s breadth of hospitality options,
UAE-based Ayla Hotels & Resorts announced during Arabian Travel Market that
it is expanding its presence in Al Ain Region with two upcoming properties,
Ayla Ajwaa Hotel Suites in Al Ain city and a high-end Al Rawda Resort featuring
luxury chalets and dining options near the Al Ain–Abu Dhabi Highway.
Additional renewals built on existing partnerships to grow
international and domestic visitor numbers include collaborations with Amadeus,
Dida, Flyin.com, Smile Holidays Kuwait, TBO, NSAS Travel, and Travelport. -TradeArabia News Service
Send us your company’s news today and they could be featured on ABC’s Community News tommorow.
