TravTalk India Online Magazine
Abu Dhabi’s international hotel guest numbers have increased by over 27% year-on-year, reveals Abdulla Yousuf Mohammad, Director, International Operations, DCT – Abu Dhabi, at the inaugural APAC Travel Marketplace, held recently in Al Ain.
Janice Alyosius
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has been actively promoting itself through roadshows, webinars, workshops, and various initiatives across India and other key markets. In a groundbreaking move, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi) hosted the inaugural APAC Travel Marketplace in Al Ain, bringing together more than 200 travel agents from the Asia-Pacific region alongside 60 stakeholders based in Abu Dhabi.
The event aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to position the emirate as a premier global tourism destination through innovative partnerships, distinctive offerings, and a strong focus on sustainability. Through the marketplace, DCT – Abu Dhabi seeks to strengthen its network across the APAC region, foster long-term collaborations, and highlight Abu Dhabi as a destination for growth and opportunity in the travel industry.
Abdulla Yousuf Mohammad, Director, International Operations, DCT – Abu Dhabi, explained the strategy behind this initiative, saying, “There is nothing better than bringing the world to Abu Dhabi. Some stakeholders expressed challenges in participating in DCT’s extensive calendar of activities, so we thought, why not hit multiple birds with one stone by hosting an event in Abu Dhabi, specifically for the APAC region!”
Al Ain for APAC Marketplace
Choosing Al Ain as the venue for the APAC Marketplace was a strategic decision, rooted in the city’s cultural and historical significance. Abdulla explained, “Al Ain is not just a city—it’s the cradle of Emirati heritage, offering a truly authentic experience of the UAE’s rich culture. Hosting the marketplace here allows us to showcase a side of the country that many international visitors, especially from APAC markets, may not be familiar with.”
Growth in strategic markets
Abu Dhabi’s tourism performance has been remarkable. “Year on year, our international hotel guest numbers have increased by more than 27 per cent. When we look at the markets that are leading this growth, India and China represent over 25 per cent of that in total. This is very much aligned with our 2030 strategy,” he shared.
In addition to the established markets like India and China, DCT Abu Dhabi is focusing on new opportunities. “We have a clear strategy to start opening new markets, such as Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan. With the support of our stakeholders, we are confident that we can start penetrating these markets and gaining market share,” he said.
Shift in consumer demands
Abdulla highlighted the rapidly evolving traveller needs in the tourism sector. “Travellers today demand more value for their money, and only through strategic partnerships between us as a destination and our partners can we meet these needs,” he said. “If there is one word that represents Abu Dhabi, it’s authenticity. Based on our consumer surveys, visitors see Abu Dhabi as a place where they can connect with authentic experiences and culture. Whether it’s in Al Ain or Abu Dhabi, we offer something that stands apart from the rest of the worrld,” he claimed.
Abu Dhabi’s 2030 strategy
Abdulla spoke at length about the 2030 strategy. “The strategy focuses on four key pillars: city offerings, promotion and marketing, infrastructure, and accessibility.” The aim is not only to double the number of international hotel guests but also to double tourism’s contribution to the GDP, growing from AED 49 billion to AED 98 billion by 2030. Also, one of the significant milestones is the opening of Zayed International Airport Terminal A, which Abdulla referred to as “a new gateway for over 45 million passengers”.
