TravTalk India Online Magazine
Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi recently organised a webinar to target the leisure market in India. Titled ‘Reunite #InAbu Dhabi, the exclusive presentation made the trade familiar with luxury experiences, iconic sights, Instagram-worthy locations and new destinations on the anvil in Abu Dhabi.
NishaVerma
In the introductory video, HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism & Marketing at DCT-Abu Dhabi, shared that they look forward to continue fostering relations with India. “India remains a very important source market for us.” he claimed.
Set to welcome Indians
Sharing details, Al Shaiba added, “In the past few months, we focussed on preparing Abu Dhabi for a safe and well-planned reopening to see a rise in tourism activities for both business and leisure travellers with safety and hygiene, paving the new wave of travel.”
“Abu Dhabi’s efficient vaccination drive has further resulted in increased confidence. On return of normalcy, we look forward to welcoming visitors from the Indian market. Abu Dhabi is a diverse destination and boosts distinct range of leisure and MICE offerings, providing visitors unforgettable experiences. Abu Dhabi features an year-round schedule of events from sport, culture to food and music. We have demonstrated our commitment to the Indian market through various training initiatives, a renewed focus on our specialist programme and wider-reaching marketing campaigns,” he stressed.
Highlighting the safety and hygiene standards in Abu Dhabi, Al Shaiba said, “Abu Dhabi can achieve its safety measures through a rigorous implementation of the Go Safe certification. Abu Dhabi promotes inclusivity and we welcome people from all backgrounds and cultures.We stand by our trade partners and thank them for their continuous efforts and look
forward to more growth and prosperous alliances.”
Exciting times ahead
Nikhil Jeet, Country Manager India, DCT Abu Dhabi, stressed the point further and opened the discussion with the announcement that from 5th September Abu Dhabi is open for fully vaccinated travellers.
Jeet highlighted the nature and beach offerings, right from the stunning Sir BaniYas Island; Saadiyat Island- a desirable location; Al Ain Oasis that boasts 147000 trees; ZayaNurai Island- a paradise for honeymooners; to the Jubail Mangrove Park known for Instagram-able locations. “Also, there are other iconic attractions like The Louvre; Qasr Al Watan and Sheikh Zayed Mosque,” he said.
In terms of activities, he mentioned, “The Al Khazzan region can elevate any other desert experience.Then there is Al Ain Zoo for families and kayak experiences.” He also spoke about diving and snorkelling. He highlighted the shopping options, including the huge Yas Mall to traditional souks.
Under upcoming attractions, Jeet spoke about Al Qana, a 700 sq m aquarium. “There is also Sea World Abu Dhabi and the Snow Park in Reem Mall, which will dwarf any other snow park in the world and will open towards end of the year,” he pointed out.
Speaking about Go Safe initiative, Jeet said, “This programme is monitored and run by the DCT – Abu Dhabi, so travellers can be rest assured wherever they visit Abu Dhabi, it is safe and secure.”
Wellness in air
SalilNath, Regional Sales Manager, Etihad, highlighted the Etihad wellness programme “It starts with dedicated ambassadors, right after booking is done. They are experts in wellness and will comfort the customers about the measures we have put and answer their queries.”
Other facilities include flexible fares, free date change under theCOVID Waiver Policy. “There is a ‘Verified to Fly’ initiative, which is a pre-check, where passengers can get verified and need not worry whether their documents are in order or not. Also, there is a home check-in facility available in Abu Dhabi and will be expanded to other parts of the world soon,” he highlighted.
Nath also discussed the Abu Dhabi entry conditions. “Tourists are permitted in Abu Dhabi. We encourage them to book their visa in advance. Having a valid US visa or UK resident visa makes one eligible for visa on arrival. If you are fully vaccinated, there is a series of 5 PCR tests in a span of eight days (before and after travel). If you are not vaccinated, then quarantine for 10 days and on the 9th day is a PCR test. Besides, tourists need to have a green tick on their Al Hosn app to cross borders to Dubai and vice versa, as well as for entering malls and other places. It’s the main app for certifying wellness in Abu Dhabi.” he informed.
He suggested Etihad Hub (etihadhub.com), which is a self-service one-stop solution for all queries.
Fun, Up & Close
Mikhail Kapoor, Business Development Manager, Yas Island, presented the various attractions on Yas Island. “We are home to award winning theme parks and world-class facilities. We have three theme parks– Ferrari World, YasWaterworld and Warner Bros World; Clymb, which is the tallest and the largest sky-diving chambers, Yas Mall, eight hotels and the Yas Marina Circuit where the Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled in December.” he updated.
Kapoor suggested that 2-3 nights on Yas Island is ideal. “Best thing to do is book packages of hotel room with attractions to save 40-45% of total cost. 95% of Yas Island employees are vaccinated.Also, we have launched destination specialisation programme called Yas Expert, which gives various advantages to agents,” he shared.
Hospitality for all
LahcenElmiftahy, Cluster Associate Director – Leisure, Yas Plaza Hotels, claimed that the Indian market was amongst the top three markets prior to the pandemic. “Since Abu Dhabi is open now, we are looking for more support in the coming days. As Yas Plaza Hotels, we are handling three luxury four-star hotels (Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas island Rotana and Yas island Rotana) and two three-star hotels (Centro Yas Island and Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island). Our location is the attraction as we are in the heart of Yas Island with all attractions within a five-minute drive.”
