TravTalk India Online Magazine
Liam Findlay, CEO, Miral Destinations, says Yas Island has been witnessing strong interest from Indian travellers, particularly after their association with Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. So much so that in the summer months following the launch of the campaign involving the actor, the destination saw 150% recovery versus 2019 from India.
Hazel Jain
What kind of footfalls are you witnessing from India since Yas Island re-opened?
India has always been a key source market for us and we have seen strong interest from Indian travellers, particularly following our collaboration with Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh earlier in the year. Leveraging his popularity in the Indian market, we launched the Bollywood-themed campaign, ‘Yas Hai Khaas’, which saw Ranveer dance his way across the destination’s iconic attractions.
Following the campaign launch, Yas Island garnered over 26,000 website visits from India in the first 10 days of the video launch, reaching over 80 per cent of total website traffic recorded in 2019, in addition to a combined video viewership of over 50 million views across Yas Island’s social media platforms. This resulted in the summer months witnessing a 150 per cent recovery versus 2019 from the Indian market. Besides, we have seen a strong rebound of MICE travellers from India, which we hope to continue to develop towards the end of 2022 and moving into 2023.
What traveller segments are you focusing on right now and why?
Yas Island Abu Dhabi offers a diverse mix of award-winning leisure and entertainment experiences that suit the preferences of various travellers of all ages, which include families, friends and couples, as well as thrill-seekers, sports fans and concertgoers. Yas Island features 10 world-class hotels, along with award-winning entertainment, dining, shopping, sports and leisure attractions throughout the year.
Following a successful 2022 event, Etihad Arena will welcome the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) for a second time in 2023. The destination hosts several international events that take place annually, including Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2022, Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Friends and Disney’s The Lion King, which makes its regional debut at Etihad Arena.
What are some of the new developments taking place at Yas that travel agents would be interested to know and sell?
As part of its expansion plans, Yas Island will see the opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in 2023, set to be the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park featuring a variety of immersive experiences and dynamic habitats. The attraction will be home to SeaWorld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s first dedicated marine research, rescue and rehabilitation centre. In addition, the destination’s exciting Stay and Play package, which allows guests to enjoy a stay at one of the destination’s leading hotels and gain access to three record-breaking theme parks.
How many nights do Indian visitors spend at Yas historically and what would you suggest the travel agent to plan for their clients?
With a vast range of activities and experiences to enjoy across Yas Island’s award-winning theme parks and attractions, world-class hotels, and countless dining and retail opportunities, travel agents can curate bespoke itineraries for multiple traveller archetypes. Thrill seekers can enjoy the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, or reach new heights at CLYMB Abu Dhabi, home of the world’s largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Families with kids can take a journey into the UAE’s pearl diving heritage at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi while enjoying over 45 exhilarating rides, slides and attractions, or meet their favorite cartoon characters and superheroes at the world’s biggest indoor theme park, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
