Omani tourists give push to Abu Dhabi hotel occupancy

Oman Wednesday 18/September/2019 19:26 PM
By: Times News Service
Omani tourists give push to Abu Dhabi hotel occupancy

Muscat: Hotel occupancy by Omani tourists visiting Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, rose by nearly 15 per cent in the first seven months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.
This information was revealed when representatives of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and the Oman travel trade met at DCT’s Annual Oman Roadshow — held in partnership with Etihad Airways and Experience Hub — in Muscat on Wednesday to promote Abu Dhabi’s diverse tourism offerings.
Commenting on the event, Regional Promotion Manager Middle East and Africa at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Nabeel M. Al Zarouni, said: “Abu Dhabi hotel occupancy witnessed a positive growth of 15 per cent — from January to July 2019 — by Omani visitors compared to the same period last year. Therefore, engaging stakeholders in Oman is a priority for DCT.
“We are constantly attempting to offer our Omani visitors unique and outstanding experiences. This year, for example, we will be hosting several festivities to celebrate the Omani National Day across Abu Dhabi on November 18 to ensure their experience in Abu Dhabi is an unforgettable one,” he added.
The Oman Roadshow featured presentations by DCT to increase awareness of Abu Dhabi’s existing and new offerings and it hosted several interactive games and team-building exercises, which saw attendees win prizes such as free flights to UAE and hotel stays in Abu Dhabi.
The new roadshow format was well-received by the attendees, such as Ian Pepler from Wings of Oman, who praised the event, saying: “The [roadshow] was well presented. There were a lot of great facts that were shared, with very good games to help people recall these facts to be able to share them because that’s critical.
“People need to know more about destinations, and tonight’s focus was to educate people about Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. It was a lot of fun, presentations were really professional, and hospitality was excellent. Probably one of the best experiences I’ve had,” Pepler added.
As part of the roadshow, DCT Abu Dhabi rewarded Sur Travel Agencies LLC with all-inclusive trips for three of their staff to Abu Dhabi for achieving the highest number of passengers travelling via Etihad Airways from Oman to Abu Dhabi in 2018.