Int'l tour operators in pole position to sell Abu Dhabi Grand Prix catalyst to drive industry leaders’ awareness

ABU DHABI, 29th November, 2015 (WAM) --- Ten of the world’s top tour operators are in Abu Dhabi as part of an intensive campaign led by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) to leverage awareness of the emirate’s culture, experiences and attractions on the back of the season-ending 2015 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The influential travel leaders from China, Italy, German, the GCC, France, South Africa, India, Russia and the UK are being hosted in the emirate in an effort to stimulate additional Abu Dhabi package development in their tour operator programmes. "Inviting these powerful influencers is the culmination of an almost year-long programme of international promotional activity to drive increased sales of packages to Abu Dhabi and to increase international visitor numbers, average spend and length of stay during the F1 period," Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Bureau Director, TCA Abu Dhabi, said. The tour operators are on a four-day destination familiarisation tour of the emirate before experiencing the pinnacle of the Formula 1 season and joining TCA Abu Dhabi for the sell-out 2015 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 29 at the state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit. "Experiencing the sites and attractions of Abu Dhabi at a time when the entire capital is abuzz with activity will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on our important travel industry guests," Al Sheikh added. "We want to build strong relationships going forward among these key influencers and encourage positive word-of-mouth recommendation." The tour operator hosted line-up includes China Swan International of China, Dreams Team of Italy, Hotel Beds from Bahrain, Safrans du Monde of France, South Africa’s Satguru Travel, Kuoni India Pvt Ltd, Coral Travel of Russia and specialists in luxury worldwide holidays from the UK, Kenwood Travel. TCA Abu Dhabi is also hosting two heritage-themed Oasis village zones within the north and main grandstands, with race-goers having the opportunity to join daily activities which include traditional Al Ayala dancing and Emirati musical performances. "Showing off the diversity of our vibrant destination to the travel industry from our priority overseas markets doesn’t end at the circuit, and inviting the operators to sample the traditional heritage activities of our Oasis villages allows them to also share the typical experiences that can be enjoyed by their guests," Al Sheikh said. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395288605145.html