Abu Dhabi woos Australian events

Abu Dhabi woos Australian events
By admin


Improved air connectivity between Australia and Abu Dhabi is expected to drive business events to the emirate, as it targets significant growth from the sector.

Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority director of tourism ecosystems, Sultan Hamad Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, told The Nibbler that the launch of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau (ADCB) in March forms part of a concerted push to grow the MICE market.

"For business tourism, we have a good supply of hotel rooms, good air connectivity, prices and venues," he said.

Al Dhaheri revealed the tourism body is targeting 7% growth in business events year on year until 2020, confirming the destination is so far on target.

In order to sustain the growth, there are 4,000 and 5,000 additional hotel rooms in the pipeline, he confirmed, which also has the benefit of  driving down the average daily rate which stood at AED 553 in February.

"It's not only affordable, it's value for money," he said.

Deputy director general ADTCA, Jasem Al Darmaki, said the ADCB is targeting six major business wins this year, a further eight next year and a total of 10 wins in 2015.

"Our strategy will be to target in-market opportunities that will generate incremental business in the short-term while building on international relationships for the long term," he said upon the ADCB's launch.

It aims to be ranked by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) as among the world's top 50 association meetings destinations within five years time.

Earlier this month, the destination hosted the 1000-delegate World Travel and Tourism Council at the Etihad Jumeirah Towers, attended by The Nibbler.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Business Travel
  • Conferences

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

  • Events

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events

NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

  • Events
  • Tourism

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]