Abu Dhabi attracts more Russians

An upsurge in tourist arrivals from Russia and Belorussia is predicted for Abu Dhabi following a mega, four-day familiarisation trip of the UAE capital by 120 travel agents from 20 cities in the two countries.

The trip, which included a destination conference, was arranged by Russia’s biggest tour operator, Russia Express, with the support of the joint Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways Marketing initiative, Access Abu Dhabi.

“Russia Express has around 8,500 travel agencies in its network and is a very influential partner for us to support," said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director, Promotions and Overseas Offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.

"Abu Dhabi seems to have what it takes to win Russian and CIS business with the markets recording a 30% growth in hotel guest arrivals over the last two years. Russia Express alone sent 3,500 passengers to Abu Dhabi last year – compared to 1,114 in 2012. This year the company is looking to achieve 4,200 sales for Abu Dhabi."

Abu Dhabi stakeholders are increasingly focusing on the Russian market with a number of initiatives including recruiting Russian-speaking staff. A 13-strong tourism delegation, led by TCA Abu Dhabi, is currently exhibiting in Leisure Moscow, Russia’s largest travel trade fair, to drum up more business.

The delegation includes hotels, resorts, Etihad Airways, Yas Island and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management which runs the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, home to November’s F1 season finale, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
 

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