The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) organised a webinar event exclusively for Indian travel agents recently, to share the latest updates regarding the recent announcement that the UAE capital is now open to all vaccinated travellers without the need for quarantine. The ‘Reunite #InAbuDhabi’ webinar aimed to encourage an increase in inbound tourism from India, with more than 300 travel agents in attendance.
Key speakers shared up-to-date information for travel agents including visa application guidelines, a number of unique offerings and upcoming attractions, and a rundown of the COVID-19 measures implemented by Abu Dhabi to ensure the safety of all residents and travellers.
Moderated by Nikhil Jeet, Country Manager India, for DCT Abu Dhabi, the webinar featured speakers including Salil Nath, Regional Sales Manager, North & East India, Bangladesh & Seychelles for Etihad Airways, Mikhail Kapoor, Business Development Manager, Experience Hub (Yas Island), and Lahcen Elmiftahy, Cluster Associate Director – Leisure, Yas Plaza Hotels. The panelists discussed and shared insights on the behaviour of Indian travellers, leisure travel offerings and guidelines to support vaccinated Indian travellers when planning their trip to Abu Dhabi.
Also covered in conversation were entry requirements into Abu Dhabi, new fight products, routes and offers, Yas Island’s range of entertainment activities, theme parks and B2B offers as well as Yas Plaza Hotels’ offerings and attractive F&B options.
HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi has implemented careful protocols over the last 18 months and is able to now safely and happily welcome all fully vaccinated travellers from all countries around the world, including India, which remains one of our most important overseas markets. Abu Dhabi’s efficient vaccination drive has further increased confidence with over 80 per cent of all citizens and residents vaccinated as well as over 95 per cent of all hospitality staff.”
Al Shaiba added, “In 2020, Abu Dhabi successfully expanded its diverse range of offerings, including hosting several successful mega-events such as UFC and the IPL, as well as the opening of major cultural sites such as Jebel Hafit Desert Park, and the emirate will continue to do so this year. Our emirate is ready to welcome business and leisure travellers from India and we look forward to welcoming them as soon as possible to experience this incredible and diverse city.”
Abu Dhabi features a year-round schedule of events, from sport and culture to food and music and despite travel restrictions, the emirate managed to successfully host international sporting events using its innovative ‘bubble’ safety protocol. Whatever experience visitors from India are looking for, from pristine beaches to desert adventures or cultural afternoons to thrilling theme parks, Abu Dhabi has something to thrill everyone.
