DCT Abu Dhabi expands outreach to Europe, GCC, and India, ET TravelWorld News, ET TravelWorld

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced new international partnerships during Arabian Travel Market 2025, as part of a broad effort to drive visitor numbers and enhance the emirate’s global profile as a year-round destination. These agreements span Europe, Saudi Arabia, India, and other key markets.

“The strategic partnerships signed at Arabian Travel Market 2025 represent a significant step forward in our efforts to position Abu Dhabi as a world-class tourism destination,” said Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi.

DCT Abu Dhabi signed an agreement with Loop Leisure to host Loop Leisure Autumn 2025 in October, bringing over 130 high-end travel agents and media from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Benelux, and Poland to the emirate.

In the Gulf region, partnerships with Saudi platforms Almosafer, Flyin, and Rehlat will leverage digital marketing, curated content, and tailored offers to promote Abu Dhabi among GCC travellers. TBO will run a sales incentive campaign across Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to target over 4,000 new visitors.

India, Abu Dhabi’s top source market, saw more than 360,000 hotel guests from the country in 2024. DCT Abu Dhabi’s collaboration with Holiday Tribe aims to bring 5,500 Indian tourists to the emirate over the next 18 months.

Efforts to enhance the visitor experience include a new campaign with Expedia titled Sunshine Pass, and a partnership with Rotana Hotels to promote off-season travel. Fazaa will offer curated experiences for UAE residents, while DMC Arabia will focus on driving traffic to the Al Ain region.

DCT Abu Dhabi also received recognition at Arabian Travel Market for its sustainable exhibition stand, which featured reusable materials and showcased the emirate’s heritage through local SMEs and cultural elements.

These initiatives form part of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to welcome 39.3 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.

• Published On May 6, 2025 at 04:51 PM IST

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