Australian travel agents ‘discover’ Abu Dhabi
A promotional roadshow organised by DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways has demonstrated the emirate’s appeal to an array of tourism partners in Australia, including more than 600 of the country’s travel agents.
The event also raised the bar for trade events in Australia by bringing ‘gold leaf-infused’ welcome drinks, a spectacular chocolate model of the awesome Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and unique interactive ways to learn about the capital of the UAE as a potential destination.
The ‘Discover Abu Dhabi’ Roadshow kicked off in Brisbane on Monday night and visited Melbourne on Tuesday, with the Sydney event on Wednesday. All events were sell outs with more than 620 travel agents attending over the course of the roadshow tour.
Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of Promotion & Overseas Offices at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our aim for the Discover Abu Dhabi Roadshow was to do things differently. Travel agents attend these types of events each week so we had to work hard to stand out, and I think we really did that with our unique presentation.”
Guests were able to meet with key stakeholders from Abu Dhabi, hearing about new developments such as the new Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi theme park, the stunning new Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and the Serdal Pearl Diving Experience. Agents also heard about the driving experience around Yas Marina Circuit, henna paintings and the emirate’s mouth-watering food options.
Australian travel agents at one of the roadshows
Phillip Boniface from Helloworld Travel Carlingford, said: “I’d like to thank the organisers for a very interesting, informative and enjoyable evening showcasing beautiful Abu Dhabi. It was a great evening and venue, with food and beverages and generous prizes.”
Sarah Built, Etihad Airways general manager Australia and New Zealand, said: “It has been really fantastic to share our story with over 600 travel agents. Abu Dhabi and Etihad are intrinsically linked, and the more we’re able to showcase all the great activities Abu Dhabi has to offer, the more our partners can inform their clients of what’s available, especially as a stopover for people making their way to Europe, North Asia or Africa.”
Teree George, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts director of Global Sales Australia and New Zealand, said: “I was encouraged with the engagement and appetite our trade partners had for Abu Dhabi at all three first-class events, the agents were all commenting how beautifully executed they were. I was delighted to receive applause during my presentation announcing that our new build luxury resort, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, will open in November with no single use plastic bottles or straws, whilst sharing our new home with the native turtles of the region.”
