UAE takes tourism roadshow to China

Representatives from the seven UAE emirates' tourism boards and Chinese travel industry attend a presentation in Beijing on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"We are very pleased to see China has been the best performing market for Abu Dhabi in terms of growth, recording a 47 percent increase in visitor numbers compared with 2014."

"As the national airlines of the United Arab Emirates, we are proud to be coming together with TCA Abu Dhabi as very close partners in promoting Chinese tourism to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of UAE, and the hub of Etihad Airways."

Ms Rima Rawass, group marketing manager from Danat Hotels & Resorts, said: "There are two projects that we are excited to be bringing to the Chinese on this trip: We are fully renovating our Dhafra Beach Hotel property of 100 rooms and adding 100 rooms to the inventory. And as well as this, we are adding 24 chalets to our Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and three restaurants and health club facilities.

"We are expecting that the Chinese market may increase by 15 percent in 2016 and expecting more room nights production next year in 2017 since Chinese travellers have varied interests – culture, heritage, cuisine, beach and resorts, golf and shopping - which they can all find in Abu Dhabi in particular, and the UAE in general."

Ali Rizvi, general manager from Al Bada Resort, Al Ain's unique Desert Resort, said: "We are very excited to be involved in the China roadshow organized by TCA Abu Dhabi, and we will be promoting specially designed packages, including half-board and full-board with 2, 3 and 4-day activities for families within the resort and with partners in Al Ain such as Al Ain Zoo, Hili Fun City, Wadi Adventure and also trips to camel farms. We believe these will prove to be very popular to the Chinese traveller."

Bruno Wiley, vice-president of sales at Farah Experiences, said: "We are very excited to introduce our latest theme park experience in China – the record-breaking Flying Aces roller coaster, which has recently ‘taken off' at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island.

"The first bi-plane-themed coaster, Flying Aces has been acclaimed for having the world's tallest non-inverted loop as well as the steepest and fastest inclined cable lift, and the ride mimics the movements of the 1900's bi-planes to offer extreme gravity defying flight acrobatics.

"The ride adds to the already fantastic range of fun-filled attractions and family-focused offerings on Yas Island, such as the Emirati, pearl diving inspired experiences at Yas Waterworld - and we are looking forward to showcasing everything the island has to offer once again to China."