Abu Dhabi Explores Future Collaborations with Saudi Tourism
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The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) successfully hosted a delegation of 11 key stakeholders and senior travel experts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Given KSA's important source-market status and the long-standing history it shares with the UAE, this high-level trade meeting focused on ways to leverage opportunities and address challenges as Abu Dhabi aims at attracting 5.5 million visitors by end of 2018, of which Saudis make up a significant number.
Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Tourism Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, said: "We would like to thank the Saudi representatives for their visit and we are confident that these fruitful discussions will further support Abu Dhabi's promotional efforts in the region and beyond. Following a history of strong ties between the UAE and KSA, are working closely together in an exceptional model of cooperation, to attract more tourists and add impetus to economic diversification efforts in the region".
"With its ever-growing contribution of guests to Abu Dhabi's hotels, KSA is a vital market for us and has contributed greatly to the record 4.9 million guest numbers last year. More specifically, Saudi Arabia registered more than 151,000 hotel guests in 2017, which was an increase of 3% from 2016, highlighting the strategic importance of engaging Saudi tourists. We look forward to implementing joint initiatives aimed at enticing an increasing number of Saudi visitors to visit our capital." Al Dhaheri continued.