Abu Dhabi is all set to position itself as a preferred destination for the upwardly-mobile aspirational Indian travellers, a senior official said today.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) along with Etihad Airways and Jet Airways decided to have special focus on India, specially Goa, for inbound tourists.
"India is currently Abu Dhabi's leading overseas source market. The destination welcomed 2,31,702 Indian hotel guests in 2014 at a growth rate of 32 per cent over 2013,"TCA Abu Dhabi Country Manager Bejan Dinshaw told reporters here.
Etihad Airways and Jet Airways have already introduced a direct daily flight to Abu Dhabi from Goa since November last year, which according to Dinshaw, has been receiving good response.
"We are excited to market Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice for Goa. It is closer than ever to India and specially Goa, now with daily direct flight connectivity. The UAE capital, with its entertainment options, iconic properties, culture and heritage, is the complete destination for a fresh holiday experience," he said.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches held in Abu Dhabi during its last season also helped it to get popularity.
"All the matches in Abu Dhabi were sold out. That gave more popularity to the destination," Dinshaw said.
