14 Oct
2015

Abu Dhabi revealed as destination for ABTA Convention 2016

Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and Etihad Airways host partners for the ABTA Travel Convention in 2016

ABTA is delighted to announce that Abu Dhabi will be the destination for the 2016 Travel Convention. The Convention will take place from 10 to 12 October, 2016 at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s hub of leisure, sports and retail activities. Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and Etihad Airways will be the host partners of the 2016 Travel Convention.

The announcement was made today in Costa Navarino in the Region of the Peloponnese, Greece at the end of a highly successful 2015 Travel Convention.

Etihad Airways will offer ABTA delegates flights from its three main gateways in the United Kingdom – London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh.

The Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is located within the Yas Marina Circuit on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. It is the first new hotel in the world to be built over a F1 race circuit and consists of two twelve story hotel towers, one set within the race circuit and another located in the Marina itself. The towers are linked by a monocoque steel and glass bridge that crosses above and over the Yas Marina Circuit F1 race track.

Noel Josephides ABTA Chairman said: "I am delighted that Abu Dhabi will be the destination for the 2016 Travel Convention. Abu Dhabi leads the world in state of the art luxurious hotels and facilities, and in the Yas Viceroy we will be lucky enough to be able to enjoy one the most iconic buildings in Abu Dhabi."

Sultan Al Dhaheri, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA) Acting Executive Director for Tourism, said: “Hosting the 2016 ABTA Travel Convention in Abu Dhabi is testament to the great efforts the Emirate has taken to establish itself as a world-leading and progressive tourism, sporting and cultural hub. Welcoming the leaders of the British travel industry here is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase our diverse and colourful home through the UK’s sophisticated and experienced travel trade.”

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways’ Vice President for UAE Commercial, said: “ABTA’s decision to choose Abu Dhabi for the 2016 Travel Convention is true recognition of the enormous efforts the Emirate has placed on developing Abu Dhabi into a progressive world class hub of tourism, culture and tolerance. Abu Dhabi’s population is diverse, forward-thinking, and above all welcoming.

“As the world-leading national airline of the UAE, we are delighted to be able to welcome the movers and shakers of the United Kingdom’s travel industry to our cosmopolitan home, and in doing so highlight and celebrate the great importance of the British tourism market to Etihad Airways and its partners.”