This week, a promotional roadshow organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, 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 an event over the course of the roadshow.
Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director of Promotion & Overseas Offices at DCT Abu Dhabi said: “Our aim for the Discover Abu Dhabi Roadshow was 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 were fascinated with the driving experience around Yas Marina Circuit, henna paintings and mouth-watering food. Phillip Boniface from Helloworld Travel Carlingford said, “Thank you for a very interesting, informative and enjoyable evening show casing beautiful Abu Dhabi. Great evening, venue, food and beverage and generous prizes”
The Roadshow were held on the following locations
Monday 18th June The Sofitel, Brisbane
Tuesday 19th June Luminare, Melbourne
Wednesday 20th June The Ivy, Sydney at 5:30pm
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” Ms Built said.
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 3 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.”
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