Abdulla Al Hammadi, director of marketing of the UAE National Council of Tourism, delivers a welcoming speech in Beijing on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

On Monday, the United Arab Emirates, through its National Council of Tourism, showcased tourism products in its seven emirates to major industry players in Beijing. The roadshow, led by the tourism council, was themed "Visit UAE" and received positive feedback from the Chinese tourism sector.

Tourism authorities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Um Al Qiwain and Fujairah accompanied Etihad Airways and 20 major tourism delegates to promote their travel products to attract more Chinese tourists.

Ibrahim Al Mansouri, consul general of the UAE, greeted attendees of the roadshow. Abdulla Al Hammadi, director of marketing at the National Council of Tourism, gave a welcome speech, which was followed by a presentation and videos related to the culture, landscape and other tourism aspects of the seven emirates.

New market

China is the third-largest overseas market for Abu Dhabi. The growing momentum has witnessed strengthening economic ties and people-to-people exchanges. The United Arab Emirates' rich history and culture and its modern civilization have attracted lots of Chinese tourists. Abu Dhabi takes advantage of its unique cultural attractiveness to become a world-class tourism destination.

2015 saw 177,198 Chinese guests visit Abu Dhabi - an increase of 47 percent over the previous year – and a 31 percent increase in guest nights at the emirate's hotels and hotel apartments to 263,675.

"It is crucial for us to continue to increase our presence in the Chinese market and boost awareness of the many and varied products we have across the emirate. China is an extremely important overseas source market for us," said Mubarak al Nuaimi, director of promotions & overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.

"We are still working hard, though, to encourage our Chinese visitors to experience more of our burgeoning tourism offerings and stay longer in the emirate. Last year we added 23 hotels, attractions and experiences to the Welcome Chinese program in partnership with the China Tourism Academy, which has helped boost our inbound numbers considerably, and we hope this roadshow will help translate these impressive inbound numbers into longer stays for our Chinese friends."

Outstanding experience

The delegation, led by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, comprises leading companies in Abu Dhabi's tourism industry. They pledged to provide Chinese tourists with a great travel experience. Those elite companies include Emirates Palace hotel; Jannah Hotels and Resorts; Le Royal Meridien Hotel; City Seasons Hotels; Danat Hotels and Resorts; Armed Forces Officers Club; Premier Travel and Tourism; Planet Travels and Tours; Miral Destination Management; Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; Omeir Holidays; Al Burj Travel and Tours; Al Bada Resort; Arabian Adventures, as well as the UAE's national carrier, Etihad Airways.

While there are already daily flights to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways from Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai, from Aug 1, 2016, the daily service to Shanghai will be upgraded with the introduction of the new 299-seat 787 Dreamliner, which is expected to further boost inbound travel.

"China is a very important market for Etihad Airways. Demand is strong and last year alone, Etihad Airways carried more than 650,000 passengers to and from Greater China," said Shane O'Hare, senior vice-president of marketing, Etihad Airways.