Hala Abu Dhabi, the destination management division of Etihad Airways, is to cooperate with 45 leading tour operators worldwide to promote Abu Dhabi as a tourist destination.
Preferred sales agreements have been signed in 23 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia to expand the reach of Etihad Airways' popular ‘Stopover in Abu Dhabi' programme, aimed at passengers transiting through the UAE capital.
The programme allows guests of Etihad Airways and selected partner airlines to break their journeys in Abu Dhabi and enjoy special privileges, such as complimentary visas, overnight hotel accommodation and golf course access, before continuing on to their final destinations.
As a result of the new partnerships, the incentives can now be booked through the 45 tour operators, in addition to Etihad Airways' website and the division's dedicated email.
A number of Etihad Airways' sales team members from across the world have also been appointed as destination and product champions by Hala Abu Dhabi. The first two groups of international champions and tour operators under the preferred sales agreements recently visited Abu Dhabi, where they took part in product, systems and destination training.
Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said, "We are excited to build on the popularity of our ‘Stopover in Abu Dhabi' programme with these leading tour operators, which already have a successful track record in selling Etihad Airways flights.
"Our expanded partnerships will increase tourism traffic into Abu Dhabi by showcasing the emirate as a vibrant holiday destination and offering generous incentives to visitors. It also supports Hala Abu Dhabi's continued growth and we will continue the momentum by partnering with 15 additional tour operators and champions at the end of this year," he concluded.
Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2013 carried 11.5 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to 111 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 110 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 70 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and nine Airbus A380s.
Source: WAM