Yas Island's Destination Management team has reported continued and sustained interest in Yas Island as a business and tourism destination, from delegates at French Travel Market (IFTM Top Resa) — one of Europe's leading local business-to-business travel and tourism trade events, which closed in Paris recently.
The U.A.E.'s fastest emerging holiday destination exhibited at the event, which is now in its 35th year, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA). It was estimated that more than 29,500 visitors from 160 countries, including approximately 1,000 journalists attended.
"Our presence at French Travel Market (IFTM Top Resa) has been a great success,” said Karim El Guanaini, Vice President at Yas Island Destination Management. "The French tourism market has always been an important one for both Abu Dhabi and Yas Island. It's apparent from the enormous interest we received at the conference that that the steep growth from the French tourism market is set to continue. The number of enquiries about developing tailored tourism packages to Yas Island was particularly encouraging.”
French tourists seeking a memorable holiday can enjoy Yas Island's world-class selection of accommodation, attractions and entertainment. And, with the Etihad Airways' codeshare partnership with Air France, there are now two flights a day between Abu Dhabi and France, making Yas Island a clear choice for French families looking to create a convenient and unforgettable vacation.
According to the Tourism Decision Matrix (TDM), Abu Dhabi hosted more than 48,000 visitors from France in 2012, and the number continues to grow. France is currently one of Abu Dhabi's largest hotel guest markets, accounting for approximately 45,000 total hotel guests in 2012, a four per cent increase compared to 2011.
It is also anticipated that Yas Mall, set to offer an exciting range of enhanced shopping concepts including leading international and regional brands, a 20 screen state-of-the-art cinema and a family entertainment zone, will be a further draw for French leisure tourists.
Source: The Gulf Today