Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which manages, helps develops and promotes the tourism industry in the Arabian Gulf emirate, has been voted ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board’ in the biggest polling undertaken in the World Travel Awards’ 16-year history. Over 180,000 industry professionals voted.

ADTA’s Director General, His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi accepted the award on the authority’s behalf at a glittering ceremony in London’s J.W. Grosvenor House Hotel last night.

“This is a timely honour coming as it does as the authority marks its fifth anniversary,” said Al Muhairi. “While it recognises the authority’s efforts, I believe it is an accolade which should be attributed to all involved in evolving and developing our tourism proposition.

 

“Our particular appreciation must be extended to Their Highnesses Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for their consistent and unwavering support.  It is an award to be shared by all of our public and private sector stakeholders, as well as the entire ADTA staff, those based within Abu Dhabi and our offices in six other key markets, including the UK & Ireland.

“What sets this honour apart is the fact that is a tremendous vote of confidence from the industry we partner as we continue towards our goal of delivering a sustainable destination of distinction.”

 

ADTA, which earlier this year was certified under the Abu Dhabi Award for Excellence in Government Performance for a small-to-medium-sized enterprise, currently employs over 180 people in its UAE capital headquarters, in the heritage city of Al Ain and in offices throughout the UK, Germany, France, Italy, China and Australia.

 

In the coming 12 months, the authority aims to lead Abu Dubai and its tourism stakeholders to a new era of measured expansion.  “We are looking to demonstrate strength and resilience against an operating background of consumer shifts brought on by global economic uncertainty,” said Al Muhairi. “We are fully committed to delivering value and performance for all stakeholders. The products and services we will deliver in carrying out our mandate will be broader in scope, more rigorous and more effective. We will adapt to change and continue to look strategically ahead.”

 

In the coming year, ADTA is targeting a 10% increase in Abu Dhabi’s hotel guest arrivals – up from this year’s anticipated 1.5 million.