Over 500 of Asia Pacific’s leading travel industry professionals will be in Abu Dhabi this October for the biennial Abacus International Conference to be held at the state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island.

The decision to hold the conference in the UAE capital follows a joint bid by Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and Etihad Airways.

Delegates will fly into Abu Dhabi to evaluate and debate the latest technological innovations around travel, in the context of the trends now driving booking behaviour across the 31 regional markets where Singapore-based Abacus International, Asia Pacific’s leading provider of travel solutions and services, has a network of more than 20,000 travel agencies.

Abacus said its choice of Abu Dhabi as its ‘Exclusive Destination Partner’ reflects the UAE capital’s emerging role as a gateway for business and leisure travel from Asia Pacific and the company’s own desire to highlight how strategic investment in network infrastructure stimulates demand.

“The Middle East’s aviation brands are now themselves trending in Asia Pacific, with the region’s award-winning hubs attracting over ten-fold increases in bookings on the most popular routes, year-on-year.

“Abu Dhabi is the right setting to talk about ground breaking growth and enterprise,” said Robert Bailey, president, Abacus.

Acclaimed speakers are scheduled to address delegates over the three packed days. Separate tracks will refine retail strategies, expand big data’s role and showcase the latest automation tools.

With time to unwind too, AIC delegates will enjoy the emirate’s exceptional hospitality and entertainment, including Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

The conference will close with a gala dinner and awards ceremony, recognising outstanding achievement and performance.