Fresh from its naming earlier this month as the ‘Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Convention Destination’ at the World Travel Awards, Abu Dhabi is turning on the charm at this week’s IMEX in Germany – Europe’s leading meetings industry exhibition – to build on its growing business tourism reputation.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has led a 22-strong delegation to the Frankfurt show, which features a mix of hotels, convention venues, Etihad Airways, major attractions and professional conference organisers.

“It’s our strongest IMEX showing yet with over 40 specialised products in the line-up and it reflects our firm commitment to make our mark on the global MICE industry,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director promotions and overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“Apart from our World Travel Awards and Abacus wins, we are also demonstrating our prowess in hosting major MICE events as shown recently with the mega NU Skin incentive from China which last month brought upwards of 14,000 guests to our capital city with the staging of two spectacular gala events at the state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit Formula 1 track.”

Over 500 of Asia Pacific’s leading travel industry professionals will be in Abu Dhabi this October for the Abacus International Conference following a joint bid by Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of TCA Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways.
 
Singapore-based Abacus,  Asia Pacific’s leading provider of travel solutions and services, 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.

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 event will once again turn the spotlight on Yas Marina Circuit and its Paddock Club Level 3 Yas Events Centre, which has stunning marina and circuit views and where the indoor meeting space has been expanded by 2,000 square metres.

The five-star, beachfront The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is looking to build on its growing track record for hosting major events.

The resort was the venue for April’s Global Aerospace Summit attended by 1,000 speakers and delegates and the last IRENA meeting which drew 1,200 attendees.

Meanwhile, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, venue for last December’s Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum, is working to gain a foothold in the European market.