The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced it will hold its 13th Global Summit in Abu Dhabi in April/May 2013.

It is just the latest blockbuster event to utilise the world-class facilities on offer in the emirate – following the recent hosting of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation annual general meeting, which finished earlier this week.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Etihad Airways will be official hosts of the WTTC event, the biggest annual gathering of travel and tourism leaders.

WTTC’s decision was based on Abu Dhabi’s compelling presentation, the enthusiasm of government and industry agencies, accessibility of the destination, a high standard of capability and evidence of green tourism growth as a key development strategy.

David Scowsill, president and chief executive of WTTC, said: “Our Global Summit is the most influential travel and tourism event of the year, bringing together almost 1,000 industry leaders, to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the industry today.

“I am very pleased that Abu Dhabi will host our 2013 Global Summit.

“With its distinctive Arabian hospitality and world-class infrastructure, Abu Dhabi will be an enchanting destination for our top-level delegates.”

WTTC president David Scowsill will welcome industry leaders to Abu Dhabi

News of the award was enthusiastically received by ADTA.

Its director general, HE Mubarak Al Muhairi thanked WTTC for its confidence in the destination and pledged to fully support the summit.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “We are delighted Abu Dhabi has been chosen to host the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in 2013.

“Abu Dhabi’s global profile as a business and tourism destination rises by the day and the decision to make the emirate the venue for the Summit reflects this.

“Etihad Airways will do everything it can to support the Summit and to ensure delegates have the best possible experience.

“I can assure WTTC, its members and colleagues that they will receive the warmest of welcomes and highest levels of professional service from this emirate, which is rapidly emerging as a world-class meetings destination.

“This is a sterling example of two stakeholders coming together to achieve success.

James Hogan has thrown his support behind the event

“The joint ADTA-Etihad proposition hinged on providing a unique combination of benefits – the facilities and services of a leading international business centre coupled with the attractions and recreational possibilities of a luxury destination,” continued Hogan.

“We understand the 2013 summit will include a diverse and profound programme as well as numerous opportunities for people to interact in an environment that transcends disciplinary, cultural and national barriers.”

Etihad Airways is considered the World’s Leading Airline by the World Travel Awards.

HE Mubarak Al Muhairi welcomed the news

A Memorandum of Understanding between WTTC, ADTA and Etihad has been signed in the UAE capital.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is considered the World’s Leading Tourist Board by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

For more information on what is on offer in the emirate check out Virtual Abu Dhabi.