Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority is heading back to the SATTE trade fair in India this week, with a pavilion which is 80 per cent larger than last year.

The authority and nine key stakeholders are taking part in the fair as India proves to be the emirate’s second largest overseas source market for hotel guests - just behind the UK.

“The growth in Indian hotel guests has achieved double-digit levels throughout the past year and, if current growth trends continue, it is feasible that the country will overtake the UK as our largest international hotel guest market within 12 months,” explained Mubarak Al Nuaimi, international promotions manager, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“We have achieved this growth through testing the waters in India via road shows and trade fairs and now with full-time, on-the-ground representation, we foresee a substantial increase in Indian visitation given the destination has the luxury, family and events offering which appeal to this market.”

Joining the authority at SATTE are: leading DMC Emirates Tours & Safari LLC; Abu Dhabi-headquartered Rotana Hotels & Resorts; the UAE’s award-winning national carrier Etihad Airways which flies from nine Indian destinations; and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – the world’s largest indoor theme park with the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

The four-star Aloft Abu Dhabi which adjoins Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre; the five-star, beachfront Jumeirah at Etihad Towers; the state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit – home to the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; the instantly recognisable Big Bus Tours and the five-star InterContinental Abu Dhabi, which has undergone huge beachfront upgrades and refurbishment, are also at the show.