Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, considered Abu Dhabi’s Leading Business Hotel by World Travel Awards is participating at WTM 2014.

We asked Nael El-Waary, General Manager of the hotel, questions about Abu Dhabi tourism trends.

1. What are Abu Dhabi’s key tourism strengths which ensure it stands out both regionally and on an international platform?

Nowadays majority of tourists, who visit Abu Dhabi, are attracted by the capital’s culture, accessibility, entertainment and nature.
Every visitor would like to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest and the most beautiful in the world. Abu Dhabi is very attractive for Arabic travellers in terms of city architecture, lifestyle and places to stay. In terms of pricing strategy, hotels and restaurants have many value for money offers.

Abu Dhabi is very accessible - you can reach it by air, car or boat. Etihad, one of the leading international airlines, opens new destinations and will operate new city airport. Every year the number of world class city events is increasing: concerts of world-known performers, Formula 1 Grand Prix, Volvo Ocean Race, Gourmet Abu Dhabi food festival, etc.
Also here there are many beautiful natural beached, which make Abu Dhabi attractive for leisure travellers.

2. How do you anticipate that Abu Dhabi’s investment in leisure and culture will impact your business?

Louvre and Guggenheim museums are long-awaited projects by visitors and city residents.

For sure, these museums will help to position Abu Dhabi as the region’s culture hub. We expect these openings will help hotels to attract and open new markets and increase average room night stay.

3. Are you also promoting leisure and culture within your offerings?

Sofitel brand is built on three pillars: design, gastronomy & culture. Our hotel will differentiate its cultural offering as soon as Louvre and Guggenheim museums open. At the present time we offer our guests to visit the Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, etc. Also there is a complimentary shuttle bus to the beach.

4. Are there any particular tourism trends that you are experiencing which are currently shaping your business?

The number of travellers from UAE is increasing. During resent Eid holidays we had many families and visitors from other Emirates (Al Ain, Dubai, etc). Also the number of German speaking tourists is constantly growing. This year Oktoberfest was very popular promotions in Abu Dhabi hotels.

5. What are your key feeder markets and are you collaborating with any other tourism entities to entice new markets to visit Abu Dhabi?

UAE, Germany and UK are key feeder markets for Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. This year our hotel will exhibit at the World Travel Marketing in London (ATM) and at the Global Meetings and Events Expo in Barcelona (EIBTM) to promote Abu Dhabi as the tourist and culture destination and attract more leisure and corporate business from Europe.