Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office
Etihad Airways, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is celebrating the impressive growth of its Abu Dhabi Stopover programme. The initiative, which was relaunched to attract more visitors to the emirate, has exceeded expectations and is playing a significant role in boosting Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.
The Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, exclusive to Etihad Airways passengers, has recorded remarkable success since its introduction. In the first half of 2024, the programme welcomed an impressive 24,000 international visitors, a significant increase compared to just 7,000 visitors in the second half of 2023. This represents a staggering 242% rise in participants. With growing demand and an increase in bookings for the second half of the year, the programme is well on track to meet its ambitious target of attracting 75,000 international stopover visitors by the end of 2024.
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Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, expressed his excitement over the programme's performance, stating: “The growth of our Abu Dhabi Stopover programme has far exceeded our projections. We've seen international visitors more than triple in just six months. This success not only highlights Abu Dhabi's allure as a world-class destination but also underscores the programme's effectiveness in encouraging travellers to take advantage of stopovers and experience the unique wonders of the emirate."
Travellers are increasingly embracing the opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi during their stopover, with the average stay being two nights. The programme has particularly resonated with visitors from key markets such as the United States, England, Australia, the European Union, and India. These travellers are using their transit to experience Abu Dhabi’s luxurious hotels, beaches, vibrant dining scene, and cultural attractions.
His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, lauded the programme’s success and its impact on the emirate’s tourism. "The Abu Dhabi Stopover programme exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in driving tourism growth. This innovative initiative is clearly resonating with international travellers, offering them a compelling reason to explore our emirate. The programme’s success reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a must-visit destination and encourages travellers to plan longer stays in the future," Al Geziry said.
The programme’s rising popularity is also attributed to significant improvements in the booking process. A newly designed, user-friendly landing page on Etihad's website has resulted in a 43% increase in web traffic, drawing more potential visitors interested in Abu Dhabi as a stopover destination. This seamless booking experience has made it easier than ever for passengers to include a stopover in their itinerary.
Travellers who book flights with Etihad Airways can easily add a stopover in Abu Dhabi and enjoy a complimentary hotel stay of one or two nights at some of the city’s premier hotels. This convenience allows passengers to transform their layovers into enriching experiences, offering a chance to immerse themselves in the emirate's attractions before continuing to their final destinations.
Etihad Airways and DCT Abu Dhabi are looking to build on this success by further enhancing the stopover programme. Both parties are exploring new ways to add even more value and offer unique experiences to visitors, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s appeal on the global tourism map.
As one of the leading airlines in the Middle East, Etihad Airways connects 80 destinations worldwide through its hub at Zayed International Airport. The airport’s convenient location on the edge of the city makes it easy for stopover visitors to explore Abu Dhabi’s renowned attractions before seamlessly continuing to their onward destinations. With the continued success of the stopover programme, both Etihad Airways and DCT Abu Dhabi are confident that they will continue to attract more international visitors to experience the rich culture and hospitality of the emirate.
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