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.
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
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.
#trending #latest #EtihadAirways #AbuDhabiStopover #DCTAbuDhabi #TourismGrowth #TravelAbuDhabi #StopoverProgram #ExploreAbuDhabi #MiddleEastTravel #LuxuryTravel #VisitAbuDhabi #AirlineTravel #TourismBoost #UAEStopover #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai
The dramatic fall of Su Zhu, co-founder of Three Arrows Capital. Learn how his $3 billion crypto empire collapsed and the lessons investors can take from his st...Read More.
How to manage your daily sugar intake for better health with simple tips and guidelines...Read More.
He stressed the need to boost sustainability, competitiveness, and strengthen the nation's global po
Abu Dhabi prepares for the second Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, April–July 2025 at Etihad Arena.
Barry Jenkins' Mufasa: The Lion King heads to theatres! Find out where to stream it online
The competition provides a global stage to showcase top talent and emphasizes the UAE’s role as a le
Dnata now serves as Turkish Airlines' exclusive inflight catering partner in Australia
From $3 billion to zero: The fall of Su Zhu
The dramatic fall of Su Zhu, co-founder of Three Arrows Capital. Learn how his $3 billion crypto empire collapsed and the lessons investors can take from his st
Daily Sugar Intake: Tips for a Healthier Life
How to manage your daily sugar intake for better health with simple tips and guidelines
Prithi Narayanan’s First Reaction After Ashwin’s Sudden Retirement
Prithi Narayanan shared an emotional post reflecting on witnessing Ravichandran Ashwin's legendary cricket career up close after his retirement
Ed Sheeran to perform in Abu Dhabi next year
Get ready for Ed Sheeran live in Abu Dhabi 2025! Discover the concert date, venue, ticket details, and tips to enjoy this unforgettable event.
Russian Airport Suspends Flights Amid Rising Tensions
Russia's Kazan airport has temporarily stopped all flights, both arrivals and departures, following a Ukrainian drone attack on the city, Russia's aviation auth
Quick and Simple Tips to Help Students Succeed in Any Subject
Simple tips to help students improve their studies and achieve success in school
Jaipur-Ajmer Highway Truck Fire: Death Toll Rises to 14, Pilot Visits
Sachin Pilot meets Jaipur tanker truck collision victims at SMS hospital; PM Modi offers condolences and aid
Filming Wraps for Final Season of Stranger Things
Filming for Stranger Things' fifth and final season has officially concluded, with the show set to release in 2025
History of Dinosaurs: From Dawn to Extinction
The History of Dinosaurs from their rise to their dramatic extinction 66 million years ago
Abu Dhabi Launches Middle East's First Freshwater Pearl Oyster Project
An extension of the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre in Mirfa, established in 2007, this project will focus on culturing new oyster types in the emirate
3001E, 30 Floor, Aspin Commercial Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
+971 52 602 2429
info@dxbnewsnetwork.com
© DNN. All Rights Reserved.