The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) extended its Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow in India to the cities of Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Pune, engaging over 30 stakeholders from Abu Dhabi and with over 600 trade partners from India in attendance.
Recognising strong visitor demand from India, one of the emirate’s top source markets, and building on the success of previous engagements in other Tier 2 cities, this strategic initiative aimed to further enhance Abu Dhabi’s presence across the region. In 2024 alone, India was the leading source market for hotel bookings in Abu Dhabi, contributing 12 per cent of all international guests, a 43 per cent year-on-year increase.
The Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow was a huge success in Hyderabad on 7 April, followed by Chandigarh and Pune on 9 and 11 April respectively, providing invaluable insights and fostering stronger connections with key travel partners in these Tier 2 markets. Attendees gained valuable insights into Abu Dhabi’s premium, cultural, adventure, and family-friendly experiences, as well as new developments, upcoming events, and travel packages tailored for Indian travellers. Interactive activations, such as quizzes and photo booths, provided a fun and memorable way for travel partners to learn more about the emirate’s abundant attractions.
Abdulla Mohammad, International Operations Director for DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “India remains a priority focus market for tourism in Abu Dhabi. The engagement from travel partners in this region and their positive response to the Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow across Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Pune was truly encouraging. The roadshow highlighted Abu Dhabi as a destination that seamlessly blends tradition and contemporary, offering something for every type of traveller. We are committed to strengthening relationships to ensure that Abu Dhabi remains a key destination for Indian travellers seeking unforgettable experiences.”
Presenting Abu Dhabi as a year-round destination, and a ‘go-to’ option for Indian outbound travellers, the roadshow also equipped travel partners with comprehensive resources, including destination guides, marketing materials, and access to an innovative e-learning platform, empowering them to effectively promote Abu Dhabi to their clients.
Leveraging this momentum, DCT Abu Dhabi has announced another Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow in India, scheduled for 8-12 September 2025 in New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai. This next phase of engagement will further solidify Abu Dhabi’s presence in the Indian market and provide additional opportunities for collaboration with key industry partners.
DCT Abu Dhabi is continuously exploring new ways to enhance the visitor experience, including initiatives such as the new Abu Dhabi Pass, launched by DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways. The Abu Dhabi Pass transforms the visitor experience into a complete digital journey, simplifying access to the emirate’s offerings. Etihad passengers will receive an email with a link to access the Abu Dhabi Pass through a dedicated website, with no additional cost or download required. The free Abu Dhabi Pass unlocks a range of benefits for Etihad passengers, including a tourist SIM card with 10GB data to stay connected, unlimited access to public buses, and 24-hour unlimited access to the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus network exploring key city attractions.
DCT Abu Dhabi remains committed to continued investment in trade partnerships, enhanced connectivity, and targeted promotional campaigns to drive visitor growth in key markets, supporting its wider 2030 Tourism Strategy, aimed at increasing visitor numbers to 39.3 million by 2030.
 extended its Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow in India to the cities of Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Pune, engaging over 30 stakeholders from Abu Dhabi and with over 600 trade partners from India in attendance.){kind=link}