Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism eyes Israeli market, opens Tel Aviv office – News

The division’s international operations team recently hosted a trade workshop attended by stakeholders and senior officials from hotels and DMCs

The UAE capital is set to welcome more Israeli tourists this year, following a major initiative by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT – Abu Dhabi).

The department started operations in Israel by setting up a tourism office in Tel Aviv.

“We very much look forward to welcoming more Israeli tourists to Abu Dhabi and sharing with them all the uniquely exciting and inspiring experiences the emirate has to offer,” said Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations, DCT Abu Dhabi.

Recently, the department’s international operations team held a trade seminar in Abu Dhabi entitled “Discovering Israel: A New Source Market for Tourism”. Stakeholders, including senior officials and representatives from hotels, attractions and destination management companies (DMCs), were briefed on Israel as a source market for Abu Dhabi, evaluating key demographics, travel patterns, holidays and Israel Tourist interest, and significant MICE and other opportunities offered by the market.

Yousuf noted: “Israel is now a major source market for Abu Dhabi, and events such as the Explore Israel workshop will ensure our stakeholders are well prepared for all the opportunities this market presents, thereby bringing greater benefits to our emirate. more leisure and business travel.”

During the seminar, the department presented Abu Dhabi’s 2023 Israeli market operation plan and introduced representatives from the Tel Aviv office. Additionally, a networking session was attended by leading travel agencies from Israel, which provided Abu Dhabi stakeholders with an opportunity to network and build relationships with potential partners in the market.

Israel and Abu Dhabi are now connected by daily flights from Etihad Airways and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.