Company Announcement - Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s appointment of dedicated representation in South Africa this year has paid off with the emirate reporting an increase of 58% in the number of South African travellers visiting Abu Dhabi in April 2015 vs April 2014. South African tourist arrivals in Abu Dhabi have also steadily increased and in fact doubled since the February 2015 launch of the TCA Abu Dhabi office in Bryanston, Johannesburg. The first quarter of the year has been filled with an array of events to entice the South African market including the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and the inaugural Abu Dhabi Food Festival, leading into a regular programme of major events and activities which this year featured the return of the Red Bull Air Race and the continuation of the Abu Dhabi Classics season.

Abu Dhabi’s Summer Season launched this month to the South African public promises a thrilling, show-packed entertainment extravaganza for the entire family. South Africans will enjoy headline theatre shows, a world famous illusionist, live international children’s shows, top Arab and European comedy acts, and live concerts that are taking place across the emirate with events in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Gharbia (Western Region) for almost three months, until September 5.

The addition of the South African office also accompanied the announcement by South African Airways that it would launch daily flights between Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi from March 2015, adding additional air capacity to the daily frequency already operated by Etihad Airlines. “This is truly an exciting time for Abu Dhabi in South Africa,” says TCA Abu Dhabi South Africa Country Manager, Tracey Krog. “South Africans are embarking on a journey of discovery to learn about the diversity the emirate has to offer; that it is more than a desert destination, and that it appeals to travellers of different backgrounds and interests.

“Travellers seeking culture and heritage will find in Abu Dhabi an authentic Arabian experience and enjoy the unrivalled hospitality that accompanies it. Experience seekers will enjoy the diverse range of land or sea activities that are guaranteed to get their pulses racing. While Abu Dhabi’s gastronomic treasures – both international and local – will have foodies enjoying a true taste of the Emirate for far longer than their stay. And it is the TCA Abu Dhabi office’s greatest privilege to share these experiences with our travel trade partners and the South African public.” According to TCA Abu Dhabi, the growth being experienced in South Africa is also being seen from other markets with the number of guest arrivals into Abu Dhabi during the first four months of the year having increased by 20% when compared to the previous year. The performance has promoted the Authority to increase the 2015 guest arrivals target from 3.5 million to 3.9 million.