As the emirate looks to attract more visitors from the world’s most populous country, 20 hotels in Abu Dhabi have achieved Welcome Chinese certification.
Along with two attractions and a luxury shopping mall, the hotels were recently given the certification at an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The awarding of the certificates was organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), in partnership with China Tourism Academy (CTA).
Abu Dhabi is the first market within the Middle East and Africa region to participate in the Welcome Chinese programme, which is accredited by Select Holding and issued to hospitality and attraction providers in 32 countries around the world.
“We have all the ingredients to appeal to the Chinese market and praise the efforts of these trailblazers of the emirate’s hospitality industry,” said Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau Director Mubarak Al Shamisi.
“As Chinese visitor travel habits become more sophisticated, so too are the efforts of the emirate’s tourism suppliers in meeting the opportunity to provide a growing mix of affordable, luxury aspirational products and experiences and a portfolio of services tailored to these Chinese guests.”
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Six of Abu Dhabi-based Rotana’s hotels have been given the certification: Al Ain Rotana Hotel, Beach Rotana, Hili Rayhaan by Rotana, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Yas Island Rotana and Park Rotana.
In 2014, Abu Dhabi welcomed 120,350 guests from China, up 166% on the previous year.
Jacopo Sertoli, president, founder and CEO of Select Holding, said: “The Welcome Chinese programme was designed to bridge the gap between visitor expectations and the services the travel industry was providing, and I expect by welcoming more than twenty of Abu Dhabi’s finest tourism products, the Emirate will appeal to a growing number of Chinese travellers.
“This competitive advantage will provide immediate visibility for the destination.”
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