10/04/2009 10:59 PM
Abu Dhabi: With a target of attracting 2.3 million tourists to the emirate, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has launched six new visitor information centres at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Some 1,000 complimentary copies of the first official visitor guide book were handed out to mark the occasion.
The Abu Dhabi Travellers Welcome Visitor Information Desk, which will operate around the clock, opened at the airport's Terminal 1 arrival gate yesterday. Over 3,000 copies of the guidebook, detailing the UAE's cultural hotspots, holiday getaways, shopping experiences and best hotels and restaurants were snapped up by eager tourists and visitors.
"We expect many visitors during the Fifa World Cup, that's why we have published extra copies of the guidebook and will be offering it for free. The idea is to familiarise people with the UAE's culture, norms and values and promote Abu Dhabi as a touristic destination," Saeed Al Daheri, ADTA's Acting Tourist Information Services Manager, Marketing Division, told Gulf News.
The opening of the airport information centres comes just in time for November's 2009 Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, said Al Reyami, ADTA's Tourism Standards Director, adding that four other centres are due to open soon.
Temporary information centres will also be opened from October 25 to November 2 at the Yas Marina Circuit, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and Al Wahda Mall. Racing car simulators will be provided alongside these centres for visitors to try out their skills.
"Tenders for these facilities are now being finalised with work due to commence imminently. These temporary facilities will be manned by ADTA personnel who are undergoing specific visitor service training," said Al Reyami.
The ADTA is also investing in activating 26 additional touch-screen visitor kiosks which will have all sorts of information for tourists.
