10/06/2009 05:45 PM | Staff Report
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi's tourism industry is upbeat about prospects over the coming four months and the year ahead with the second Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) comparative confidence survey showing that the cooler weather, the 2009 Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to be held next month and the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2009, which kicks off in Dec-ember, is helping to restore confidence levels.
The ATDA survey which is based on the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's (UNWTO) methodology for its global confidence index, questioned 120 local industry stakeholders, including accommodation providers and tour operators. Abu Dhabi's tourism industry registered a confidence rating of 96 - which is 39 points ahead of the UNWTO's rating for the worldwide industry for January and April this year.
Over the coming 12 months events and exhibitions were identified as opportunities with other positive influencers being: economic stability, reduced room prices, increased attractions and developments, better infrastructure and services and the business travel sector.
"As an industry we are looking to leverage these strengths to counter challenges we may face from the global financial crisis fall out," said Mubarak Al Muhairi, ADTA Director-General.
