Abu Dhabi to host International Travel Week
In this article (5)
Abu Dhabi will be hosting International Travel Week (ITW Abu Dhabi), a co-location of synergistic travel events each focused on the fastest growing global tourism source market sectors, in November this year.
Taking place from November 21 to 25 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, ITW-Abu Dhabi will aim to deliver a comprehensive programme which will combine targeted meetings with first-class networking opportunities, inspiring knowledge-bound seminars and innovative experiences, culminating in a glittering gala awards evening to celebrate outstanding achievements across the international halal tourism landscape.
Commenting on the strategic partnership with the host destination, Andy Buchanan, executive organising committee director said: “We are thrilled to bring ITW Abu Dhabi to the culturally-rich and trailblazing city of Abu Dhabi. Against this remarkable backdrop, participants will have the opportunity to discover, connect and be enriched, which in turn will assist them in defining and driving the future of their own business.”
Indonesia Ministry of Tourism are delighted to be the official Headline Sponsor for the ITW Abu Dhabi 2016, and commented: “Indonesia participates again in 2016 but this time bigger than 2015 as we want to bring more sales.” As a major sponsor of the summit, Indonesia Ministry of Tourism expects to welcome key international delegations, investors, tourism associations and market-leading specialists to the summit.
Evolutionary progression
ITW-Abu Dhabi is a progressive and evolutionary event which has developed from last year’s World Halal Travel Summit. The 2015 edition enjoyed unprecedented success, where the summit yielded impressive results, generating more than $18.4 million worth of business on the show floor, and a further $73.5 million stemming from opportunities directly created at the event.
With more than 6,000 travel professionals expected to participate in this year’s ITW-Abu Dhabi, this transformative five-day event is hotly-anticipated to be the premium platform for the global halal travel, medical and shopping tourism industry.
With a dedicated commitment to the fiercely and hugely influential fast-growing travel sectors, ITW-Abu Dhabi will continue to shine the spotlight on the exceptional halal, medical and shopping-relevant opportunities available worldwide at this year’s event, with major influencers bringing their insight and knowledge to the seminar stage.
“The winners of the 2016 World Halal Travel Awards will be announced at a gala event in Abu Dhabi on 22nd November 2016.”
Expansion of ‘ITW-Abu Dhabi’
Hot on the heels of 2015’s World Halal Travel Summit success, and in response to growing demand for a platform for discussion and recognition on halal, medical and shopping tourism segments, ITW-Abu Dhabi will this year open up a Ministerial Forum, a high level debate of ministers and key stakeholders on Intra OIC (Organisation of Islamic Co-operation), medical and shopping tourism and the real world challenges of implementation. ITW-Abu Dhabi will also host the second World Halal Travel Awards, a glittering event to recognize outstanding products and service within the halal tourism sector. The winners of the 2016 World Halal Travel Awards will be announced at a gala event in Abu Dhabi on 22nd November 2016. The awards ceremony forms a crucial element of the summit which is the largest gathering of global executives operating in the family friendly travel sector. For the first time, ITW-Abu Dhabi will also introduce ‘The Family Vacation Show’ wherein exhibitors will have a chance to interact with consumers face-to-face. The event will be information packed and created to directly sell and introduce offers, packages and promotions to qualified consumer travel audience.
Results-driven
According to Buchanan, the expanded 2016 edition is expected to be a boon for all involved: “ITW-Abu Dhabi was established with a clear objective of providing opportunities to explore and maximise on the latest trends and offerings within the fastest growing travel segments namely halal, medical and shopping tourism. In a concerted effort to distinguish itself on the halal, medical and shopping travel industry event landscape, ITW Abu Dhabi aims to deliver an elevated business-to-business platform that is innovative, inspiring, and result-driven, with the structured five-day programme including elements such as knowledge-sharing seminars, show floor meetings, exceptional networking experiences and a dazzling awards evening. I expect the 2016 edition to be a windfall for those organisations and individuals that exhibit and participate.”
Confirmed participation for the ITW-Abu Dhabi 2016, stretching across multiple spectrums, hails from a diverse spread of key players including Accor Hotels, Bangladesh Tourism Board, Dinar Standard, Etihad Airways, HCA Healthcare, Holiday Bosnia, and Jannah Hotels, among others.
Questions & Answers
Q.When and where will International Travel Week Abu Dhabi take place?
When and where will International Travel Week Abu Dhabi take place?
ITW Abu Dhabi will be held from November 21 to 25 this year at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. It is a five-day event focused on various synergistic travel sectors.
Q.What business value did the previous year's event generate?
What business value did the previous year's event generate?
The 2015 World Halal Travel Summit generated more than $18.4 million worth of business directly on the show floor. An additional $73.5 million stemmed from opportunities created at the event.
Q.Which specific travel sectors will be highlighted at this year's event?
Which specific travel sectors will be highlighted at this year's event?
This year's ITW Abu Dhabi will focus on the halal travel, medical, and shopping tourism industries. It aims to shine a spotlight on opportunities within these fiercely influential and fast-growing travel segments.
Q.What new elements are being introduced at ITW Abu Dhabi this year?
What new elements are being introduced at ITW Abu Dhabi this year?
This year, ITW Abu Dhabi will introduce a Ministerial Forum for high-level debate and 'The Family Vacation Show'. The latter will allow exhibitors to interact directly with consumers to sell offers and promotions.
Reader pulse
What is the key takeaway for retailers?
22,164 votes so far