Etihad Stopover Programme Boosts Abu Dhabi Tourism by 242%

Etihad Airways, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is buzzing with excitement over the impressive growth of their Abu Dhabi Stopover programme. Launched to encourage travelers to explore the wonders of Abu Dhabi, this initiative has far exceeded expectations and is making a real impact on the emirate's tourism sector.

What Is the Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme?

The Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, exclusive to Etihad Airways, invites travelers to spend some time in Abu Dhabi during their journey. Since its inception, this programme has gained significant traction, welcoming 24,000 international visitors in just the first half of 2024. To put this in perspective, that’s a staggering increase of 242% compared to the 7,000 visitors it attracted in the latter half of 2023!

Aiming High for 2024

With such a strong start, the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme is well on its way to achieving its ambitious target of 75,000 international stopover visitors by the end of 2024. Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad Airways, shares, “The growth of our Abu Dhabi Stopover programme has far exceeded our projections. We've seen international visitors more than triple in just six months. This success not only showcases Abu Dhabi's appeal as a destination but also demonstrates the programme's effectiveness in encouraging travelers to experience the emirate's wonders.”

Who’s Visiting Abu Dhabi?

Travelers are taking advantage of the opportunity to discover Abu Dhabi, often staying for an average of two nights. The programme has proven particularly popular among visitors from key markets, including the USA, England, Australia, EU countries, and India. This international interest underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination.

A Strategic Partnership for Success

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasizes the significance of this programme, stating, “The Abu Dhabi Stopover programme exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in driving tourism growth. This innovative initiative is clearly resonating with international travelers, offering them a compelling reason to explore our emirate. The programme's success reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a must-visit destination and encourages travelers to plan longer stays in the future.”

Enhancements Making Waves

The programme’s popularity has been boosted by improvements to the booking process. A new, user-friendly landing page on etihad.com has driven a 43% increase in web traffic from potential visitors eager to learn more about Abu Dhabi. With such enhancements, it’s no wonder that the Stopover programme continues to attract more travelers.