EMIRATES Airline moved to stabilise some of the turbulence around the travel industry by continuing to support the International Tourism Bourse (ITB), where it has been a long established participant.
The airline returned with its giant, rotating Emirates Globe stand, demonstrating its global appeal.
Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ senior vice president, commercial operations, Europe, said that ITB was an important driving force for the travel industry and it was important for Emirates to support the show, particularly during these testing times. It provided “a good opportunity to get together with contacts, business partners and speak to the world from our spectacular Emirates Globe in one of our key markets.”
Said Sultan, “While the travel industry may have slowed, Emirates continues to push ahead, with the key word for this year being consolidation. We are taking a forensic approach to pricing to make sure that our products and services have maximum appeal at a time when we appreciate that our customers are increasingly cost-conscious.”
The slowly rotating 9.5 metre high stand of six metre circumference, had its European debut at ITB last year.The stand showcased Emirates Hotels and Resorts including Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa and Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa. The Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group also participated in the ITB is to enhance their reputation in Europe, which is considered to be a key market for the car rental organisation.
Abu Dhabi pavilion exhibitors reported they had received strong interest in the emirate. Shangri-La Asia revealed it signed an agreement with the UAE capital’s Al Jaber Group to manage the 300 room Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, opening in the third quarter of this year.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, promoted its latest offering - the Shaheen Conference Centre, named after the Arabic for a champion falcon, which is due to open mid year. The centre will host events for up to 160 people and complements the hospital’s plans for a new Arabian Falconry museum. The ADTA stand featured 23 co-sharers, the destination’s largest ever ITB promotion.
