A recent TCA Abu Dhabi survey to determine if people would be more inspired to visit Abu Dhabi if it was described as being in the Arabian Peninsula or Middle East, found that 62% felt more inspired by the Arabian Peninsula to just 4% support for the Middle East, while 34% of people felt geographical renaming didn't matter.
“The Middle East is a vast region with a range of associations and the Arabian Peninsula encapsulates the exotic and captivating nature of Abu Dhabi and a more appropriate sense of place,” said Ola Kay, TCA Abu Dhabi Country Manager.
“We are calling on all travel professionals, from agents through to content creators of OTA and travel websites, to consider changing their terminology to the Arabian Peninsula.
“Perception is a powerful driver of decision and we believe that a more inspiring name may have a significant impact in travel to Abu Dhabi.
“Abu Dhabi as a destination is truly surprising, with its captivating culture, breath taking luxury and exhilarating adventure, there really is something for everyone.
“The azure blue beaches of Abu Dhabi are frequented by dolphins, hawksbill turtles and dugongs and the ever-changing sand dunes of the Empty Quarter desert are something out of Arabian Nights”, said Ola Kay.
Attracting 64,068 visitors from Australia and New Zealand in 2015, Abu Dhabi is becoming an increasingly popular leisure, cruise, business and stopover destination. Multiple daily flights from Etihad Airways and their equity partner Virgin Australia now deliver more Australians to Abu Dhabi than ever before.
And the move is expected to bolster destination awareness for other Arabian Peninsula destinations. Tourism Oman Country Manager Mona Tannous joins the regional TCA Abu Dhabi team in supporting the movement.
“Oman Tourism's tag line has been the “best kept secret of Arabia” since 2010 as it conjures up the old world charm of what the destination embodies. The countries of the Arabian Peninsula such as the United Arab Emirates and Oman provide an unparalleled richness of experience for travellers as either a stand-alone destination or as a wider regional holiday,” said Mona Tannous.
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