The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with Etihad Airways and leading tourism stakeholders, has concluded a C-level trade visit from India, reinforcing long-standing partnerships and setting a clear direction for the next phase of growth across one of the emirate’s most important source markets.
The recent visit brought together senior leaders from across India’s travel trade ecosystem, including agencies, tour operators, and distribution partners, for direct engagement with Abu Dhabi’s tourism leadership and industry stakeholders. It focused on strengthening commercial alignment, reinforcing confidence in market continuity, and identifying opportunities to drive future demand through enhanced connectivity and experiences and year-round tourism.
Throughout the visit, participants engaged in discussions with DCT Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, Miral, and other key partners, alongside experiencing the emirate’s cultural and tourism offering. The programme included visits to Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, reflecting the scale of Abu Dhabi’s cultural development pipeline and its evolving visitor proposition.
The visit also highlighted Abu Dhabi’s strong operational continuity and tourism performance. Hotel occupancy in the emirate reached 64% in May 2026, while Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi museums recorded a 17% increase in visitors in April compared to March 2026. Abu Dhabi’s air connectivity with India remains strong, supported by more than 300 weekly flights and airline load factors reaching 92% in April 2026.
Moreover, the emirate is set to host more than 20 major events and festivals across May and June alone, reinforcing the role of its vibrant events calendar in driving sustained visitor demand.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “India remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most important markets, shaped by strong relationships and a deep understanding of traveller preferences. Air connectivity continues to play a central role in supporting momentum from India, alongside Abu Dhabi’s expanding calendar of cultural, entertainment and sporting events that continue to drive visitor interest throughout the year. With a strong pipeline of experiences and continued collaboration across the travel ecosystem, we remain focused on creating long-term value for our partners and delivering a seamless experience for travellers. This visit has been an opportunity to reconnect at a leadership level, to listen, and to align on how we move forward together.”
Javier Alija, VP Sales, eCommerce and Distribution, Etihad Airways, said: “With Etihad’s operations connecting Abu Dhabi to 11 gateways across India, we’re privileged to welcome India’s travel trade leadership to Abu Dhabi to showcase what this extraordinary destination has to offer. Following a productive week of face-to-face collaboration, we leave with strengthened partnerships, aligned priorities, and a shared confidence in the growth that lies ahead for this market.”
The visit forms part of a broader approach to maintain continuity, strengthen engagement, and support trade partners with clear and coordinated pathways for market growth. DCT Abu Dhabi is working closely with partners across aviation, hospitality, and attractions to ensure a seamless experience for travellers and the trade.
India continues to play a key role in Abu Dhabi’s international tourism strategy. Last year, the emirate recorded a 22% increase in hotel guests from India, while willingness to revisit Abu Dhabi among Indian travellers reached 83%.
Building on this momentum, DCT Abu Dhabi is advancing plans across marketing, trade engagement and visitor experiences throughout 2026, including the recent announcement of Sphere Abu Dhabi’s location on Yas Island. A year-round calendar of major concerts and sporting events, expanded trade programmes across India, and targeted campaigns are planned to sustain demand and deepen market engagement.
Indian Trade Feedback
“Abu Dhabi continues to be a main artery when it comes to being a destination and a key connection point for companies and corporate travellers between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It continues to demonstrate consistency, strong infrastructure and a clear long-term vision for business and tourism. What was particularly encouraging during the visit was seeing the ambitious investment across experiences, connectivity and hospitality, which will benefit both partners and travellers.”
Sunny Sodhi, Managing Director, FCM India
“Our visit to Abu Dhabi highlighted the destination’s continued appeal for Indian travellers. There is a strong sense of continuity across tourism and hospitality, alongside exciting developments across culture, attractions, and family experiences. Abu Dhabi stands out as a trusted and welcoming destination.”
Himanshu Patil, Director, Kesari Tours
“Abu Dhabi continues to remain an important hub for Indian travellers, offering a diverse range of leisure and business experiences. We are already witnessing a revival in travel interest from the Indian market, and the restoration of connectivity, along with the normalisation of airfares across the Middle East, will play an important role in further accelerating demand. This visit gave us a first-hand experience of the destination’s readiness, and we are confident that the destination will bounce back strongly as the geopolitical situation improves.”
Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India)
“We truly value our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, Miral Destinations and Etihad Airways, and greatly appreciate the constructive dialogue during our recent visit, with a shared focus on reviving the Leisure and MICE travel segments from India to Abu Dhabi.
Against the backdrop of recent global challenges, Abu Dhabi’s proactive and humanitarian response to travel disruptions has been exemplary. The coordinated support provided to stranded travellers, including hotel stay extensions, meals and on-ground assistance demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s steadfast commitment to guest wellbeing and hospitality, reinforcing confidence among Indian travellers and the travel trade community.
India continues to represent a high-potential source market and we see significant opportunity to stimulate demand through collaborative initiatives that enhance traveller confidence, elevate destination visibility and improve accessibility for Indian travellers through joint marketing efforts, Etihad’s stopover experiences, showcasing iconic attractions and potential charter opportunities; these timely steps will be instrumental to revive travel to Abu Dhabi. ”
Vishal Suri, Managing Director & CEO, SOTC Travel Limited
