Experience Abu Dhabi has strengthened its partnership with India’s travel industry through a multi-city roadshow designed to promote the emirate’s newest attractions and tourism experiences. The initiative brought together travel professionals, tourism partners, and industry leaders across three of India’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets.
Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the roadshow visited Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chennai from July 13 to July 17. The event forms part of the emirate’s long-term strategy to build stronger relationships with Indian travel partners and encourage more visitors to choose Abu Dhabi as their next holiday destination.
The program provided travel advisors, tour operators, and tourism stakeholders with the latest information about Abu Dhabi’s growing tourism sector. Participants met representatives from leading hotels, attractions, destination management companies, and tourism organizations to learn about new products and visitor experiences.
During the roadshow, attendees received updates on recently opened hotels, cultural attractions, family entertainment, and major events that are helping expand Abu Dhabi’s appeal to international travelers. The sessions also introduced travel professionals to new tourism resources that can help them better serve customers planning trips to the emirate.
The initiative follows Abu Dhabi’s record tourism performance in 2025. The emirate welcomed 26.6 million visitors during the year, reflecting continued growth in the tourism sector. Hotel revenues increased by 19.5 percent compared with the previous year, while Abu Dhabi’s cultural institutions recorded 8.6 million visits, highlighting strong interest in the destination’s heritage and attractions.
Abu Dhabi continues to invest in new tourism projects that are expected to attract visitors from around the world. One of the most anticipated additions is the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which is scheduled to open later this year. The museum will further strengthen the emirate’s growing cultural landscape.
Travel professionals also learned about several major entertainment developments planned for Abu Dhabi. These include Disney Resort Abu Dhabi, Sphere Abu Dhabi, and the expansion of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi with a new Harry Potter-themed experience. Together, these projects are expected to broaden the range of attractions available to families, culture lovers, and international tourists.
The roadshow also coincided with improved travel connectivity between India and Abu Dhabi. Air India launched its first direct service from Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi on July 15, giving travelers another convenient option to reach the emirate. The new route complements existing flights operated by Etihad Airways and other airline partners, making travel easier for visitors from India.
Officials said improved flight connections are helping support rising demand for international travel from India. Better accessibility allows more travelers to explore Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites, entertainment venues, shopping destinations, and leisure experiences.
The roadshow featured one of the largest tourism delegations from Abu Dhabi to visit these Indian markets. A total of 27 tourism stakeholders participated, representing hotels, attractions, destination management companies, and other tourism organizations.
Representatives from the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Destination Weddings, Al Ain Region, and Al Dhafra Region also joined the delegation. Their participation highlighted the emirate’s wide range of tourism offerings, from business events and luxury travel to heritage sites and natural landscapes.
More than 300 travel professionals were expected to attend the events across the three cities. Through destination presentations, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions, participants gained practical knowledge that will help them promote Abu Dhabi more effectively.
The program also introduced attendees to the Experience Abu Dhabi Experts training platform. The online resource provides travel advisors with destination guides, product updates, educational modules, and sales tools that support year-round travel planning and customer service.
India remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most important international tourism markets. The emirate continues to strengthen long-term partnerships with travel companies, expand air connectivity, and develop targeted marketing campaigns that encourage more Indian travelers to visit.
As Abu Dhabi advances its Tourism Strategy 2030, initiatives such as the Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow play an important role in increasing global awareness of the destination. By working closely with travel professionals and showcasing new attractions, the emirate aims to welcome even more visitors while supporting sustainable growth across its tourism industry.
