By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Al Habtoor Group Founding Chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor visited the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Wednesday 25 April, 2018. He was accompanied by Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice-Chairman & CEO, Al Habtoor Group. The international travel and trade show, now in its 25th year in Dubai, which runs from 22-25 April, showcases tourism destinations around the world.
Al Habtoor started his tour at the Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) stand, which incorporate a presence from Al Habtoor Group assets, including The Habtoor Grand Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, and La Perle by Dragone.
His visit coincided with an announcement from Dubai Tourism which said Dubai welcomed a record 4.7 million international overnight tourists in the first quarter of this year, markinga 2 per cent year-on-year increase.
Al Habtoor said, “Dubai continues to attract record numbers of tourists. In addition, we are seeing an increased number of visitors exploring the other Emirates. We are fortunate that the country continues to grow and evolve thanks to visionary leadership, and the emphasis on sports, the arts and culture. The Al Habtoor Group has been part of that development with the introduction of the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club which plays host to international events, and La Perle by Dragone at Al Habtoor City, which has brought world-class entertainment to Dubai attracting visitors from near and far.” He added, “The addition of Dubai Opera and Le Louvre in Abu Dhabi help provide visitors and resident with a diverse range of offerings.”
The Chairman also visited the Emirates airline and Etihad Airways stands, where he praised the world-class UAE flag carriers for setting a benchmark for other global airlines. “We are very proud of national flag carriers,” he said. “Emirates and Etihad are first-rate airlines that have grown in unison with the UAE. You can fly anywhere you want to from the Emirates, and both airlines provide a superior standard of service.”
Al Habtoor paid particular attention to UAE interests at the annual ATM. At the Abu Dhabi stand he said he was pleased to see a big Emirati representation with products like local dates and Al Mandoos, which produces handmade leather sandals. He said, “Companies like this, not only embody our culture, but also help contribute to the UAE economy.”
He added that the ATM is a great platform to showcase the best of what Dubai and the UAE has to offer, and that it also helps promote international companies doing business in the Emirates, especially in the healthcare sector. “It is good to see an increased presence from international firms and healthcare providers like Cleveland Hospital, which is now in Abu Dhabi providing world-class service standards and offering a wide range of amenities.”
