New figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) show the emirate’s golf tourism offering grew by 49% of overseas rounds played in 2013 compared to 2012.
The figures reaffirm the emirate’s status as one of the world’s most desirable golf destinations, validating Abu Dhabi’s strategy to deliver sustainable golf tourism via its Golf in Abu Dhabi initiative.
The latest figures also show the emirate’s dominance in the wider UAE framework as the runaway destination of choice. Total Abu Dhabi course rounds consistently contributed over 30% of all international rounds played in the UAE through the latter part of 2013.
Abu Dhabi’s golfing industry partially attributes the huge surge in overseas bookings to the runaway success of the ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ initiative - an umbrella marketing, communications, product packaging and distribution platform designed to increase the emirate’s penetration of the lucrative golf tourism segment.
More packages are available than ever before, via select tour operators offering a wide variety of Abu Dhabi golfing experiences. Nearly 400 operators have been engaged, all in support for Abu Dhabi’s prospects.
Following the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, guests on Golf in Abu Dhabi’s Championship packages enjoyed the finest the emirates has to offer in terms of golf, cuisine and culture, whilst enjoying the world’s best golfers competing around Abu Dhabi Golf Club including Matteo Manassero, Abu Dhabi Global Ambassador. Players also included Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson.
“It’s without doubt one of the world’s finest golf destinations,” commented Manassero. “At every corner of the globe I travel for golf tournaments, I am inundated with people asking me about Abu Dhabi and what experiences are on offer. I tell them it’s where I spend my time practicing between events, because of the golf facilities and because of the hotels and relaxation it affords visitors. It is number one for me.”
