Etihad to enhance tourism experience

Etihad Airways has announced plans to launch its own destination management company (DMC) yesterday. The DMC will provide a diverse range of leisure and business activities for visitors to Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

The flag carrier is in discussions with local tourism partners and the DMC is set to support the development and enhancement of the capital's tourism infrastructure.

Although the final specifications of the DMC have yet to be finalised, many of its goals have already been put in place. These include tours and desert safaris, event management, bespoke experience packages and VIP services, all promoted under one brand and delivered with what Etihad said is consistent quality across all participating local tourism and service partners.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer, said: "Abu Dhabi continues its impressive growth towards becoming a key global business and leisure destination and the Etihad Airways destination management company will be a central part of achieving these ambitions.

"The establishment of the DMC is another example of Etihad responding to the requirements of the UAE's capital city and we look forward to launching this one-stop inbound tourism shop in close cooperation with our destination partners and tourism services providers across all seven emirates which will work closely with both Etihad Airways and Etihad Holidays."

The new DMC is slated to publish its first dedicated Abu Dhabi and UAE brochure this month. It will also have strong Emirati representation with more than 50% of the tourism professionals in the company set to be UAE nationals.