Abu Dhabi Signs Eight Travel Trade Partnerships at World Travel Market London 2026 to Boost International Tourism

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed and renewed eight travel trade agreements at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026. Seven agreements focus on strengthening the UK travel market and one renewed global partnership with Hotelbeds will expand Abu Dhabi's international distribution network.

.Seven UK Travel Trade Partnerships
DCT Abu Dhabi has partnered with the following UK travel companies:
- Best At Travel.
- Destination2.
- Elevate DMC.
- Kenwood Travel.
- loveholidays.
- Luxury Holidays.
- Southall Travel.
These sales-incentive partnerships will promote Abu Dhabi holiday packages among UK travellers.
The agreements will support destination marketing across multiple sales and promotional channels.

. Focus on Different Holiday Experiences
- The partnerships will promote Abu Dhabi for different types of travel experiences, including:
- Single-destination holidays.
- Multi-centre travel itineraries.
- Short stopovers.
- Family holidays.
- Luxury travel experiences.
- The initiative aims to attract both first-time and repeat visitors.

.Strong Demand from the UK Market
- The UK continues to rank among Abu Dhabi's leading international source markets.
- Demand remains resilient, supported by the emirate's growing portfolio of cultural attractions and family experiences.
- Forward bookings for 2027 are already showing encouraging momentum.
- DCT Abu Dhabi aims to increase awareness of the destination's diverse tourism offerings.

. Upcoming Major Attractions in Abu Dhabi
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi – A major international art museum.
- Disneyland Theme Park and Resort – An upcoming Disney destination.
- Sphere Abu Dhabi – A major entertainment attraction.
- Topgolf Abu Dhabi – A golf entertainment destination.
- Three Harry Potter-themed lands at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

.Global Partnership with Hotelbeds Renewed
- DCT Abu Dhabi has renewed its strategic partnership with Hotelbeds for the fifth consecutive year.
- The partnership aims to increase hotel demand and strengthen Abu Dhabi's reach across priority international markets.
- Hotelbeds will leverage its global business-to-business distribution network to promote the destination.
- Key activities will include:
- Joint targeted marketing campaigns.
- Travel trade engagement.
- Destination education initiatives.
- International hotel distribution.

.Partnership Covers Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
- The renewed Hotelbeds collaboration will cover Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain Region.
- It aims to increase destination awareness among international travel trade partners.
- The partnership will encourage longer visitor stays.
- It will support sustained growth in international tourism and hotel bookings.

.DCT Abu Dhabi Management Commentary
- Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the importance of WTM London in strengthening global travel trade partnerships.
- He emphasised the UK's importance as a key source market.
- The agreements will make Abu Dhabi easier for international travellers to discover and book.
- He also highlighted the emirate's living heritage, Emirati hospitality and year-round tourism experiences.
- The partnerships aim to encourage visitors to explore more attractions, stay longer and develop lasting connections with Abu Dhabi.