Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme sees 47pc growth
The Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways, has seen a 47% growth in sales compared to 2024, with 25,000 bookings in the first four months of 2025.
The number of visitors has also surged to 44,000 between January and April 2025, a 76% increase from the 25,000 recorded in the same period last year.
The programme has attracted visitors from across Etihad's global network, with notable interest from the US and Canada, as well as European visitors from the UK, Germany, and France.
The programme also resonates with travellers from India, Japan, and South Korea, highlighting Abu Dhabi's diverse appeal to international visitors.
The new Abu Dhabi Pass, launched in March, provides additional benefits for travellers seeking to maximise their time in the emirate, including free airport transfers, a tourist SIM card with data connectivity, unlimited access to public buses, and 24-hour unlimited access to the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus network.
Pass holders also enjoy exclusive discounts of up to 15% at leading attractions, such as Qasr Al Watan, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island's entertainment destinations.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "Abu Dhabi's strategic investment in data-led marketing, diverse programming, and a culture-first approach is yielding significant tourism growth, evidenced by 1.4 million Q1 2025 overnight guests. With the success of our stopover programme, we aim to strengthen partnerships and broaden our global reach, ensuring our unique cultural identity remains central to our long-term tourism vision.
'The multi-sensory teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi opened on 18 April and is the newest addition to Saadiyat Cultural District. This 17,000 sqm immersive art space features transformative exhibits at the intersection of art, science, and technology, adding to the emirate's growing portfolio of world-class experiences.'
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: "Our Stopover Programme continues to exceed expectations as more travellers choose to break their journey and discover Abu Dhabi. The 76% growth in visitors during the first four months of 2025 demonstrates the programme's accelerating momentum. By offering up to two complimentary hotel nights, we're giving visitors the perfect opportunity to experience our remarkable destination. The introduction of the Abu Dhabi Pass has further enhanced this experience, providing practical benefits and exclusive discounts that allow visitors to make the most of their time in the emirate."
The average length of stay for stopover visitors has increased since 2024, with travellers exploring more attractions during their visit. This growth supports the objectives of Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and contribute AED 90 billion ($24 billion) to Abu Dhabi's GDP by 2030.
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