Latest news with #AbuDhabiTourism
Travel Daily News
5 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Etihad Airways strengthens Italy
Etihad boosts Italy-Abu Dhabi routes, increasing flights, premium seats, and partnerships, supporting Abu Dhabi's tourism growth and cultural ties. ABU DHABI, UAE – Etihad Airways is reporting significant growth in travel demand between Italy and Abu Dhabi. The uplift is supporting Abu Dhabi's tourism ambitions and reinforcing broader commercial and cultural links between Italy and the UAE. Jurriaan Stelder, SVP Network, Alliances and Industry Affairs, Etihad Airways, said: 'The consistent growth we're seeing from the Italian market highlights Abu Dhabi's appeal as both a destination and global hub. Italian travellers are responding well to our offering, with steady demand across both leisure and business segments. This connectivity is strengthening tourism and supporting deeper ties across trade, culture and investment.' Italy has emerged as one of Etihad's fastest-growing European markets, with travel between Italy and Abu Dhabi increasing by 76% compared to 2023. This reflects the growing appeal of the UAE capital as a destination for Italian visitors. This sustained demand has prompted Etihad to increase frequencies to triple-daily flights between Milan Malpensa Airport and Abu Dhabi, and double-daily flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport, providing Italian travellers with convenient options to visit Abu Dhabi. The third daily frequency on Milan will be operated by Etihad's new Airbus A321LR, offering a premium experience that includes a dedicated First class cabin, fully lie-flat Business seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an enhanced onboard dining service. This aircraft brings Etihad's signature long-haul comfort to short- and medium haul travel, further elevating the travel experience for Italian guests. From November, Etihad will be offering more than 10,000 weekly seats between Italy and Abu Dhabi per direction, representing an 80% capacity increase compared to November 2023. The number of premium seats available will double to more than 1,000 per week, responding to increased demand in this segment. The airline continues to strengthen its presence in Italy through strategic partnerships. Through our partners ITA Airways and Trenitalia, travellers can travel from 14 domestic airports and 31 railway stations across Italy to connect to Etihad's flights from Rome and Milan. This builds on the successful codeshare partnership with ITA Airways which was established in December 2021, enabling enhanced connectivity between the UAE and Italy. Italian travellers are embracing Etihad's Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which offers complimentary hotel stays for up to two nights, allowing visitors to experience Abu Dhabi's cultural attractions, pristine beaches, and world-class entertainment venues. Stopover bookings from the Italian market have grown by 92% since 2024. As demand from the Italian market continues to grow, Etihad is positioned to accommodate increasing passenger numbers with its current schedule. 'The solid performance of our Italy routes reflects Abu Dhabi's position as both a destination for Italian travellers and a convenient global hub,' said Stelder. 'This growth supports tourism while building long-term value through deeper ties with one of our most important European markets.'
Arabian Business
12-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi's Aldar, Hilton announce launch of first Waldorf Astoria Residences on Yas Island
Aldar has announced a partnership with Hilton to develop Abu Dhabi's first Waldorf Astoria Residences and the first branded residences on Yas Island. The partnership was signed by Jonathan Emery, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Development and Daniel Wakeling, Vice President Development Luxury & Residences, EMEA, at Hilton, in the presence of Aldar's Group Chief Executive Officer, Talal Al Dhiyebi. The development, located along Yas Links Golf Course, will offer furnished apartments and penthouses with views of the fairways and Yas Marina Circuit. Aldar, Hilton partner on Waldorf Astoria Yas Links is the Middle East's first links course and hosts the Abu Dhabi Championship, a DP World Tour Rolex Series event. 'Our partnership with Hilton will bring the Waldorf Astoria brand to Abu Dhabi for the first time, and further bolster the emirate's position as a global destination of choice for both investment and long-term residency. The partnership aligns with our ambition to instil a hospitality mindset across our organisation and enables us to deliver signature experiences for our customers with a brand that is globally renowned for its heritage and sophistication,' Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer at Aldar said. The residences will be launched for sale in the coming weeks. Residents will have access to attractions including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Etihad Arena, as well as the Gardenia Bay waterfront promenade and the mangroves of West Yas. The Waldorf Astoria brand's residential portfolio includes more than 20 properties currently open or in development globally, beginning with its first hotel and residences at Waldorf Astoria New York, which is reopening in Spring 2025. 'We are delighted to partner with Aldar on this stunning Yas Island development, representing the debut of Waldorf Astoria Residences in Abu Dhabi and marking a significant milestone in our luxury-branded residential growth strategy. The region is witnessing unparalleled demand for luxury branded residences and we are committed to delivering exceptional properties that promise discerning individuals a luxury living experience with world-class amenities, service excellence and a unique opportunity for owners to become part of the Waldorf Astoria legacy,' Daniel Wakeling, Vice President Development Luxury & Residences, EMEA, Hilton added.
