eTN, 1-10-2006
ABU DHABI, – Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority conducted a half day workshop under the title “MICE – What’s it all about?” on September 19th at the Le Royal Meriden Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
The workshop, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, was open to key personnel of Abu Dhabi’s tourism stakeholders including, other governmental organisations, tour operators, travel agents, hotels, venues and tourist attractions, conference and exhibition suppliers – over 100 people attended. On the objectives of the workshop, Director of ADTA’s Licensing and Classification Division, Mr. Nasser Al Reyami said “Business Tourism is one of the key areas for development and opportunity in Abu Dhabi and one of our key goals at ADTA is to increase the professionalism, service standards and creativity of our destination through industry education such as this, establishment of standard ethical practices and promotion of the value of the industry.” Key note speaker Mr. Jon Hutchinson, Chairman of the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus, provided a useful insight into the world of Meeting, Incentive, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE tourism) and how it will potentially impact Abu Dhabi. John has over 30 years experience in the tourism industry and is currently Managing Director of the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are honoured to host Mr. Jon Hutchison in our country for this worthwhile event”, said Mr Ahmed Hussein, Director of Product Development at Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority “By facilitating industry forms such as this we are putting the building blocks and infrastructure in place so that Abu Dhabi is ready to handle Business Tourism (MICE) in the future and benefit from an industry that is globally valued at US$ 672.5 billion annually.
