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Abu Dhabi-Munich flight will give a boost to tourism

MUNICH (GERMANY) - Etihad Airways flight operations to the third largest German city of Munich has opened new avenues of economic cooperation between the UAE and Germany besides providing direct communication links to Abu Dhabi for tens of thousands German tourists.

Tourism analyst has termed the Etihad Airways flight EY 323 as a landmark flight which will have far reaching effects on tourism.

Anja Fehlerz, who is engaged in promoting Abu Dhabi as a tourist destination, said tourist traffic would get a big boost with the thrice a week flight.

At an impressive ceremony at the Munich International Airport, Boverian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Dr Otto Wiesheu, welcomed the Chairman of Etihad Aiways Dr Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan and his delegation, on Thursday.

The minister in his remarks said the UAE-German cooperation was strengthening in all spheres of life and Eithad Airways flight would further cement this decades old relationship.

Dr Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan in his remarks said that Munich was a major destination for the Etihad Aiways, representing its first destination in continental Europe. "We expect this route will be very significant to the rapid growth and success of our young airline," he said.

The UAE Ambassador to Germany, Ali Mohammed Al Zarouni, while speaking to Khaleej Times said that his country accords greater importance to its bilateral relations with Germany with which it has excellent ties. The economic ties were also booming. Recent signing of $2 billion worth of Volks Wagon deal has given new dimension to already stable relations, he added.

About the tourism business, he said that just seven years ago, 1,3000 Germans visited the UAE but now there was a quantum jump in the figures. Last year, the figure touched the encouraging level of 250,000 which also speak of the potential of tourism, the UAE offers for European market, he said.

He added that with the direct flight between Abu Dhabi and Munich, this huge potential would be harnessed properly.