ITB provides UAE opportunity to show cultural, tourism and heritage strengths

Berlin - As for air traffic, UAE and Germany are linked with more than 180 flights weekly.

The prominent place the UAE occupies in the region and the world at large as one of the best tourism destinations is owed to the country's diverse cultural, heritage and entertainment offerings which offer a memorable recreational experience, UAE Ambassador to Germany, Juma Mubarak Al Junaibi, said during a reception he hosted yesterday on the occasion of the UAE's participation at the ITB Berlin 2016, the world's largest travel trade fair.
In his address to the audience which included Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of Promotions and Overseas Offices, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Al Muhairi, director-general of the National Council for Tourism and Antiquities, officials from UAE tourism authorities, Arab and foreign diplomats accredited to Berlin and representatives of more than 100 tourism agencies and companies as well as hotels in UAE, Al Junabi said that the global tourism industry gathering provides a unique opportunity for UAE tourism exhibitors to present their completed projects and future developments in the UAE increasingly growing and innovative tourism sector.
"Tourism's concept today is quietly different than that of the past when it highlighted culture, traditions and heritage. Today tourism serves a message of peace, affection, harmony, accord and friendship among nations of the world. It's a bridge of cultural communication and interaction," he added.
According to him, tourism has proven to be an important source of income as it attracts foreign investors and professionals and spur economic activities.
In 2015, he said, more than 600,000 German holidaymakers visited the UAE. Over 1,000 German companies are operating in the UAE. As for air traffic, UAE and Germany are linked with more than 180 flights weekly.
"The ITB will allow the UAE to introduce the massive development achievements it has made to peoples of the world, attract more tourism and business persons and consolidate bonds of friendship and cooperation with other countries," he said.