Yas Island, UAE's new playground,dazzles at WTM 2013

UAE: Yas Island, the GCC's prime leisure and entertainment destination, is participating at the World Travel Market (WTM) taking place in London from 04-07 November 2013, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA). The event is the ideal platform to promote Yas Island among 47,776 global travel professionals and to discuss travel, tourism and business opportunities with both leisure and trade industry partners.

WTM has once again proved to be successful for Yas Island as it saw hundreds of visitors in the first day of the event.  “It's fantastic to see such a great number of people participating at WTM this year which is testament to the importance and significance of this trade event. We have been fortunate to share our updates with the industry and as expected, we received an even greater interest from visitors this year as travel and tourism are booming across the world. We have a few days left at WTM and we'll create further awareness about Yas Island while also strengthen the entire Abu Dhabi offering,” commented Karim El Guanaini, Vice President of Yas Island Destination Management.

The Yas Island stand has been buzzing with action since the doors opened on Monday, Nov 4 as visitors participate in the exciting interactive competitions and activities where amazing prizes are on offer. Participants were especially intrigued by the interactive photobooth which incorporates their picture with background images of various Yas Island attractions - a creative way of showcasing the diverse range of experiences on Yas Island. The excitement was further increased as those participants and visitors to the Yas Island stand could enter into the daily raffle draw, which takes place every day at 5pm at the Yas Island stand, to win one of the four grand prizes offered by Yas Island.

In addition, Yas Island also showcased its engaging digital skills by running a Facebook app competition called the Yas Travel Pass alongside the photobooth. Participants have to drop and drag elements off the Yas Island Map into a passport and ensure to gain as many likes as possible to win the grand prize on the last day of the trade fair.

“The participation at the Yas Island stand has been phenomenal and we enjoy seeing people have fun with Yas Island's offerings as we try to reflect what they can expect on Yas Island itself. The photobooth is a great way to resonate with some of the great attractions and already some people are saying they can't wait to visit Yas Island to experience it in real life,” added El Guanaini.

The first and second days' winners have already been announced – a great congratulations to Therese Larsson and May Chong. They are  the lucky winners of weekend getaways to Yas Island for two which includes two nights stay at Yas Island Rotana and Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island,  and  a selection of three experiences such as: a Sunset cruise at the Yas Marina from Captain Tony's, premium passes to Yas Waterworld –home to 43 different slides and rides, premium passes to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - the world's largest Ferrari branded amusement park, a driving experience on the race track at the Yas Marina Circuit, and / or a round of Golf at Yas Links.

The onsite competition saw more than 1000 entries from the photobooth and the Facebook competition has been extremely popular amongst the Yas Island stand visitors. There are two more similar prizes with hotel stays at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, and Radisson Blu Yas Island that are waiting ahead of Yas Island stand visitors throughout the trade fair. Make sure to not miss out on a chance to visit Yas Island stand at ME300 from 4-7 November 2013 and win one of the grand prizes.

Yas Island Boiler plate

The region's prime leisure and entertainment destination, Yas Island is one of the finest destinations for weekend getaways, romantic holidays and family fun.

Be wowed by amazing events and touring artists, gracing the stage at du Forum and du Arena. Live the ultimate water adventure at YasWaterworld. Dare to take the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, at speeds up to 240kmph at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's largest indoor theme park. Take in sensational sea views on Yas Links Golf Course. Imagine driving a Formula Yas 3000 or Aston Martin GT4 on the same circuit as the pros.  Stroll along the calm turquoise waters at Yas Marina or simply lounge on the warm, idyllic sands of Yas Beach.

Home to Yas Marina Circuit, the official host of the world famous FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, Yas Island offers seven hotels (from affordable to luxury), all hosting numerous restaurants and eateries alike.

Located just 25 minutes from Abu Dhabi, a jewel of the desert with picturesque mangrove-fringed islands, clear waters and eternal sunshine and only 45 minutes from the buzzing city of Dubai, guests will discover worlds within worlds as they explore the various charms Yas Island has to offer.