AFOCH Introduction to China through Main travel shows

The Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel (AFOCH), Abu Dhabi, embarked upon a week-long tourism road show in China stopping over two main cities to draw a larger pool of Chinese tourists expected to visit Abu Dhabi this year.

During its visit from April 11 to 18, 2015, the hotel will be showcasing its facilities to potential customers and trade partners at two major international fairs -- China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market (COTTM) in Beijing and Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings (IT&CM) in Shanghai.

AFOCH Deputy Director General Mr. Peter Freeman said that AFOCH is a destination open to all public where local identity embraces other cultures while maintaining its unique flair. He said that the tourists will find it ideal as the hotel serves Chinese food and Mandarin-speaking staff for guests who are unfamiliar with Arabic or English.

He noted, “AFOCH was amongst the first batch of the certified ‘Welcome Chinese’ hotels in the region by China Tourism Academy in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority. AFOCH ensures a dedicated and upscale friendly Chinese service including Mandarin speaking staff, Chinese breakfast items, Chinese Tea, On-site shops selling luxury goods and travel agencies.”

According to the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, the emirate received a record number of 3.49 million tourists in 2014, which showed an increase of 25 percent, exceeding the 2014 target by nearly 400,000. This year’s target has been set at 3.5 million.

China remains one of the biggest source markets for Abu Dhabi. The emirate welcomed 120,350 guests from China in 2014 -- an increase of 166 per cent on the previous year. The emirate expects to receive a significant increase in visitor numbers this year.