Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways has expanded its Guest Ambassador programme with the addition of international PGA Tour golfer Martin Kaymer.

Kaymer — who has won the US PGA Championship in 2010, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship a record three times in 2008, 2010 and 2011, and holed the winning putt for the European Ryder Cup Team in 2012 — is considered one of the golfing world’s brightest stars.

As the latest Etihad Guest Ambassador, Kaymer will work on a series of initiatives to promote the UAE national carrier’s brand in Germany and other key markets around the world. This includes a promotional video being filmed in Abu Dhabi this week to showcase Etihad Airways’ award-winning service and also position the UAE capital as a leading golf and travel destination.

The shooting schedule coincides with the 2014 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, with Kaymer competing for his fourth title at Abu Dhabi Golf Club between January 16 and 19.

Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “As one of the world’s leading golf stars, Martin Kaymer has dedicated fans throughout the world, including his home country of Germany. Behind his impressive sporting achievements is a determination to work hard and achieve excellence, values that he shares with Etihad Airways.

“This makes him the perfect Etihad Guest Ambassador and we look forward to working with Martin on a series of projects, including the launch of Etihad Holidays in Germany. Germany is our tour operating division’s second venture outside of the Middle East, offering an extensive range of holiday packages to Abu Dhabi and other destinations across our global network.”

The Etihad Guest Ambassador programme was launched in October 2013 and features some of the biggest names from the global entertainment, art and sporting industries. Current ambassadors include Australian singer Dannii Minogue, Indian actress Katrina Kaif, French footballer Patrick Vieira and Australian cricketer Shane Warne.

Kaymer said: “As a professional golfer, I am constantly travelling around the world and need to arrive feeling relaxed, energised and ready to go. Little things make a big difference when you travel as much as we do.

“Etihad Airways’ standards and attention to detail are consistently high at every stage of the travel experience, which makes me happy each time I fly with them. Therefore, I am extremely honoured to become the latest Etihad Guest Ambassador and look forward to working on key promotional activities, including the launch of Etihad Holidays in Germany.”