Abu Dhabi Tourism, Etihad’s stopover programme sees 76% rise in visitor numbers

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s Stopover Programme – a joint effort by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways – has helped significantly boost visitor numbers into the city. Following the announcement that the emirate welcomed 1.4 million travellers in Q1 2025, Abu Dhabi’s national carrier and the tourism department said the programme saw visitor numbers surge to 44,000 between January and April 2025, a substantial 76 per cent increase compared to the 25,000 visitors recorded during the same period in 2024.

“This strong start to 2025 builds on a successful 2024, which welcomed 85,000 international stopover visitors, a significant jump from 12,000 in 2023,” the airline said. Etihad Airways projects hosting over 130,000 stopover guests throughout 2025.

The increased average length of stay for stopover visitors since 2024 indicates travellers are exploring more attractions. This growth aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 goals, which aim to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs, and contribute Dh90 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2030.

According to an official statement from Etihad, bookings for the Stopover Programme also grew, reaching 25,000 in the first four months of 2025, representing a 47 per cent rise year-on-year.

Officials highlighted the initiative’s performance at Arabian Travel Market 2025, noting that the Stopover Programme’s appeal leads many travellers to extend their stays or return for dedicated holidays in the emirate.

The programme attracts diverse travellers from Etihad’s global network, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, India, Japan, and South Korea.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment in data-led marketing, diverse programming, and a culture-first approach is yielding significant tourism growth, evidenced by 1.4 million Q1 2025 overnight guests.”

He added that the success of the stopover programme helps strengthen partnerships and broadens global reach, keeping the emirate’s cultural identity central to its long-term tourism vision. Al Geziry also pointed to new additions like the multi-sensory teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Cultural District as enhancing the emirate’s appeal.

The visitor experience has been further enhanced by introducing the digital Abu Dhabi Pass in March. Here are some of its benefits:

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said the Stopover Programme “continues to exceed expectations as more travellers choose to break their journey and discover Abu Dhabi.” He reiterated that the 76 per cent growth in visitors demonstrates accelerating momentum, highlighting that offering up to two complimentary hotel nights provides a perfect opportunity to experience the destination. Neves also noted the Abu Dhabi Pass has further improved the visitor experience.