Etihad Airways announced that it has partnered with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to launch a free Abu Dhabi stopover program.
The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two companies.
The Abu Dhabi Stopover invites Etihad Airways passengers flying through Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to turn their free stopover hotel stay into a holiday to explore the capital of the UAE.
When booking flights with Etihad, passengers now have the option to add a stopover and select a complimentary hotel as part of the online booking process. Guests can choose a free stay for one or two nights in a range of hotels across the city. Stopover packages are only available when booking directly on the airline’s website.
Etihad’s boarding pass also doubles up as the Abu Dhabi pass which offers discounts at many of the city’s leading attractions as well as dining experiences.
“We plan to bring more than 100,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi through the Stopover programme over the next year, and we’re confident that once they have a taste of what the capital has to offer, they will return for more,” Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad said in a statement.
“We are thrilled to be working hand in hand with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to showcase what the emirate has to offer to the world,” Neves said.
“Our Stopover programme with Etihad offers an exciting introduction to the emirate for curious visitors,” H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi said.
“This innovative initiative provides a snapshot of the diverse experiences available here — from entertainment and culture to leisure and beyond — inspiring travelers to return and immerse themselves in the complete Abu Dhabi experience,” Al Geziry added.