Abu Dhabi has been named the World’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination during the 26th World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Ceremony 2019.
The capital bagged a major victory in a recent awarding ceremony staged in neighboring Muscat, Oman.
World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
Today, the World Travel Award brand is acknowledged globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.
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The emirate notched the honor thanks to its successful hosting of different sporting events all year round.
These events include the FIFA Club World Cup 2017 and 2018, the inaugural of the UAE Tour, the AFC Asian Cup 2019, the Special Olympics World Games 2019, the UFC 242 showdown and the Brazil vs South Korea international friendly match.
The long list also includes regular sporting spectacles such as Formula 1 Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi.
“Sports tourism has been one of the key areas of development for us at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi,” said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, executive director of tourism and marketing sector.
“This is not limited to hosting premier sports events, but also to developing facilities and attractions across the capital to appeal to sports fans, enthusiasts and athletes.
“Today, the capital is equipped with an outstanding array of sports facilities, gyms, and recovery options at its spas and medical centers.
“Recently, we also have worked with the Department of Transport and AD-Municipality to improve accessibility and allow runners and cyclists to enjoy practicing their sports across the capital.”
The UN World Travel Organisation (UNWTO) branded sports tourism as one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism worldwide.
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