Tourism growth has slowed in Abu Dhabi but continues to grow at a rate of 6%, despite a 20% decrease in the number of incoming air passengers. The lower passenger numbers were first observed in January and this trend became worse after the swine flu began to spread. Travel agents have not yet encountered serious difficulties according to a senior official.
Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Travel and Tourism Council Agencies (ATTAC) said there is no slowdown in the local travel market and only 3 of 250 agents have closed. Secretary General of the ATTAC said there has been a 30% increase in the number of outbound UAE travelers to destinations like Cairo, Beirut, Amman, and Malaysia. Overall travel sales figures have dropped 30% this summer as travelers are choosing cheaper flights and closer destinations.
