The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is working hard to attract a certain leisurely type of visitor to Abu Dhabi, with new television advertizing campaigns focused on young couples, families, and empty nesters from higher socio-economic groups. Peter Willaton, who stopped over in Abu Dhabi for two days on his way to New York, fits into this category.
Thirty-nine year old Mr. Willaton, the Australian owner of Multifix Constructions, said he plans to return within the next 12 months, and is considering buying a home here. He said “People are beginning to know more about Abu Dhabi than Dubai because of recent publicity” such as last year’s Formula One Grand Prix on Yas Island. Abu Dhabi hopes that by promoting the capital as a tourist hotspot, it will increase the number of visitors from 1.5 million to 2.2 million by 2012. About eighty percent of the current number of visitors are business travelers.
