Abu Dhabi, 2013-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hala Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital’s leading destination management company of Etihad Airways, has expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of tours and safaris services in the United Arab Emirates.
An exciting range of city tours and desert safaris have been launched this week, which are operated by Hala Abu Dhabi’s own fleet of vehicles. The tours are hosted by a team of multi-lingual guest guides employed directly by Hala Abu Dhabi. The guides have been professionally trained in off-road driving, are first-aid certified and tour guide licensed by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).
To support the latest phase of its growth, Hala Abu Dhabi has also become the first company in the UAE capital to offer both male and female guides, with a team that includes the first woman in Abu Dhabi to be licensed as a guest guide and off-road driver by TCA Abu Dhabi.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “City tours and desert safaris are a quintessential part of visiting the UAE on holiday, so we are extremely proud to operate these services in-house using a branded fleet of Hala Abu Dhabi vehicles.
“Whether you are visiting for a short break or a longer getaway, our own fully-trained guides will ensure an informative, authentic and fun-filled experience. Our focus is on the whole guest experience, with quality and safety at the core.
“The introduction of our tours and safaris services in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for inbound leisure tourism is testament to the continued expansion and diversification of Hala Abu Dhabi. It also reinforces our strategic endeavours to promote the best of Abu Dhabi and the UAE to visitors from across the world.”
Hala Abu Dhabi’s signature tours and safaris include the “Hala’s Desert Sunset Drive with BBQ”, a gentle off-road experience in the heart of the UAE desert. This is followed by a relaxing evening under the stars at an Arabic-themed camp, with activities such as camel riding, henna painting, shisha and a belly-dancing show.
Customers can also select “The Story of Abu Dhabi” half-day tour of popular landmarks across Abu Dhabi, including Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Heritage Village and Abu Dhabi Corniche. The tour also includes a visit to the UAE Capital’s ambitious future developments at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Tours and safaris, as well as special interest experiences can be booked by emailing halaabudhabi@etihad.ae or calling 800 2324 (within the UAE) or +971 2 599 0700 (outside the UAE). Further details about Hala Abu Dhabi are also available on www.halaabudhabi.com.
– Ends –
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2012 carried 10.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways offers flights to 97 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas, with a fleet of 87 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and over 220 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s, and 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus and Jet Airways. Subject to regulatory approval, Etihad Airways will launch a new airline brand in Q1 2014, Etihad Regional, after taking a 33.3 per cent stake in Swiss carrier Darwin Airline. The airline will also acquire 49 per cent of Air Serbia from January 2014. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com
For more information:
Asif Khan
Manager Corporate Communications
Etihad Airways
Tel: +971 50 812 1364
Email: asifk@etihad.ae