Question: Abu Dhabi has set out to boost its tourism development as well as to create a more diversified economy (Hazime, 2011 cited by Slak Valek, 2015). In order to enhance its tourism image, Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in development projects such as Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and Ferrari Theme Park, amongst others (Hazime, 2011 cited by Slak Valek, 2015). Abu Dhabi is also to several major events, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Mubadala World Tennis Championship and the HSBC Golf Championship, with Yas Island the most popular area of Abu Dhabi in relation to sport tourism (Slak Valek, 2015). According to the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) (2014), 71% of international tourists visited for leisure, however it is unclear how many have travelled specifically for the purpose of sport (Slak Valek, 2015). It is interesting to note that while Abu Dhabi has a history of sailing, it no longer hosts the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) despite its impact as per below. Abu Dhabi first took part in the race in 2011-2012, with a 10-day stopover (Slak Valek, 2015).
Table 1: Economic impact generated by VOR Abu Dhabi stopover
Total number of visitors welcomed to the Destination Village 120,604
Hotel stays in Abu Dhabi generated by stopover 32,000 room nights
Total sales by destination village retail outlets 1,564,628 AED
Total sales turnover by Souk stalls during the stopover 222,600 AED
VOR website leading up to and during the stopover 4.850,111
Source: TCA (2013) cited by Valek (2015)
Slak Valek (2015: 19) reported that "no strategy for further development of sport tourism in Abu Dhabi has been established". However, reports in the media in 2016 (Oxford Business Group, 2016) and 2017 (Sport in Abu Dhabi, 2017) highlight subsequent initiatives to promote Abu Dhabi as a leading sport tourism capital. In a more recent article regarding the Abu Dhabi Tour, 21-25 February 2018, which will see an addition of an 11.8km sprint stage on Al Maryah Island, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council General Secretary said:
"We're working to make the race more appealing to fans and riders, and this upgrade represents a unique opportunity to make the challenge for the overall standings stronger not only related to the mountain stage. In addition, we can better explore our territory and promote the country worldwide as a perfect destination for cycle tourists." (Cycling 360 Abu Dhabi Tour, 2018: 4).
Sources: Cycling 360 Abu Dhabi Tour. (2018, January 24).
Oxford Business Group. (2016, March 23). Abu Dhabi to leverage sports tourism offering.
Slak Valek, N. (2015). Abu Dhabi sport tourism: From zero to hero. In M. Plevnik, I. Retar., R. Pisot, A Obid (Eds). Sustainable development of sport tourism (pp. 11-20). Slovenia: Annales University Press. Sport in Abu Dhabi. (2017, April 19).
Sport in Abu Dhabi: Promoting Abu Dhabi as a world sports tourism capital.
Question 1 Review the case study and evaluate the evolution of Abu Dhabi's sport tourism initiatives; both in terms of its strengths and potentially missed opportunities. Given the focus on economic impacts above, devise a mechanism through which Sport in Abu Dhabi can position itself as a more responsible and sustainable sport tourism destination. It is evident that both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are using cycling events (Dubai Tour and Abu Dhabi) to attract cycling tourists to their respective destinations, provide recommendations as to how the UAE can maximize these opportunities for the destination as a whole. (15 marks) Special Instructions
• An essay of 1500 words is required (including Introduction, Conclusion and relevant subheadings as required).
• Make sure to use APA format both in-text and referencing for the reference list.