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UAE event generated nearly US$1 billion in potential outbound travel business
Abu Dhabi brought together 160 of China’s top travel buyers with UAE suppliers in the largest B2B travel trade platform event held outside China.
The China Visitors Summit (CVS), held on 28–29 August in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, generated nearly US$1 billion in potential outbound travel business from Chinese buyers.
These buyers handle travel for more than 1.5 million international travellers, many of whom are targeting the GCC and especially the UAE.
Chinese travel agencies, luxury operators, wholesalers, MICE planners and corporate buyers met directly with UAE hotels, attractions, museums, inbound operators and retail destinations.
Over two days at the Rotana Hotel and Conference Center in Al Ain, more than 3,000 pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings took place. UAE suppliers tailored their schedules, focusing on segments from luxury FIT leisure travellers to business and MICE planners.
The event reflectS Abu Dhabi’s rising success in attracting outbound tourism from China, the world’s largest source market, with Chinese visitor numbers to the emirate doubling year-on-year.
China remains the world’s biggest source of outbound tourists, with roughly 200 million passport holders making a comparable number of trips last year.
Chinese travellers spent over $300 billion worldwide in 2024, underlining the market’s importance for destinations like Abu Dhabi.
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Speaking about the summit, Alexander Glos, CEO of China i2i Group, which organises the event, said: “The China Visitors Summit is not just about meetings, it’s about building long-term partnerships between the UAE and China’s most powerful travel industry leaders.
He added: “Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE are now firmly positioned as must-visit destinations for Chinese travellers, and the CVS provides the direct access, insights and opportunities suppliers need to succeed in this market.”
Abu Dhabi recorded nearly 290,000 overnight stays by Chinese visitors in the first four months of 2024, doubling year-on-year. Dubai saw around 824,000 Chinese tourists in 2024, marking a 31% increase from the previous year.
For more information, visit cvs.i2i-china.com