New figures released by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority show that golf tourism to the emirate is on the up. There was a 49 per cent increase in the number of overseas rounds played in 2013 compared to 2012. Developers in the emirate have invested heavily in golf in recent years, with the Saadiyat Island and Yas Links projects coming on stream.

“With an international promotional campaign working in key markets there is reason to suggest numbers will continue on this upward trend,” said Chris White, general manager at Yas. “We have benefitted from our collective approach generating awareness with international tour operators. The feedback is consistently positive, which stems from sales agents having happy customers and experiencing strong enquiries with resulting package sales.” Almost 400 tour operators are now selling golf holidays to Abu Dhabi.

“Abu Dhabi has made a lot of the right moves in positioning itself, but more importantly for us is the quality and simplicity in working relations that has helped the significant growth,” said Edward Terre of UK golf travel specialist Lotus Super Travel, which has increased increasing sales to be emirate by 200 per cent from 2012 to 2013. “The appeal of leisure attractions to our clientele, who are keen to experience what the region has to offer beyond the fairways, plays a significant part in the booking criteria.”