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Abu Dhabi is out to boost its inbound tourism from Bahrain.
The kingdom has long had close ties with the UAE capital city and continues to be a popular family destination. In excess of 2,000 visitors from Bahrain stayed in the emirate's hotels in the first quarter of this year, an increase of three per cent compared to the first quarter in 2008.
"Bahrain remains a key market, central to the continual growth of regional tourism in Abu Dhabi," a tourism spokesman said.
"The GCC, as markets in close proximity and characterised by a propensity to travel locally during challenging times, is vitally important as Abu Dhabi moves forward in its aim of becoming an international destination of distinction attracting 2.3 million hotel guests annually by 2012.
"We believe Abu Dhabi has strong appeal within the GCC where it is recognised for its safety, its respect for culture, its wide family accommodation choice, service quality and appreciation of Arabian Gulf visitor needs.
"This supports a diverse landscape of beaches, islands, oases, city centres and stunning desert as well as an expanding cultural offering including guided tours of the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque."
The emirate's growing international event calendar is headlined by November's hosting of the Formula 1(tm) Etihad Airways Grand Prix and December's FIFA World Clubs Cup soccer championship.
Abu Dhabi is easily accessed from Bahrain, Visitors can fly to Abu Dhabi International Airport with Etihad, Gulf Air or Bahrain Air.
