WOC 2012 delivers tourism boost to Abu Dhabi

The World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) 2012, the biggest convention ever held in Abu Dhabi delivered a significant tourism boost to the UAE capital with many of the 10,000 plus attendees taken in the city’s sights and attractions during their stay. The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority stand at the congress - the world’s oldest continuous medical meeting, which has convened for the first time in the UAE capital has been inundated with enquiries. “Prime demand has been for Abu Dhabi city maps, our complimentary postcards, visitor guides and our ‘Where To Eat’ guide,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, who chairs the WOC 2012 Host City sub-committee for the authority, which is a congress supporter. “Demand has been so great that over the weekend we had to bring in additional supplies. Most of the enquiries were from attendees who were on their first visit to Abu Dhabi and wanted to know more about it.” A key beneficiary has been Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park on the UAE capital’s Yas Island entertainment destination, which offered attendees a special congress discount. Attendees queued to book tickets to the attraction, which boasts Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Attendees at the World Ophthalmology Congress 2012 hailed from 136 countries, over 80 per cent were visiting the UAE capital for the first time. Among the bookers was Dr Robert Petrarca of London who, on his first visit to the UAE capital said: “I came for the congress but decided to extend my stay for six days to see something of the destination.”