Etihad Airways said its stopover programme, in partnership with Abu Dhabi's department of culture and tourism, has reached 44,000 visitors from January to April 2025, marking a 76% increase on the same period last year.
Additionally, the programme achieved 25,000 bookings in the first four months of the year, marking a 47% growth compared to the same period in 2024.
The stopover programme allows Etihad passengers to have a stopover in Abu Dhabi with a complementary two night stay in hotels available to the programme. The programme is part of Abu Dhabi's 2030 tourism strategy to boost visitors. The airline said the programme has also helped drive passengers to return for longer dedicated holidays.
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves commented: "By offering up to two complimentary hotel nights, we're giving visitors the perfect opportunity to experience our remarkable destination. The introduction of the Abu Dhabi Pass has further enhanced this experience, providing practical benefits and exclusive discounts that allow visitors to make the most of their time in the emirate."
The pass provides visitors with free airport transfers, tourist SIM card, bus passes for public and tourist buses, as well as discounts for attractions in the city.
“Abu Dhabi's strategic investment in data-led marketing, diverse programming and a culture-first approach is yielding significant tourism growth, evidenced by 1.4 million Q1 2025 overnight guests,” said Abu Dhabi director general for tourism Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry. “With the success of our stopover programme, we aim to strengthen partnerships and broaden our global reach, ensuring our unique cultural identity remains central to our long-term tourism vision.”
The airline noted that the average length of stay for stopover visitors had increased since 2024.