Panaji, March 13 (IANS): Abu Dhabi has clocked a 32 percent growth rate of Indian travellers in 2014 and tourism officials there are looking for a similar increase in arrivals for the current year, according to Bejan Dinshaw, India manager for the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.

Addressing a press conference in Panaji on Friday Dinshaw said that Abu Dhabi, one of the seven Emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was focusing on culture as one its niche areas to market the region to the upwardly mobile aspirational Indian traveller.

"India is currently leading Abu Dhabi's leading overseas source market. Abu Dhabi welcomed 2,31,702 Indian hotel guests in 2014 at a growth rate of 32 percent over 2013. There were 8,50,443 guest nights in 2014 at a growth rate of 23 percent over 2013," Dinshaw said.

"Abu Dhabi with its entertainment options, iconic properties, culture and heritage is the complete destination for a fresh holiday experience. We are very positive about the growth potential of this market," Dinshaw said.

Asked if it was difficult to market Abu Dhabi as a tourism and culture destination, especially in view of neighbouring Emirate, Dubai, which has already made a mark as far as positioning itself as an attractive multi-faceted destination, Dinshaw said: "Of course, Dubai has a head-start of several years over us. But we are confident of making a good impact given the offerings we have".

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates.