There has been a 34 per cent increase in guests from the United States visiting Abu Dhabi during the first four months of this year, according to the Tourism and Cultural Authority, said Noura Al Kaabi, CEO, twofour54.

Greater destination awareness following Hollywood films like Fast and Furious 7 being shot in the Capital has been cited as the reason.

"Another study found that Abu Dhabi will receive over 300,000 additional visitors through attracting film productions to the Capital by 2020 and approximately Dh1 billion in additional revenue will be generated between 2015 and 2020," added Al Kaabi.

Following the incredible success of the theatrical release of Fast and Furious 7, which pulled in over $1.5 billion globally, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment chose Abu Dhabi to host the home theatre release press junket.

Tyrese Gibson, star of the Fast and Furious franchise, was in Abu Dhabi last week as part of a four-day press junket that saw international media representatives and industry professionals cover the home theatre release from the UAE's Capital.

Stefan Fuchs, General Manager of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, said: "We are proud to have been chosen as one of the locations for the filming of the movie and very much enjoyed welcoming Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to Abu Dhabi. I am sure there will be many more projects coming to the city. The attractive location, architecture, culture and natural beauty promise stunning production opportunities, combined with the strong proactive work of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and twofour54."

The selection of Abu Dhabi for the home theatre launch has added to the exposure the emirate received in the movie, said Jasem Al Darmaki, TCA Abu Dhabi's acting director-general.

"Hosting a selection of the world's entertainment, lifestyle and broadcast journalists in Abu Dhabi gave us the opportunity to showcase a selection of our finest attractions, world-class tourism experiences and hotels as a backdrop to a series of live broadcast links and media interviews," said Al Darmaki.

Fast and Furious 7 will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in August on various dates around the world. The release date for the UAE has been slated for August 12.
Source: Khaleej Times