A FUTURE-FORWARD TRAVEL EXPERIENCE ARRIVES IN NYC
Tripadvisor and Experience Abu Dhabi Launch a Groundbreaking AI-Powered Immersive Destination Experience at Hudson Yards
NEW YORK, July 2025 - Step into the future of exploring travel destinations this summer as Tripadvisor partners with Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), to unveil their newest project. The multi-sensory, immersive activation "A Doorway Into Abu Dhabi” at Hudson Yards from July 25–27.
For three days, Hudson Yards’ Outdoor Plaza will be transformed into a portal to Abu Dhabi. The public activation combines state-of-the-art technology with real-time AI experiences, and will feature real travel insights into Abu Dhabi from Tripadvisor users - providing an innovative and immersive way for global travelers to explore a new destination.
EVENT DETAILS
Location: Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens, Manhattan
Dates: July 25 – 27, 2025
Opening Times:
• July 25: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• July 26: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• July 27: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SUPER REALITY MEETS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The centerpiece? Two colossal 8-meter Super Reality Domes powered by the ORA Sphere, an innovative spherical projection system that allows guests to control their travel journey through Abu Dhabi in real time.
With just a touch, visitors can explore 360° cinematic environments featuring a number of Abu Dhabi attractions - from the architectural wonder of Louvre Abu Dhabi to the lush greenery of Al Ain Oasis. As the dome responds in perfect synchronicity, the ORA Sphere displays live Tripadvisor reviews, insider recommendations, and curated travel data, creating a seamless digital-physical journey.
BUILT ON DATA. DESIGNED FOR WONDER.
"A Doorway Into Abu Dhabi" is crafted using Tripadvisor’s proprietary traveler data - highlighting the most-loved destinations, must-do experiences, and authentic traveler insights to ensure guests are seeing Abu Dhabi the way real travelers do.
Steve Paganelli, Acting Global Head of Sales, Tripadvisor, said: "Tripadvisor’s Wanderlab has fused emotional storytelling, groundbreaking technology, and real traveler data to redefine how destinations are discovered from afar. Following the success of this project in London and Paris, we’re proud to continue our partnership with Experience Abu Dhabi to bring this visionary project to New York."
Georgios Kalliamvakos, Planning, Strategy, and Operations Department Director, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “In partnership with Tripadvisor’s Wanderlab, we’re bringing a piece of Abu Dhabi to the heart of New York City through an immersive experience that truly captures the spirit of the emirate. From rich culture to scenic landscapes and unique attractions, this activation invites everyone to discover Abu Dhabi, a destination where unforgettable experiences are always within reach.”
INTERACT. IMAGINE. WIN.
"A Doorway Into Abu Dhabi" will also feature multiple futuristic and cultural touchpoints:
- AI Pod: Collaborate with Tripadvisor’s first ever AI agent. This people-powered AI tool blends Tripadvisor’s vast first-party data with the authentic insights of millions of real travelers, delivering confident guidance for a tailored Abu Dhabi itinerary in real time.
- Green Screen Photo Booth: Capture your dream Abu Dhabi moment - from the desert dunes to the Corniche skyline.
- Win a 5-Star Getaway: All guests can enter to win a luxury trip to Abu Dhabi.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae
About Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform*, helps millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use Tripadvisor's website and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than a billion reviews and contributions, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.
Tripadvisor LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRIP). The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps.
* Source: SimilarWeb, unique users de-duplicated monthly, May 2025
** Source: Tripadvisor internal log files
Media Contact:
Kerry Stark
Stark Collective Ltd.
Press@starkcollective.co.uk
Note to editors: High-res images are HERE.