Category Archives: Govt

President William Ruto delivering a speech at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya during Jamhuri Day Celebrations on December 12, 2023 shared that starting January 2024, the government will abolish the requirement of visas for all visitors coming to Kenya. To implement the new policy, he said the state has developed a digital platform to ensure that all travelers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform. This means that all travelers will only need to obtain electronic travel authorisation before visiting the country which is known for its tourist attraction sites. “It is with great pleasure, as president of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country,” Ruto said. “It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya. To echo the call of the Turkana people to the world: “Tobong’u Lorre!” Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home!” he added. The move comes at a time when most countries are making progress towards simplifying entry processes and dropping restrictions on some other nations.

NEOM unveiled an exclusive tourism escape Siranna a sustainable regional development evolving in northwest Saudi Arabia. This ultra-luxurious destination will be home to a 65-key hotel and 35 exclusive residences. Siranna is a space where elegant and innovative living meet to facilitate a lifestyle without compromise, situated on the Gulf of Aqaba coastline. The destination offers uninterrupted views of the Red Sea, with its tiered design offering diverse views and perspectives. Emerging from the rugged coastal terrain, the hexagonal pillars are distinctive, yet complementary to the surrounding mountains and flora. Arriving via waterborne transportation to the secluded bay, guests will journey through the natural rock formations before reaching the enchanting entrance of the property. With a focus on fostering original thinking and relaxation, Siranna will offer visitors and residents the opportunity to escape the noise and disruptions of everyday life and surround themselves with like-minded people in an effortlessly chic setting. A signature beach club, spas, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities will be on offer for visitors to unwind. Those seeking a connection with the landscape during their stay will enjoy the winding discovery trails via foot or horseback to explore where the sea, mountain, and wadi meet. Sophisticated dining and entertainment options will also satisfy a wide range of tastes and interests among guests. The guiding principle underpinning the development is to ensure minimal intervention in nature, where thoughtful and deliberate techniques will be used to preserve the surrounding landscape. The architecture will pay homage to the heritage of the local area and seamlessly blend into the adjoining mountain and wadi. Siranna is another example of NEOM’s uncompromising efforts to create spaces in nature that support sustainable future living and …

A special event was held in Riyadh highlighting Berlin’s offerings in medical travel, showcasing a dedicated Arabic website catering to GCC travellers and providing information on accommodation and medical facilities. The Arabic site can be viewed at berlin-health-excellence.com/ar. It was held under the esteemed patronage of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Riyadh, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and visitBerlin last night hosted a special event in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. The gathering aimed to showcase the allure of Berlin and highlight Germany’s tourism offerings for 2024. The exclusive event served as a platform to spotlight Berlin’s rich history, vibrant culture, enchanting Christmas markets, and diverse culinary scene, positioning it as a premier destination for global tourism and conventions. In addition to this, recognising the popularity of football in the region, Berlin also promoted the highly anticipated European Championship, which will be held in 2024 across 10 German cities, including Berlin where the final game will be played. Another major date in 2024 is the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with numerous events taking place in November next year to showcase the city of freedom Berlin. Additionally, Berlin also emphasised its commitment to welcoming guests from diverse backgrounds, offering Muslim-friendly accommodations and sharing information on where to find halal cuisine. The city’s family-friendly environment – featuring children’s museums and zoos – presents an ideal destination for families. Moreover, with its abundant lakes, rivers, and parks, Berlin offers an idyllic retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Yamina Sofo, Director of Marketing & Sales Office – Gulf Countries at the GNTO, said: “Germany stands as an embodiment of cultural magnificence and this exclusive event in Riyadh …

Cruise Saudi announced its partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission to showcase authentic Saudi cuisine onboard AROYA Cruises through the Irth Culinary Boutique & Café. This collaboration forms part of AROYA Cruises’ vision to offer exceptional and creative experiences to its passengers. AROYA Cruises is the first cruise ship of its kind to be tailored exclusively to Arabian tastes, and resembling it is Irth, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, which will offer a variety of locally sourced Saudi foods and drinks and high-quality products. In addition to its rich heritage and glorious history, Saudi is also renowned for its authentic hospitality, which will be embodied in the services provided at Irth, with all restaurant staff being trained by the Culinary Arts Commission to ensure a deluxe and genuine experience for passengers. Founded in 2020, the Culinary Arts Commission seeks to promote the unique Saudi culinary traditions on both a local and global scale and position the Kingdom as a leading destination for culinary arts. The goals and ambitions of the Culinary Arts Commission align perfectly with those of AROYA Cruise, which aims to provide exceptional experiences that cater to the tastes and preferences of Arabian people while seeking inspiration from the authentic Saudi culture. Lars Clasen, CEO at Cruise Saudi, commented on the partnership, “We’re proud to be partnering with the Culinary Arts Commission. Launching Irth Culinary Boutique & Café onboard AROYA Cruises represents a key step in exhibiting the Kingdom’s authenticity and offering the best of services to our guests”. Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, said, “Irth Culinary Boutique & Café will showcase the authenticity of Saudi cuisine and its rich culture, and this partnership …

Almosafer announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Talemia to provide and implement field trips ( by planes, buses) for school students in the Kingdom providing enjoyable and culturally enriching experiences. The collaboration builds on the mutual commitment of the two entities to nurture a profound understanding of Saudi Arabia’s rich natural and cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia among students. Under the three-year agreement, Discover Saudi, Almosafer’s destination management company, will be responsible for meticulously curating and expertly managing cultural field trips  that offer immersive cultural experiences for students from elementary to high school. The core objective is to offer a deep understanding of the cultural richness and achievements of the Kingdom through specially curated hands-on learning opportunities for public education. Commenting on the newly signed agreement, Fahad Mohammed Alobailan, Chief Tourism Officer at Almosafer, said: “We are excited to support “Talemia” and the Ministry of Education in taking education beyond the confines of classrooms and textbooks as we believe that every student should have the opportunity to explore, learn, and be inspired by their own heritage and culture. The partnership with Talemia allows us to perfectly blend culture with education and draws on the expertise of Discover Saudi in fostering a deep appreciation of our Kingdom’s heritage to create lifelong learners in the Kingdom with a passion for culture and history.” The trips, organized by Discover Saudi in collaboration with Talemia, will meet the requirements of the student activities specified by the Ministry of Education departments in the Kingdom. Students will embark on journeys to various cities, where these trips will bridge the knowledge derived from textbook knowledge with real-world experiences, and enable the students to explore and …

Rocco Forte Hotels announced that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a significant minority stake in the group. The Forte family will retain majority ownership and control. The arrangement sees the Italian entity CDPE Investimenti (CDPEI) selling its entire stake. PIF’s investment will include an element of primary equity which will accelerate the brand’s expansion in both existing and new global markets, building on the group’s track record of growth and development that includes eight new properties opened or committed in recent years. Sir Rocco Forte will remain Executive Chairman, alongside Olga Polizzi, who will continue as Deputy Chairman. Charles Forte, Lydia Forte and Irene Forte will also continue to hold key roles in the business. Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Sir Rocco Forte, Executive Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, said: “PIF is an excellent partner for us going forward. We have established an extremely good relationship during the course of our negotiations. They share the same vision for the brand and the future strategy of the group with the same ambition to take a long-term view. I look forward to working with PIF to expand the group and improve the high level of service we offer our customers. “We thank CDPEI for having shared the past fruitful eight years during which we both successfully accomplished the mission we shared when we started the journey, having significantly enhanced the value of the company and increased the group’s presence in Italy and across Europe.” Turqi Al Nowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments Division at PIF, said: “Our investment in Rocco Forte Hotels reflects PIF’s confidence in both the …

On the side lines of COP28, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched its new ground-breaking report, ‘Water Roadmap for Travel & Tourism’, revealing total water intensity by global Travel & Tourism continues to decrease as the sector continues to grow. Despite being one the fastest growing sectors, accounting for one in 10 jobs globally and contributing 10.4% of global GDP in 2019, Travel & Tourism’s water usage ranged between 3.5% and 5.8% of global available freshwater, in 2021 and 2019 respectively. While this is a lower share than other key sectors, such as agriculture and food, which accounted for 70% of global water usage, there is more work to be done as growing water scarcity has become one of the most pressing challenges for sustainable development. Today, over 2.2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water, while 4.2 billion do not have access to safe sanitation services. Water is a vital natural resource, sustaining life on earth, making it an essential asset that must be protected. The report highlights that further progress can be made if Travel & Tourism stakeholders take a series of actions, and sustainable water practices are implemented globally. In a collaborative effort, WTTC worked with Accenture and Oxford Economics to leverage their expertise in data analysis, best practices, and proven methodologies, providing a framework to help the global travel and tourism sector set water targets, reduce their water footprint and increase water resilience. The data is a result of to the partnership between WTTC and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center. According to the research, from 2010 to 2019, Asia Pacific, Americas and the Middle East saw their Travel & Tourism …

Bahrain is set to become the first Middle Eastern nation to host the 9th UNWTO’s World Forum on Gastronomy scheduled to unfold in 2024. This historic event underscores Bahrain’s rich heritage, diverse culture, and its burgeoning tourism industry, positioning the kingdom as a global epicenter for gastronomy tourism. The news was unveiled on the sidelines of the 8th World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, held in the picturesque city of San Sebastian, Spain. The announcement not only marks a significant milestone for Bahrain but also showcases the nation’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in the realm of gastronomy and tourism. Bahrain, with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, is poised to leverage the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2024 as a catalyst for promoting responsible agricultural practices. The event aims to highlight the importance of nurturing local communities while preserving Bahrain’s rich heritage and traditions. Scheduled to take place at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir, the forum promises a diverse array of engaging activities.   One of the highlights of the forum will be visits to local producers, providing participants with a firsthand experience of Bahrain’s vibrant culinary landscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in culinary classes, immersing themselves in the kingdom’s gourmet excellence rooted in its historical legacy. This unique combination of cultural immersion and gastronomic exploration is anticipated to make the 9th UNWTO’s World Forum on Gastronomy in Bahrain an unforgettable experience for participants from around the globe.   The year 2024 is poised to be a transformative period for Bahrain’s tourism sector, and the hosting of the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism plays a crucial role in the kingdom’s primary vision. The forum is …

In a landmark announcement made at the 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions, Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh has been named as the host city for the highly anticipated Expo 2030. Themed ‘The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,’ Expo 2030 will align perfectly with the fulfillment of Saudi’s Vision 2030 – a historic blueprint to fundamentally transform the Kingdom, diversify the economy, and improve the lives of the country’s citizens. Saudi is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations, and in the first quarter of 2023, it had the second-highest number of international arrivals in the world – a growth of 64% compared to the same period in 2019. Expo 2030 is expected to turbocharge the sector’s steep upward trajectory, giving the kingdom a platform to share its unique and diverse wonders with the world while driving forward job creation, sector investment, and trade partnerships. The announcement is also set to significantly boost the Saudi economy and drive the Vision 2030 ambition of making tourism the second largest component of the country’s GDP. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board of Saudi Tourism stated: “Today marks an extraordinary chapter for Saudi, with our capital city, Riyadh, honored by the world as the chosen host of Expo 2030. I believe that Expo 2030 will serve as a catalyst for growth and its impact on Saudi’s tourism sector will be felt immediately. As we prepare for this iconic global showpiece, we would like to call on our trade partners to take advantage of the historic opportunities on offer, to help us drive forward sustainable growth and development within the Kingdom’s tourism sector today.” Spotlighting Saudi’s robust …

Saudia Private signed a strategic partnership agreement with Jetex joining forces to enable Saudia Private to expand its ground handling services at all Saudi Arabian airports including airport security clearance, marshalling, immigration services, fuelling, and catering arrangements as well as private terminals for VIPs. As a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Saudia Private provides services ranging from on-the-ground operations, aircraft management and maintenance, and charter flights. It delivers tailored services and products to local partners and international guests to and from any of the Kingdom’s airports and everywhere in the world. The agreement was signed at the Saudia Group Pavilion at the leading global aerospace show, in the presence of Dr. Fahad Aljarboa, CEO of Saudia Private, and Mr. Adel Mardini Founder & CEO of Jetex. Dr. Fahad Aljarboa, CEO of Saudia Private, said: “This partnership marks a new significant milestone for both Saudia Private and Jetex. By combining our extensive expertise in delivering world-class FBO and ground services with Jetex’s extensive array of commercial Ground Services, we’re able to strengthen the Kingdom’s and the region’s position as leaders in the sector.” “The strategic agreement with Saudia Private is instrumental for Jetex to deliver on our ambitious vision by supporting our expansion across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Mr. Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex. Providing best-in-class services to its guests and partners is a priority for Saudia Group as it broadens its operations in order to better service international travellers and the aviation industry, while supporting the tourism sector in the Kingdom, in line with its Vision 2030. Saudia Group’s recent rebrand and ambitious digital transformation reinforces its commitment to its goals as the Kingdom’s ‘Wings of 2030’, bringing …