Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Shop Qatar 2025 is set to run from 1 January to 1 February 2025. The month-long festival will feature 20 participating malls and shopping destinations, including Place Vendôme and Doha Festival City, each promising unbeatable discounts, family-friendly entertainment, exciting competitions, and incredible raffle prizes. Building on the success of previous editions, Shop Qatar 2025 promises an action-packed lineup of experiences, with exclusive offers across luxury, high-street, and local retailers. Adding to the excitement, back with its 21st edition, the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2025 promises to dazzle attendees with its exclusive showcase of luxury and artistry. Beyond the exquisite collections on display, the event offers a rich tapestry of experiences, including live demonstrations by master craftsmen, exclusive launches of limited-edition pieces, attendance of global celebrities and influencers, alongside interactive sessions with global industry leaders. Shop Qatar 2025 will commence on 1 January at Place Vendôme with a performance by Lebanese singer Abeer Nehme, vibrant parades, and influencer appearances. The festival will conclude on 1 February at Doha Festival City with the final raffle draw. Weekly raffles at prominent venues will offer extraordinary prizes, including cash rewards ranging from QAR 10,000 to QAR 100,000, and the grand prize of a Tesla Cybertruck, with participation open to shoppers spending QAR 200 at any participating venue. Visitors can also enjoy a dynamic entertainment schedule, such as the Barbie Dreamhouse, Mr. Bean, and Miraculous, as well as roaming parades and interactive games, ensuring memorable experiences for all ages. Qatar Calendar’s January edition features over 40 captivating events designed to appeal to regional audiences, making Qatar a vibrant destination to start the new year. Heritage enthusiasts can explore the Qatar International Falconry and Hunting …

Qatar Tourism announced a new milestone with the number of international visitors to the State of Qatar exceeding five million in 2024, reflecting a growth of 25% compared to 2023, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading global tourism destination. H.E. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism, said: “The number of visitors exceeding five million is a landmark achievement for the State of Qatar and is an embodiment of Qatar Tourism’s vision of establishing Qatar as one of the world’s leading family tourism destinations. The 25% year-on-year growth, coupled with exceptional sales of nearly10 million hotel nights, is a testament to the effectiveness of the strategy and the efforts of partners. This achievement is not just a celebration of what has been achieved, but also a foundation for future growth, as we continue to provide exceptional experiences and services in all tourist destinations to every visitor.” “Between 2022 and 2030, we aim to almost triple the number of visitors, at least double tourism spending within destinations, and increase the contribution of the tourism sector to GDP to between 10 to 12%.” GCC nationals accounted for 41% of visitors in 2024, with the remaining 59% coming from other international markets. Major markets, including Saudi Arabia, India, the UK, Germany and the USA, have shown significant growth, reflecting Qatar’s diverse appeal. In addition to exceeding the target of 4.79 million visitors, Qatar exceeded its annual target of 8.8 million hotel nights, and has so far recorded nearly 10 million hotel nights sold this year. To date, 56% of visitors have arrived by air, 37% by land, and the remaining 7% by sea. In addition, Qatar’s hospitality sector has grown significantly, …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development has announced the selection of two unique tourism experiences as part of the “Tourism Experiences Training Program” in Ajman. The initiative was launched by the department to enrich the Emirate’s tourism content, support the participation of Emirati talents in the tourism sector, and align with sustainable goals, digital innovation, and the advancement of social and economic development. As part of this initiative, the department has selected the tourism experiences created by Abdullah Al Ali and Mariam Al Hamrani. These experiences are focused on showcasing the hidden gems of Masfout, with the goal of empowering the local community, highlighting the Emirate’s tourist destinations, and enhancing its role in the national tourism sector. Both Abdullah Al Ali and Mariam Al Hamrani are committed to offering fresh, impactful tourism ideas that promote cultural exploration, personal growth, and local engagement, positioning Ajman as a key player in the tourism landscape. In this regard, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development stated: “Through the training programs and tourism initiatives we offer, we aim to motivate the younger generation, engage them in the country’s tourism sector, and invest in local human talents and abilities. This contributes to creating new and innovative job opportunities for them, while instilling a more youthful and dynamic spirit filled with creativity and passion. The tourism experience training program in Ajman is a clear testament to our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening the tourism sector in the Emirate.” For her part, Khadija Mohammed Turki, Tourism Marketing and Promotion Expert at the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, said: “We are pleased to announce the two tourism experiences selected as part …

UN Tourism has recognized the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi (DCT-Abu Dhabi) for its excellence in destination management. Abu Dhabi becomes the sixth Destination Management Organization (DMO) in the world and the first in the Middle East region to receive the UN Tourism QUEST certification, testament to its ongoing dedication to excellence in governance and commitment to sustainability. DCT-Abu Dhabi scored exceptionally high in the three areas of assessment of the certification after receiving 120 hours of capacity building sessions delivered by UN Tourism Academy, which included courses on: Sustainable Tourism; Governance for Sustainable Tourism; Quality and Competitiveness; and Sustainable Tourism Practices for Destination Management. These courses were complemented with eight one-to-one training sessions for DCT–Abu Dhabi officials to advance their understanding of UN Tourism QUEST assessment criteria and indicators. The QUEST certification is an example of UN Tourism’s leading work in the field of tourism standards to improve destination management and governance and highlights the importance and success of public-private-community partnerships, as well as horizontal and vertical cooperation in institutional governance. The Certification is valid for four years with the possibility of renewal.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IHG Hotels & Resorts to further enhance the destination’s offerings and visitor experience. The agreement encompasses joint marketing initiatives, training programmes for hospitality professionals, and the creation of new tourism experiences. Establishing a framework for further collaboration and alignment between the two entities, the agreement will see DET and IHG Hotels & Resorts work together on marketing and promotional campaigns, while the hotel group will also actively highlight Dubai as a premier tourist destination through its own marketing channels and social media platforms. In addition, the two entities will collaborate to create and enhance tourism products that showcase Dubai’s unique attractions, including cultural heritage tours and seasonal offers, which will be integrated into special packages that cater to different markets. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts. It highlights DET’s ongoing commitment to working with regional and global hospitality brands to foster innovation and industry excellence, and is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Through the MoU, employees at IHG Hotels & Resorts will be able to participate in training courses, offered by DET’s Dubai College of Tourism, and hotel staff will also have access to relevant resources and experts. These encompass specialised training sessions, workshops, and certification programmes, designed to equip employees with the latest industry knowledge and best practices. Another major focus …

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) recently hosted its second Discover Jamaica Webinar, captivating over 200 travel trade professionals from the GCC region. Building on the success of its inaugural session, this webinar showcased Jamaica’s unique appeal as a must-visit destination, highlighting its renowned all-inclusive resorts, luxury accommodations, top attractions, annual events, and delectable gastronomy. The session was presented by the JTB’s GCC Trade Representative Office, Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East, with insights from Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager of the JTB. A special feature of this webinar was the participation of Karisma Hotels and Resorts, whose representative spotlighted their signature all-inclusive experiences, emphasizing their world-class luxury offerings. “Expanding our reach in the GCC market is a critical part of Jamaica’s global tourism strategy,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board. “By equipping travel professionals with in-depth knowledge about Jamaica’s premium offerings, we’re fostering partnerships that will drive visitor growth, promote cultural exchange, and position our island as a preferred destination for high-value travelers from the region.” “This series webinar is another step in our journey to firmly establish Jamaica as an emerging travel destination for the GCC market,” said Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager of the Jamaica Tourist Board. “By showcasing our unmatched all-inclusive resorts, signature properties and services, luxury experiences, vibrant culture, and unique attractions, we aim to empower our travel trade partners with the knowledge and tools to inspire their clients to explore the beauty and charm of our island.” Attendees also had the chance to deepen their understanding of Jamaica’s allure, from luxurious resorts to cultural and adventure-filled activities like Dunn’s River Falls and Jamaican gastronomy. The event concluded with a much-anticipated raffle sponsored …

In a significant step towards fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurship in Oman’s tourism sector, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) is launching the first edition of its Hackathon, taking place currently until 21 December 2024, the event brought together developers, designers, and young entrepreneurs to develop creative solutions addressing challenges in the tourism sector and other key areas, including energy, environment, logistics and other sectors. The hackathon will be held in strategic partnership with the Oman Across Ages Museum and Al Dakhliya Governorate. It will also collaborate with several Oman Investment Authority entities and be executed by Al Jabr, a regional leader in startup development and institutional innovation in the MENA region. The OMRAN Hackathon serves as a dynamic platform for technological and creative talent to collaborate in a competitive environment, crafting innovative ideas in fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, health, and environmental sustainability. Participants will work to transform these ideas into prototypes or actionable projects. The event launch will be celebrated on the 14th of December at the Oman Across Ages Museum. This will be followed by an innovation sprint at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar on 19 and 20 December, featuring two days of intensive brainstorming and mentorship. The Hackathon concludes with a ceremony on 21 December, also at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort, where teams will present their final projects to a panel of esteemed judges and compete for recognition and prizes. Developers, designers, university students specialising in technology, tourism, and business, as well as entrepreneurs from the tourism and technology sectors, are encouraged to participate. Out of over 100 registered teams, only 30 will be selected, ensuring a showcase of the …

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the growth rate of international tourist arrivals with over 61% in the first eight to nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, according to a press release issued by UN Tourism in December 2024. Through the Ministry of Tourism’s plans and strategies, this consistent performance and continued success in the tourism sector underlines the efforts of all stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem aimed at achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The significant increase in the number of inbound tourists also reflects travelers’ confidence in the Kingdom’s attractive and diverse tourism offering, thereby enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a leading global tourist destination. Earlier, Saudi Arabia had advanced 15 positions in the global ranking of inbound tourist spending, leading the upward movement among the top 50 countries and ranking 12th globally in 2023 compared to 2019. Additionally, the Kingdom led the G20 countries in the growth of international tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019.

December marks the arrival of the festive season, where traditions, celebrations, and shared joy shape the essence of destinations worldwide. While some cherish the warmth of home, others are drawn to the allure of exploring new cultures and vibrant holiday experiences. Jamaica emerges as the ultimate destination for those seeking a tropical twist to their festive celebrations. Renowned for its lively spirit, exquisite cuisine, unparalleled hospitality, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking natural beauty, the island promises a delightful escape. As holiday events light up the country, celebrate the merry season with lively beachfront parties pulsing with island beats or with soulful gospel concerts and heartwarming church services that highlight the island’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. For families, activities like Christmas light displays and carol singing infused with reggae rhythms create magical moments to cherish. Tourists can also attend midnight mass services across the island to experience the spiritual warmth of the season. Boxing Day Celebrations include cricket matches, family gatherings, and outdoor concerts. Christmas markets and fairs are a great avenue to experience the local culture and connect with the people of Jamaica. December also heralds the much-anticipated 2025 Kingston Biennial, hosted by the National Gallery of Jamaica—the Caribbean’s largest and oldest public art museum. This prestigious event highlights leading artistic talent from Jamaica and the broader region, celebrating the vibrant creative heritage of the island. No Jamaican Christmas is complete without indulging in the island’s culinary delights. Guests can savor dishes like curried goat, roasted breadfruit, Gungo rice and peas, and escovitch fish, paired with Christmas favorites like rich Jamaican Christmas Cake soaked in a mix of spices and the refreshing sorrel drink – a hibiscus-infused beverage spiced with …

Visit Qatar is launching a first-of-its-kind desert activation at Ras Abrouq, a new premium destination set to run from 18th December until 18th January that caters to the entire family, offering adventure, relaxation and cultural enrichment. Situated on the edge of the UNESCO-protected Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve in north-west Qatar, these activations present a new desert experience for visitors and residents alike. The Visit Qatar activation at Ras Abrouq offers a collection of immersive zones. Families can enjoy a harmonious blend of adventure and tranquillity, complemented by premium offerings that are accessible at affordable prices. Highlights include Our Habitas Resort, The Desert Escape, Film City, Wildlife Park, and the Glamping Zone. Ahmed Hamad Al Binali, the Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, said, “At Visit Qatar, our goal is to diversify our offering ensuring that every visitor, regardless of age, can enjoy a range of interactive and engaging experiences. From entertaining activities at the Film City zone, to the excitement of the Desert Escape with hot air balloon rides and a wide range of activations, every element is tailored to offer something for everyone.” He added, “We’ve also incorporated cultural installations, live performances, and educational workshops and daily camel parades enabling families to connect with Qatar’s heritage while immersing themselves in its desert landscapes. This activation reflects our commitment to offering premium experiences that create unforgettable memories for families.” The Film City zone will offer a variety of family-oriented activities, including a coffee shop, a gift shop, and an exhibition in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife park rides, camel, pony, and horse rides, as well as a unique photo activation. …