Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AM & RS Holdings. The primary objective of this partnership is to bolster tourism and cultural promotion in the Emirate of Ajman, thereby attracting more visitors to this unique destination. The momentous agreement was officially inked during WTM. This collaborative effort aims to elevate Ajman’s tourism and cultural appeal in the United Kingdom by exchanging knowledge and modern technologies. Both parties are committed to providing advisory services and mutual support to ensure the successful realization of the MoU’s objectives. A key facet of this agreement entails the establishment of a visually striking office in St. Anne’s Square, a prominent location in the city of Manchester, known for its high footfall. This strategic move will help orient visitors towards Ajman. Under the terms of the agreement, the Ajman Department of Tourism Development will engage in discussions with hotels and relevant stakeholders in Ajman in partnership with AM & RS Holdings to offer exclusive rates to visitors, enhancing their overall tourism experience. Close collaboration between the two entities will extend to mutual media and advertising promotions of upcoming activities and events, to showcase the beauty of Ajman and introduce the UK public to the rich culture and history of the emirate. His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, expressed his interest in this collaboration, emphasizing its significant positive impact on Ajman’s tourism efforts. He stated, “The signing of this memorandum underscores our commitment to bolstering Ajman’s reputation as a distinctive tourist destination. This partnership will play a pivotal role in achieving our goal by leveraging AM & RS Holding Company’s experience …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) officially sealed a significant partnership with Karisma Hotels and Resorts at the World Travel Market in London 2023. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a testament to their joint commitment to attracting investment opportunities that will boost tourism not only in Ajman but also in the broader United Arab Emirates. The agreement reflects their mutual desire to support, develop, and strengthen their collaborative efforts within a defined institutional framework, respecting the unique roles and responsibilities of each party and aligned with their shared goals. Both parties are determined to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences to harmonize their visions for the future. Under the terms of this MoU, the two entities will collaborate on the assessment of tourism and hotel projects in the Emirate of Ajman. Their primary focus will be on the development of comprehensive five-star resorts and hotels in Ajman, along with entertainment ventures and similar initiatives. His Excellency H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, expressed his optimism about this pivotal partnership, stating, “This strategic alliance with Karisma Hotels and Resorts marks a significant milestone in our journey to promote tourism in Ajman. Through this agreement, we aim to foster investment opportunities and emphasize the establishment of top-notch integrated resorts, ultimately enhancing Ajman’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. We firmly believe that this collaboration will lay the foundation for sustained growth and success in Ajman’s tourism sector.” Mr. Nemanja Kostic, CEO of Karisma Hotels and Resorts, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to embark on this journey alongside the Ajman Department of Tourism Development. Karisma Hotels and Resorts have a proven …

Tourism Malaysia showcased its remarkable achievements in leveraging data to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and redefine the tourism landscape at the ForwardKeys event during the World Travel Market 2023. Speaking at the event, Mr. Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, Senior Director of AERO at Tourism Malaysia, emphasised the pivotal role of data in charting the course for Malaysia’s tourism revival. “Data has been our guiding light during these challenging times,” he said. “It has been instrumental in not only assessing the readiness for the reopening of tourism but also in shaping our marketing strategies in response to evolving traveller preferences.” Key Messages: Pandemic Recovery through Data: Mr. Yusof highlighted how data-driven insights were crucial in determining the readiness to reopen tourism activities after the Movement Control Order (MCO). Surveys involving the domestic population provided valuable information that shaped guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The surveys revealed a high demand for domestic travel, leading to the staged reopening of tourism activities. For international markets, surveys with overseas tourism stakeholders informed the establishment of travel bubbles and the eventual reopening of international borders on April 1, 2022.   Data-Driven Marketing: The data collected during the pandemic became the cornerstone of Tourism Malaysia’s marketing efforts. It played a pivotal role in developing new marketing narratives for both domestic and international markets. This data was also instrumental in redefining services and product offerings within the tourism sector.   Identifying New Markets: Mr. Yusof underscored the importance of data partnerships with various government agencies and organisations, such as the Department of Statistics, Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM), Immigration, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economics (KE), academic institutions, and international bodies. This collaboration …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collectively initiate and pursue cross-destination tourism promotion and marketing initiatives between the Musandam Governorate, Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The agreement was signed in London at WTM, between Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, Chief Executive Officer of OMRAN Group during a signing ceremony held at the World Travel Market, one of the most influential annual global exhibitions on travel and tourism. The MoU provides an official platform for both parties to cooperate on initiatives aimed at attracting more international visitors while positioning Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam as leading global tourism destinations in the Middle East. The agreement will see leaders of both organisations work together to create opportunities for travellers to visit both destinations, Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam, in a single trip. The partnership between the destinations is a natural fit, with just a 90-minute drive between them and a shared mountain range, the majestic Hajar mountains, among a wealth of other shared natural landscapes. Furthermore, their intertwined cultural heritage and historical connections only serve to enrich and strengthen this unique collaboration. To this end, the MoU sets forth a framework for greater collaboration and dialogue on marketing initiatives to promote cross-destination tourism. This includes facilitating ease of access in transportation between Musandam and Ras Al Khaimah, developing favourable visa arrangements for international travellers to visit both destinations and initiating tourism packages, adventure offerings and partnership opportunities. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism …

“Visit Saint Petersburg!” conducted a special roadshow showcasing its many offerings to the travel trade in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The two days included B2B meetings, presentation, classical music and Anna Pavlova dessert masterclass – all that was in the roadshow organized by the Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg and the City Tourist Information Bureau in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, bringing 12 representatives of the travel sector – Pulkovo Airport, DMCs, hotels, Vodokhod river cruise company and Faberge museum – to present their programs and establish direct contacts with the local colleagues. In UAE’s capital city of Abu Dhabi, more than 65 representatives of local travel sector took part in the presentation of the first day of the road show and over 120 participants attended from Dubai from the region’s tourism industry, covering a wide variety of issues from the Russian recent e-visa program to the presentations of St. Petersburg major travel players. The representatives of the tourist business of the region got acquainted with the novelties of St. Petersburg, classic programs, the new tourist geography of the city on the Neva river. Road show visitors learned about the historical sights of St. Petersburg, architectural masterpieces, the event calendar, educational and religious routes, and much more. Particular attention was paid to the organization of direct flights to the northern capital. The presentation attracted the attention of representatives of tour operators and professional associations, airlines, organizers of MICE events and specialized media from the Middle East. The road show has become part of a holistic information campaign of the city’s Tourism authorities, which also included presence at travel exhibitions, running a Visit Petersburg representative office in Dubai and other …

Diriyah Season is set to open in December, with a captivating array of events and experiences designed to bring to life the living heritage of Diriyah – ’The City of Earth’, and the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Spread across several areas of Diriyah including the parks, wadis, iconic sites of UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace, the fine dining destination, the 2023/24 Season will offer visitors an unrivalled authentic experience that combines arts and culture, live performance, and experiential experiences to showcase nearly six hundred years of history and heritage in a compelling and entertaining way. The Season aims to entertain visitors’ cultural curiosity by curating a unique three-month calendar of events offering something for everyone. These include live musical and theatrical performances, the highly anticipated Diriyah E-Prix championship organized by the Ministry of Sport, an expanded and engaging return of ‘Layali Diriyah’, immersive art installations and exhibitions, stellar culinary experiences, and outdoor activities such as horseback riding, camping, and stargazing. This year’s theme honors Diriyah’s origin story and celebrates Al Awja, indicative of the people of the bend (Wadi Hanifah) and a rallying call for all Saudis to come together and celebrate their shared culture and identity. While Diriyah is a vital source of Saudi cultural identity and national pride, it also stands at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s plans for its future as a unique cultural capital. Centered around the birthplace of The First Saudi State, it is a city built with people at its heart; a place where people from all walks of life come together and experience the unique Saudi way of life. As such, this Season will offer a unique …

A coalition of 18 government and private entities in collaboration with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is participating at WTM from 6th to 8th November 2023. The focus is to showcase the emirate’s noteworthy accomplishments in aligning tourism sector growth with the preservation of environmental, heritage, and cultural values—an essential component of its sustainable tourism diversification strategy. Throughout its participation, the emirate will shine a spotlight on a diverse array of exceptional experiences and destinations, encompassing environmental, desert, heritage, cultural, recreational, adventure, and sports tourism. Sharjah is distinguished by its unique environmental diversity, spanning from the desert to the islands, including landmarks such as the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, Mleiha Archaeological and Ecotourism Project, Buhais Geology Park, Sharjah Safari, and natural reserves like the Wasit Wetland Centre and Al Qurm Nature Reserve. The emirate has been steadfast in its growth. In 2022, Sharjah’s hotels welcomed over 1.4 million guests, and this year has seen a substantial increase in guest numbers. Between January and September 2023, the emirate received more than 1.1 million guests, marking an impressive 18% increase over the same period in 2022. Strong public-private synergies creating a more sustainable sector This year, several prominent institutions and entities are participating in collaboration with SCTDA, including Sharjah International Airport Authority, Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Museums Authority, Sharjah Institute of Heritage, as well as Sharjah Asset Management, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, Expo Centre Sharjah, Sharjah Sports Council, and Sharjah Old Cars Club. From the private sector, participating entities in collaboration with SCTDA include Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), Sharjah National Hotels, The Chedi Al Bait Hotel, Sharjah, Coral Beach Resort, …

VisitBritain and the UK Government Home Office will conduct a special webinar on Monday 13th November at 12noon (UAE time) titled, “Visit Britain with the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)”to learn more about the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which will replace the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) in Qatar from October 2023 and throughout the GCC in February 2024. 2023 has been a huge year for Britain with the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, Liverpool hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, London’s luxury hotel boom and a year-round calendar bursting with festivals and events. 2024 is set to be another GREAT year in Britain – from innovative cutting-edge entertainment venues and world-class sporting events to wellness retreats and luxury hotels, there’s never been a more exciting time to discover Britain’s vibrant cities and lush. countryside. Travelling to the UK is set to be even easier and more affordable for GCC nationals, with the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. Launching for Qatari nationals in October 2023, followed by nationals of all other GCC nations and Jordan in February 2024, the new ETA will open up boundless opportunities for travellers. For a nominal fee of only £10 per applicant, the ETA grants multiple entries to the UK over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever comes first. The application process is simple ensuring a seamless experience, with most applicants expected a response within days or even sooner.

The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) successfully concluded its five-day GCC roadshow at the German Ambassador’s residence in Abu Dhabi, marking the end of a productive journey across the region. The purpose of the roadshow was to foster relationships and gain insights with local tourism professionals and media partners in the Gulf. Starting on October 29 at the private residence of the German Consul General, Her Excellency Dr Eltje Aderhold, in Jeddah, it was followed by a visit to Riyadh and the private residence of the German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Michael Kindsgrab. The roadshow then moved to Kuwait City at the private residence of the German Ambassador, His Excellency Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz, followed by a stop in Doha in the presence of the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Doha, Mr. Thomas Triller. The roadshow concluded its journey November 2 at the residence of the German Ambassador, His Excellency Alexander Schönfelder, in Abu Dhabi. Yamina Sofo, Director of Marketing & Sales Office Gulf Countries at the GNTO, expressed her enthusiasm about the roadshow’s impact: “The GCC roadshow was an incredible experience for us. It enabled us to expand our network and explore promising opportunities in these major cities. We not only raised awareness about Germany among the local travel trade, but also diversified our campaign offerings, sharing valuable knowledge with market experts.” During the roadshow, Munich Tourism, as one of the attending partners, highlighted its hospitality offerings for GCC travellers, emphasising amenities such as Arabic-speaking staff and Khaleeji chefs during the summer season. It showcased the upcoming events such as UEFA Euro 2024 taking place in 10 German Cities 14 June – 14 …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has partnered with the Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This significant partnership will initiate the launch of extracurricular programmes and activities specifically designed for 10th and 11th grade students as a part of the Group’s #IAmTourism Strategy. This groundbreaking agreement enables GTTP to offer an extensive curriculum of educational content in the field of travel and tourism through its e-learning platform, spanning a three-year period. The pilot phase is set to benefit over 100 students from select schools across the Sultanate of Oman. Furthermore, a team of career guidance experts will receive training on leveraging the platform to provide an immersive and fruitful learning journey for aspiring tourism professionals. The MoU was inked by Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, and Michel Taride, Chair of GTTP Advisory Board. The ceremony was graced by HE Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Chairman of OMRAN Group, along with officials from the Ministry of Education. Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in shaping national competencies that will underpin the growth of our vital tourism sector. It is perfectly aligned with our National Tourism Strategy, which places a strong emphasis on tourism education and training to bolster Oman’s standing in the competitive global tourism landscape.” Echoing his sentiments, Ms. Anne Lotter, CEO of the Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP), remarked, “Our alliance with OMRAN Group is a testament to our commitment to cultivating a deeper understanding of Oman’s rich tourism offerings. Through our specialized programs, we aim to carve out new professional …