Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Qatar Tourism is leading a Qatari delegation of ten partners from the hospitality sector at the thirteenth edition of the Riyadh Travel Fair, which will be held from May 22 to 24 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This participation follows the great success of Qatar’s tourism sector during the first quarter of this year by attracting more than one million international visitors. Visitors from Saudi Arabia topped the rankings, reaching The total number of visitors to the Kingdom was 892,000 in the first quarter of the year, most of whom came to Qatar through the Abu Samra land crossing. The 96 square metre Qatar Tourism Pavilion will highlight the tremendous development of the destination’s infrastructure and the latest developments in the hospitality sector, offering visitors to Qatar a unique blend of authentic cultural heritage, modernity and sophistication. Qatar Tourism’s participation in the exhibition reflects its interest in the travel market in Saudi Arabia, and is its second participation in tourism exhibitions held in the Kingdom this year. Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Director of Shared Services at Qatar Tourism, said: “We are delighted to participate in Riyadh Travel and promote Qatar as a world-class tourist destination located next to our Saudi brothers. The Saudi market is one of our key priority markets according to our long-term tourism strategy. We continue to receive large numbers of visitors from the Kingdom, especially on national occasions and holidays. “During our participation in the next edition of the exhibition, we aim to inform experts and leaders of the tourism industry on the magnitude of the tremendous developments taking place in the tourism sector in Qatar, in addition to …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted a series of events in major cities across the GCC including Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman to launch the highly anticipated SeaWorld, Yas island, Abu Dhabi, and Experience Abu Dhabi’s ‘One Summer Isn’t Enough’ offering, in partnership with 20 key stakeholders including hotels, city attractions, and agencies. The roadshow provided GCC travel trade professionals with the opportunity to learn more about the various attractions and experiences that Abu Dhabi has to offer as well as the emirate’s new promotions and travel products. Highlights included SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the latest addition to Abu Dhabi’s tourism landscape, which promises to offer an unparalleled experience to visitors when it opens on 23 May. Abdulla Yousef, Director of Travel Trade and Market Development at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “This GCC roadshow will be an effective tool for promoting the new, highly anticipated SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, as well as Abu Dhabi’s exciting summer season offers, providing an ideal opportunity to showcase our family-friendly offerings and luxury experiences to families and visitors from across the GCC. With the Kids Go Free and Stay More, Pay Less offers, and with our location just a short flight away, we are confident that the emirate will be recognised as a top destination for families and friends looking to create memorable summer vacation experiences. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Abu Dhabi and showcasing all that our vibrant city has to offer.” Located on the emirate’s entertainment hub Yas Island, alongside popular attractions Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, this state-of-the-art theme …

Safarak Travel & Tourism is proud to announce its expanded service offering to become a leading Destination Management Company (DMC) based in Ras Al Khaimah. With a team of renowned travel industry experts, Safarak now offers an extensive range of travel services for both inbound and outbound travellers, catering to diverse travel preferences and interests. A proud member of RAK Hospitality Holding, a Ras Al Khaimah Government company that manages a diverse portfolio of hotels, hospitality, and leisure assets in the Emirate, Safarak enjoys unmatched credibility and repute in the travel and tourism industry. Having witnessed visitor numbers to Ras Al Khaimah exceed pre-pandemic levels, with more than 1.13 million overnight arrivals recorded in 2022, Safarak has expanded its service offerings to meet the surge in demand for travel and hospitality services in the Emirate. A premier excursion, transport and DMC, Safarak now offers complete travel solutions including tailor-made packages encompassing hotels, flights, tours, activities, transfers, and package modules. Catering to a wide range of travellers including travel enthusiasts, families and day-trippers, as well as MICE, corporate trips and wedding parties, Safarak is the only DMC in RAK that offers 24/7 client support hotline so that customers can travel at ease knowing that their team of experts are available every step of the journey. Cathy Mead, General Manager of Safarak said: “At Safarak, we believe that travel should be an unforgettable experience, and our team of travel experts take pride in curating tailor-made premier experiences that meet the ever-changing needs of today’s business and leisure travellers both within the UAE and beyond. We understand the unique requirements of busy professionals, and our commitment to providing flexible and comprehensive travel solutions …

Akbar Travels announced its collaboration with Saudi Tourism Authority recently, which will unlock many new experiences in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Speaking with tourism breaking news, Ashiya Nazar Director GCC Akbar Travels shared, “Akbar Travels is delighted to announce a game-changing marketing collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority. Together, we are set to unlock extraordinary travel experiences, showcasing the wonders of Saudi Arabia to the world. Get ready to embark on a journey like no other and discover the captivating charm of Saudi Arabia!”  

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has signed another partnership agreement with Almosafer, Saudi Arabia’s leading travel company (part of Seera Group) to boost inbound tourism to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its multiple business operating under the Almosafer umbrella. Under the agreement, Almosafer will promote inbound tourism to the Kingdom from the GCC through its consumer segment. Almosafer will also promote inbound tourism to its B2B customers in the Middle East and North Africa region through Mawasim, its Hajj and Umrah tour operator, and through Discover Saudi, its destination management company. The agreement was signed by Fahad Alobailan, Chief Tourism Officer at Almosafer, and Munirah Abanomy, Head of Marketing Partnerships for Middle East & Africa at the Saudi Tourism Authority, at the Saudi Pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market. Fahad Alobailan, Chief Tourism Officer at Almosafer, said: “We continue to build on our longstanding relationship with the STA, working together to achieve the goals of Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia has a plethora of incredible cultural, natural, historical and religious attractions that are drawing in an increasing number of international tourists. We have seen a significant increase in demand for inbound tourism to the Kingdom and we will continue our role in enabling this continued growth.” Commenting on this agreement, Abdulkarim Aldarwish, President of the Middle East & Africa Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “The Saudi Tourism Authority is keen to conclude fruitful agreements and strategic partnerships with major travel companies in the Kingdom. We look forward to achieving our common strategic goals and working to empower and advance business growth for our partners in the private tourism sector in the Kingdom. Through the agreement with Almosafer, we …

IHG® Hotels & Resorts signed a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with Tashyid for Hotel Operations, which will see the development of 12 hotels and 2,500 keys under the Holiday Inn Express brand across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With Ministry of Tourism encouraging such investments in the Kingdom, the signing took place in the presence Mr. Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister for Destination Enablement. The agreement will allow IHG to expand and diversify its mainstream offering across Saudi Arabia, in line with the demand being created by initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030. As a world-renowned brand, Holiday Inn Express champions simple, smart travel by providing a launch pad for guests to make their connection and is highly suitable and well-positioned for new-age smart travellers visiting Saudi Arabia across business, leisure, and meetings segments, including Saudi’s biggest and growing demographic of millennials and Generation Z travellers. As part of the agreement, IHG has also signed the first Holiday Inn Express hotel with Tashyid for Hotels Operations Limited which will debut the brand in Jeddah by June 2025. Marking a key milestone for the brand in the Kingdom, the 300-room hotel will be located on Al Madinah Road, one of the busiest areas in the city. Providing a best-in-class experience, guest rooms at Holiday Inn Express Jeddah will feature amenities such as high-speed WiFi, smart TVs, premium bedding, and pillow options to ensure guests have a restful stay. The hotel will also offer signature complimentary ‘Express Start Breakfast’, speedy check-in, and power showers to ensure guests are recharged for the day. Known for its success in the upper-midscale segment and understanding of the ‘Next Gen Smart traveller’, Holiday Inn Express hotels in Saudi …

Cozmo Travel signed a co-op agreement with the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB).  The partnership aims to promote Jordan as a top summer destination for GCC tourists through a targeted marketing campaign. The Co-op Agreement signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both Cozmo Travel and the JTB, and marks a significant milestone in the two entities’ collaboration. As part of the agreement, Cozmo Travel will spearhead a summer marketing campaign across the GCC to promote Jordan’s rich history, culture, and scenic beauty to potential tourists in the region. The campaign will utilize a range of marketing channels, including social media, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising, to showcase the best of Jordan’s tourism offerings to audiences across the GCC. It is expected to attract a significant number of tourists to Jordan during the summer season and contribute to the growth of the country’s tourism industry. Speaking on the occasion, Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO of Cozmo Travel, said, “We are delighted to sign this Co-op Agreement with the Jordan Tourism Board, which will allow us to showcase the beauty and diversity of Jordan to a wider audience across the GCC. We believe that this partnership will open new avenues of growth and opportunity for both our companies and contribute to the continued development of the tourism industry in Jordan.” On his part, Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Cozmo Travel on this summer marketing campaign, which will enable us to reach out to more potential tourists in the GCC and encourage them to explore the unique experiences that Jordan has to offer. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and …

Musafir.com has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU). The agreement, which aims to promote the destination to tourists from the UAE to AlUla between Melanie De Souza, Executive Director, Destination Marketing at RCU and Sachin Gadoya, CEO and Co-Founder of musafir.com. Speaking about AlUla and the partnership with RCU, Gadoya said, “AlUla, the World’s Masterpiece, is one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula with massive tourism potential. The fact that it received close to 185,000 visitors in 2022 speaks volumes about the level of interest among tourists to explore this unique destination and its UNESCO World Heritage site. With Musafir.com’s expertise in travel planning and the Royal Commission for AlUla’s commitment to preserving the region’s heritage, this partnership promises to offer visitors a truly authentic experience of Saudi Arabia’s fascinating history and culture.” Sachin added, “AlUla is ready to receive up to 250,000 visitors in 2023, the majority of which will come from neighbouring nations. As part of the agreement, musafir.com will promote holiday packages to AlUla with the objective of growing the profile of AlUla as a destination. Musafir.com will collaborate on various promotional and marketing initiatives to increase tourist arrivals.” Melanie De Souza, Executive Director, Destination Marketing at RCU, said, “AlUla is a truly unique destination, representing over 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history and 7000 years of continuous human civilisation. From Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site to the ancient oasis and AlUla Old Town, recently recognised by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages, to a vibrant arts and culture scene, world-class culinary experiences and a …

In an effort to launch joint activation campaigns, offer appealing deals, and design captivating experiences to showcase Saudi Arabia as a top tourism destination worldwide and in the region, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership will involve the sharing of insights, ideas, and experiences. The MoU falls in line with the hotel chain’s endeavours to collaborate with the Saudi tourism entity to achieve mutual goals and support efforts aimed at establishing Saudi Arabia as a premier destination in the region. “The Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is delighted to conclude such an agreement with STA’s Middle East and Africa Business sector, with the hopes of forming a prosperous collaboration to promote Saudi tourism, lure tourists from nearby markets, and offer a tourism experience that rises up to what the Kingdom’s guests expect from the leading, globally renowned hospitality brand, the Four Seasons Hotel” said Swen Ehlender, Director of Marketing for Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. “This agreement emphasizes once more STA’s keenness to sign partnerships with leading companies and global hotel chains to attract tourists from markets in the region and fulfil the aspirations of visitors who come seeking the world’s finest hotels,” said Abdulkarim Aldarwish, STA’s President of Middle East & Africa Markets. The MoU was signed at Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 held in Dubai by Swen Ehlender, Director of Marketing for Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, and Munirah Abanomy, Head of Marketing Partnership for Middle East and Africa.  

The Qatar Tourism China Roadshow 2023 was successfully held across four major cities in China including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing. During the travel-trade roadshow, Qatar Tourism introduced Qatar’s rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructures, as well as the country’s tourism and hospitality offerings to over 200 industry professionals including online travel agencies (OTAs), local tour operators and trade media. In partnership with Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism led a strong delegation at the roadshow that included WeChat Pay, Alipay, five Doha hotels, three destination management companies (DMCs) and three official associations in Qatar. The strong delegation helped to position Qatar as an appealing destination for the contemporary Chinese consumer and showcased both diversified and high-quality tourism products. China represents an important source market with many of its travellers looking for a destination that caters to a luxury city break. Last year, Qatar Tourism’s China Representative Office hosted 31 seminars and trainings for travel trade stakeholders, supporting 524 participants to obtain their Qatar specialist certificate, and made hundreds of sales calls across the mainland. Moreover, 400 million Chinese television viewers were reached after exciting collaborations with CCTV and Migu led to the production of “Meet Qatar” and “Boiling Qatar” during the FIFA World Cup 2022™.