Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Ras Al Khaimah was awarded Silver Certification under EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations program – the world’s leading scientific benchmarking and certification program for tourism destinations. The emirate is the first destination in the Middle East to earn this level of recognition for sustainability. The certification process is underpinned by EarthCheck’s in-depth scientific criteria and also involves meticulous monitoring, benchmarking, and auditing across 10 sustainability indicators – from energy and water consumption to waste management, carbon footprint analysis and community engagement. Ras Al Khaimah’s sustainability certification is all the more significant considering the challenges posed by the region’s climate, calling for a more robust approach to managing energy and water consumption than most in order to meet EarthCheck’s stringent requirements. The Silver Certification comes just weeks out from the United Nations’ climate change conference COP28, being held in the UAE in late November. The conference agenda this year will focus on achieving the global emissions reduction target of 43% by 2030. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) Chief Executive Officer, Raki Phillips, said that achieving EarthCheck’s Silver Certification reinforced Ras Al Khaimah’s ambition to become the UAE’s and the region’s sustainable tourism leader by 2025. “This landmark achievement amplifies our commitment to sustainable, balanced, and purpose-driven tourism industry growth,” Phillips said. “My gratitude goes out to our tourism community for their relentless dedication to achieving EarthCheck’s Silver Certification, which not only substantiates Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to sustainable tourism but also aligns with our ambitious goal of welcoming over three million visitors by 2030.” EarthCheck founder and Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Moore, said Ras Al Khaimah’s Silver status would bolster and enhance its tourism industry and its business operators locally. “Congratulations …

As part of its successful ‘Hospitality Qatar’ programme, the country’s first national tourism training programme, Qatar Tourism has launched a new ‘Beach Expert’ training course, which aims to provide beachfarers who come directly to visitors with the expertise needed to visit Qatar’s growing beaches, desert camps, hotels and resorts with beach views and open beaches that are frequented by many in Doha and beyond. The course, which allows applicants to choose the times that suit them, is available in Arabic and English and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate from Qatar Tourism stating that they have acquired the necessary knowledge and experience regarding the latest information about Qatar’s pristine beaches. Commenting on the new Beach Expert course, Ms. Moza Al Maadadi from Qatar Tourism said : “Qatar has beautiful coastlines and crystal clear waters that are admired by residents and many of our international visitors. The Beach Expert course is an opportunity to highlight the refreshing atmosphere that Qatar offers to its visitors, such as the bright sun, clear sea water and soft sand, especially as new beaches are being developed and included in Qatar’s growing hospitality offerings. We are delighted with the success and growth of the Moyadaf Qatar programme, and invite beach staff who interact directly with the public to explore the latest training courses and be provided with the latest relevant information.” The flagship program, Medyaf Qatar, is part of Qatar Tourism’s Academy of Service Excellence and has accredited more than 35,000 customer and visitor professionals, including hotel concierge staff, shopping mall security staff, restaurant staff, taxi drivers and service workers. The recent expansion of the Modyaf Qatar programme reflects Qatar …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced the establishment of a new subsidiary company, Red Sea Security (RSS) to create job opportunities and enable generations of young Saudis to develop their talents and skillsets in the field of hospitality security. A new cohort of 106 security personnel recently graduated through the RSG training program, aligned with the opening of the first three resorts at The Red Sea destination. RSS will provide a behind-the-scenes, reassuring, and unobtrusive security presence to Red Sea Global’s destinations to ensure guests’ comfort and privacy. The guest-oriented security approach relies on intensive hospitality-oriented security training, technology, and artificial intelligence to minimize physical presence, while maintaining efficiency in operations. “Last year, Red Sea Global announced that it would establish a series of subsidiary businesses to drive an uplift in Saudi tourism and associated industries. RSS is the latest expression of that promise, helping to deliver a wealth of exciting and diverse opportunities, which many ambitious young Saudis are already seizing,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Ahmad Darwish, Chief Administrative Officer at Red Sea Global, added: “I am incredibly proud to see the talent and great potential of Saudi Arabia’s young people. The continued rollout of these programs is part of our approach to train and employ Saudis across RSG, our subsidiaries, and operators, so they can become future leaders in Saudi Arabia’s growing hospitality industry.” Through the Hospitality Security program, the new employees completed 150 hours of intensive training in land, maritime, and aviation security, tourism, hospitality, English as a second language, technology, and soft skills. This education is tailored to uphold RSG’s commitment to excellence and provide the highest standards in international security. Many …

German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC) and world-renowned artist, Sacha Jafri, came together to spotlight its 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany campaign. Germany looks forward to welcome GCC travellers by offering an unparalleled journey through time, tradition, and natural wonders, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the country’s rich heritage and vibrant landscapes. The event was held today at Studio Jafri, the Middle East’s jewel in the crown Studio/Gallery, brought GNTO and the global Artist, Sacha Jafri together, to highlight the importance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yamina Sofo, Director at German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC), said: “We are excited to promote our ‘51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany’ campaign. We’ve come together with the incredible Sacha Jafri who worked seamlessly and we were delighted to see the beauty of the Museum Island Berlin on his canvas.” “Recently, at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee meeting held in Riyadh, Germany was awarded a 52nd World Heritage; a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our heritage while offering travellers a chance to embark on a remarkable journey of discovery.” Yamina added further. Sacha Jafri said: “My vision and inspiration for my UNESCO World Heritage Sites Collection, aims to reconnect Humanity to our cultural past, a more conscious present, towards an inspired and more sustainable future. It has been an honour for me to partner with UNESCO’s in celebration of their 50th Anniversary of World Heritage Sites.” From historic palaces and castles to flourishing natural parks, architectural marvels and quaint towns, Germany encapsulates the essence of cultural preservation and environmental conservation. Whether the travellers are history enthusiasts, nature lovers, architecture aficionados, or simply seeking vibrant cultural …

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has inaugurated the “Japan Travel House” in Qatar, a pioneering initiative designed to serve as a dedicated contact point and information hub for travel to Japan. This strategic move aims to kindle interest in visiting Japan and encourage travel from the GCC countries, with a particular focus on Qatar. The official launching event took place on Wednesday, 4th October 2023, at the Japan Travel House. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Satoshi MAEDA, Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar. Notably, the ceremony was also open to the general public in Qatar, providing them with an opportunity to learn about travel to Japan. Attendees were treated to authentic Japanese cuisine courtesy of Junko Sushi & Japanese Dining, which serves as a contact point. The Japan Travel House will actively distribute pamphlets highlighting various tourist attractions across Japan. Visitors can expect personalized face-to-face travel guidance and prompt responses to their inquiries. Additionally, the facility will feature informative display panels introducing diverse destinations from all corners of Japan. Plans are also in place to host Japanese cultural experience events. H.E. Mr. Satoshi MAEDA commented: “Tourism is one of the important areas for bilateral relations between Japan and Qatar. The government of Japan has introduced various measures to promote tourism from Qatar to Japan. Visa waiver measure for nationals of the State of Qatar based on ordinary passport registration system for Qatari nationals started in April this year, and we began accepting applications electronically from August. Prime Minister Kishida introduced these measures to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar at the bilateral summit …

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, managed by Hospitality Management Holding (HMH), is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation by launching an innovative onsite water bottling plant system. This initiation represents the first of its kind among hotels in the Northern Emirates, aiming to eliminate the use of plastic bottles, preventing approximately 300,672 plastic bottles from entering the environment annually. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority graced the launch and commended the unwavering commitment to sustainability of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah.  He reiterated, “Let me congratulate Coral Beach Resort Sharjah for taking a leap in sustainability as a property in Sharjah. I would like to commend everyone in your team for believing in the importance of sustainability, its impact in our day today life in general. We are very glad that you started this and looking forward to having more companies to follow the initiative.” Plastic waste reduction has become a primary focus at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, with plastic bottles constituting a significant portion of the property’s plastic waste, particularly in food & beverage outlets and guestrooms. By implementing this unique water bottling plant, the resort is on its way to eliminating single-use plastics, contributing to a cleaner and greener future. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said, “We are dedicated to reducing our overall environmental footprint while maintaining exceptional guest experiences. Our water filtration system ensures the production of high-quality water, meticulously bottled in our onsite bottling plant room, and made available in hotel guestrooms and food & beverage outlets.” The plastic-free project is part of the resort’s ongoing sustainability efforts.  In March 2021, HMH …

West Bay Beach has become the first beach in Doha to create a ramp to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility disabilities, as the ramp, designed in collaboration with mobility experts, allows individuals using wheelchairs to easily navigate through the sandy ground and access the beachfront. The initiative is part of West Bay Beach’s ‘Inclusiveness at West Bay Beach: Breaking Barriers, Embracing Everyone’ campaign to provide an encouraging and inclusive environment for all visitors by removing physical barriers that limit accessibility. The addition of an access ramp enhances the possibility of fully enjoying the beach atmosphere by these individuals regardless of their physical abilities. Aisha Al Mulla, Head of Tourism Investment Policy at Qatar Tourism, said: “At Qatar Tourism, we are committed to developing and implementing policies that ensure we meet the highest standards of service and quality in all our tourism offerings. We are therefore proud that our West Bay Beach is the first in Qatar to implement initiatives that cater to individuals with mobility disabilities, in line with our vision to make Qatar’s tourism sector safe, enjoyable and accessible to all.” Ms. Aidana Saparbayeva, Project Manager at West Bay Beach, said: “West Bay Beach has always strived to create an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy their time fully on the beach. We are delighted to become the first beach in Doha to create a ramp for easy access, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to easily access the beach and live this beautiful experience. This is an important step towards a more inclusive society, and we hope it will inspire more other establishments.” In addition to the accessibility ramp, West Bay Beach is making a …

In a significant milestone, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia have announced the extension of their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This historic agreement, follows last year’s successful Global Summit in Riyadh and underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to further enhance its Travel & Tourism sector. Saudi Arabia is committing a staggering $800 billion to unlock the full potential of its breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures for travellers worldwide. This landmark agreement unites private and public sectors in a concerted effort to craft a sustainable blueprint for growth. The MoU, signed today during the Kingdom’s World Tourism Day event in Riyadh, solidifies the collaboration between WTTC and Saudi Arabia, focusing on advancing key objectives, including the promotion of job creation, talent development, and global business opportunities within Travel & Tourism. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Through the signing of this MoU, WTTC and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia embark on a new chapter of cooperation, uniting our expertise to shape a prosperous future for the Travel & Tourism sector. “Together, we can continue to create a powerful synergy that will open doors to endless opportunities, benefiting travellers, businesses, and destinations alike.”

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, and Chairman of Soudah Development has launched the masterplan to develop Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa into Soudah Peaks – a luxury mountain tourism destination set 3,015 meters above sea level on Saudi Arabia’s highest peak, contributing more than SAR 29 billion to the Kingdom’s cumulative GDP, and creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities. It is strategically aligned with Vision 2030 goals of expanding tourism and entertainment, supporting economic growth and attracting investments. Situated within an extraordinary natural and cultural environment in the Aseer region (southwest Saudi Arabia), the project is a key part of the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s efforts to diversify the economy by expanding vital industries such as tourism, hospitality, and entertainment, and supporting Aseer development strategy. HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chairman of Soudah Development’s Board of Directors, stated that Soudah Peaks represents a new era of luxury mountain tourism by providing an unprecedented living experience while preserving the natural environment, cultural, and heritage richness.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Mubadala Foundation signed a partnership agreement, where the latter will contribute AED 50 million to the emirate’s cultural industry over the next five years in a first-of-its-kind agreement. The partnership marks a significant step forward in their shared mission to transform and elevate the emirate’s vast cultural landscape, with Mubadala Foundation also being appointed as an ‘Education & Community Partner’ of DCT Abu Dhabi’s across the culture sector, including the Saadiyat Cultural District and other similar sites. The close cooperation between DCT Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Foundation presents an important commitment to fostering cultural programmes and initiatives, including projects with the renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi and the highly anticipated Zayed National Museum. His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “At DCT Abu Dhabi, we have cultivated compelling partnerships that are central to community development and fuel economic progress that aid Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. Our commitment to this is reinforced by the signing of this partnership with Mubadala Foundation, underscoring our promise to transform the emirate into a global centre for culture and creativity. Through this stakeholder collaboration, we are poised to deliver unparalleled experiences to visitors from around the globe and enable the creation of a dynamic cultural ecosystem that invites exploration and engagement.”