Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Turespaña, the Spain tourism office for the GCC unveils 2023 figures 56% compared to 2019

It was revealed that Spain recorded 56% increase of GCC travellers in 2023 compared to 2019 with a 33% increase compared to 2022. Saudi Arabia can be presented as the prime example of this growth, with more than 100% increase 19-23 and with a 92% increase in 23-22, the total number of Saudi tourists has surged up to 182 thousand, surpassing UAE as the main GCC market for Spain, and consolidating its status and the country’s vision for 2030. United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait follow after with this trend. The total number of GCC residents visiting Spain in 2023 reached 434 thousand, with an average stay of 8.6 days and a notable increase in expenditure. Factors such as good weather, family-friendly environments, and cultural resonance including the great arab legacy attract GCC travelers to Spain. Looking ahead to 2024, Spain aims to further consolidate its position as a top destination for Middle Eastern travelers through marketing campaigns, strategic alliances and multiple events. In line with this, Spain Tourism recently concluded a successful roadshow across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE, showcasing various regions and offerings of Spain to travel trade partners. The event facilitated networking and collaboration opportunities, emphasizing Spain’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for Middle Eastern travelers. Commenting on the success of the roadshow,Daniel Rosado, Director/Tourism Counsellor at Spain Tourism, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted with the positive response and engagement we received during our roadshow in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE. These regions hold immense potential for Spanish tourism, and our collaboration with travel trade partners has strengthened our commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for Middle Eastern travelers.” The roadshow aligns with Spain Tourism’s broader …

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Ajman Tourism announces the hosting of the 2026 Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships

In order to strengthen its position as an emirate dedicated to promote sports tourism, the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) announced that it will be hosting the 57th International Fitness and Bodybuilding – IFBB ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS in 2026, a move aimed at fortifying its standing as a premier sports tourism destination. The announcement was made today at a press conference held at the Ajman Police Sports and Shooting Club. His Highness Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD), presided over the press conference alongside key figures such as His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif al-Sharqi, President of the UAE Federation for Body Building and Physical Strength, Dr. Rafael Santoga, President of the International Federation of Bodybuilding, and Dr. Eng. Adel Fahim, President of the Arab and African Bodybuilding Federation, among others. The Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship, organized and sponsored by the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, will serve as a unique opportunity for Ajman to showcase its diversity and appeal as a sports tourism hub. The tournament is scheduled to take place in May 2026, further solidifying Ajman’s reputation as a host of prominent international sporting events. In addition to the main competition, the event will feature side activities that offer visitors a chance to experience the local culture and heritage of Ajman. These include folk arts, traditional cuisine, and artistic performances, enriching the overall visitor experience. Ajman also plans to enhance its tourism services in preparation for the 2026 Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship. A range of offerings, from accommodation facilities to shopping and entertainment experiences, will be tailored to meet the expectations of guests. Through these …

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Qatar Tourism participates in Mumbai 2024, one of Asia’s leading travel exhibitions

Qatar Tourism led a delegation of 13 hospitality partners to the Mumbai 2024 Outbound Travel Show, one of Asia’s leading travel exhibitions. The exhibition is a platform for Qatar Tourism to present its latest offerings in the Indian markets and meet more than 35,000 travel and tourism professionals. The three-day exhibition schedule, from February 8 to 10, will be held at the Geo World Convention Centre in Mumbai. For the third consecutive year, Qatar Tourism won the ‘Best Design and Decoration’ award for its pavilion at the awards ceremony at the exhibition, where Qatar Tourism recorded its largest participation in the exhibition, opening a two-storey pavilion spread over a large area of 200 square meters. The pavilion showcased unique activities, through which visitors were able to experience visual simulations of Qatar’s wildlife, interact closely with it on the LED screen, and take souvenir photos. The exhibition was a great opportunity for Qatar Tourism to participate in the leading markets identified by the 2030 Strategy. In 2023, Qatar welcomed around 420,000 visitors from India, accounting for 10% of the total international visitors for that year, making it the second most visited after Saudi Arabia. The Qatar Tourism Pavilion featured a number of travel and tourism partners, including Qatar Airways, Discover Qatar, Qatar Calendar and Hilton Beach Resort.Salwa, Rixos Hotel at Qetaifan Island North, Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Resort Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Rixos Gulf Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Q Moments such as Destination Management Companies (DMC), company Conciliation Travel & Tourism, Regency Travel & Tourism, Ali Bin Ali Travel & Tourism.

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Visit Qatar and Qatar Airways launch stopover packages

Visit Qatar and Qatar Airways have announced the launch of Doha stopover packages as part of their efforts to promote Qatar as a leading tourist destination to be added to final passenger journeys, at a press conference held by His Excellency Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism, and Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Group Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways, in the presence of a group of international media representatives on an extensive familiarization trip to Doha, at Msheireb, Downtown Doha. Visit Qatar plays a key role in strengthening partnerships with government entities and encouraging investments, as well as supporting private sector engagement to ensure the growth of the hospitality and tourism sectors. It works to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading tourism destination while preserving its rich cultural heritage. Visit Qatar’s efforts are focused on strengthening the country’s tourism infrastructure, promoting sustainable development and promoting cultural exchange, in line with Qatar ‘s vision.National 2030 Commenting on the press conference, His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism, said: “The launch of the Qatar Stopover packages is a testament to the continued fruitful cooperation between Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways, which gives passengers a great opportunity to expand their travel experience by visiting Qatar. Recognising the richness and diversity of Qatar’s tourism experiences, we believe that Qatar’s ‘Stopover’ packages will resonate with visitors.” “It is essential that 2023 saw more than double the number of passengers and hotel nights associated with stopovers in Qatar compared to 2022, thanks to Qatar Airways’ growing network of more than 177 international destinations. January 2024 also saw another remarkable achievement, with the number of incoming visitors exceeding 700,000. …

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Germany 2024: A year of unforgettable celebrations and cultural richness

The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) is extending a warm invitation to travellers from GCC, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural tapestry. In 2024, visitors exploring Germany will encounter a rich mosaic of experiences, each unique to different parts of the country. Germany’s event calendar is brimming with a variety of engagements, ensuring that every visit is both memorable and distinct. This diverse range of events showcases the country’s cultural richness and promises an enriching journey for all who travel there. GNTO has shared a lineup of events across Germany for the year 2024 as a guide for travellers from GCC to some of the most anticipated happenings that will inspire their next journey to the heart of Europe. Each of these events reflects Germany’s commitment to celebrating its rich heritage and contemporary vibrancy. From the serene beauty of historic art to the roaring excitement of football matches, from the enchanting routes of fairy tales to the reflective significance of historical anniversaries, Germany in 2024 offers a spectrum of experiences. Hamburg will be in the spotlight as it hosts the biggest port festival in the world. The Hamburg Port Anniversary, from May 9 to 12, will feature an extended range of events, including maritime presentations on the Elbe, the Grand Arrival Parade, the Tugboat Ballet, and spectacular fireworks show. The festival atmosphere will extend along the docks, with over 420 stand operators and performers, ensuring a lively and diverse experience for all visitors. Football fans will have a reason to cheer as Germany hosts the European Championship 2024 from 14 June to 14 July across ten host cities. Berlin, Munich, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, …

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Sharjah Light Festival kicks off from Sharjah Police Headquarters and to transform 12 locations and landmarks across the emirate

The emirate of Sharjah has been illuminated with artistic displays from Wednesday (7th evening) as the 13th Sharjah Light Festival kicked off, unveiling its artistic canvas of light across different locations. The festivities commenced at the Sharjah Police Headquarters, featuring a breathtaking inaugural light show that transformed the iconic architectural monument into a work of art. The spectacular display took the attendees on a visual journey, reflecting the authenticity of Sharjah’s identity and the UAE, while also depicting its ambitious and futuristic vision. Illuminated symbols portrayed the emirate’s history, its trajectory toward the future, and its ongoing developments. The festival’s opening ceremony, graced by prominent heads of authorities, departments, entities, distinguished personalities, and visiting delegations, featured a film dedicated to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in celebration of the 52nd anniversary of his ascension to rule. The festival, organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), will take place across 12 of the emirate’s premiere cultural landmarks and natural destinations from February 7 – 18. In his opening speech, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), underscored that the tourism sector in Sharjah is one of the key sectors that contribute to supporting the national economy. He noted that tourism is seeing notable progress at all levels, thanks to the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Al Midfa also highlighted how SLF has become a major tourist attraction, drawing a great deal of attention through substantial turnout and media interest, year after year. “The festival showcases the emirate’s unique features, achievements, and future vision to the thousands of visitors and …

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Msheireb Downtown Doha welcomes over two million visitors during first half of AFC Asian Cup 2023

As the AFC Asian Cup 2023 enters the semi-finals stage, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar has welcomed around 2.5 million football fans and visitors from around the world, with more than 41,000 visitors using the tram, and an average of 14,000 visitors making their way to Msheireb Galleria daily. Dr Hafiz Ali Abdullah, Senior Director of Corporate Communications said: “We are excited to be the go-to destination for visitors and residents during the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Msheireb Downtown Doha continues to proudly showcase Qatari culture with thrilling activations and unique design features.” Throughout the first half of the tournament, Msheireb Downtown Doha was filled with exhilarating activities like the Asian Sikka featuring booths from all 24 participating countries, Football Bowling, Football Golf Target, and Subsoccer games, match screenings at Baraha Msheireb, and finally the open-air ‘Baraha Musical Concert’ in collaboration with the renowned Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, Msheireb Downtown Doha housed the Media Centre for the entire tournament with over 2,000 media representatives. Msheireb Downtown Doha, located in close proximity to the buzzing Souq Waqif, also offers visitors a unique cultural experience through the city’s interactive Msheireb Museums, various choices of fine dining and international cuisines, as well as stores and children’s edutainment at the four-story Msheireb Galleria.

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Ajman tourism celebrates “UAE innovates 2024”

The Department of Tourism Development in Ajman (DTC) is organising a series of projects, initiatives and workshops throughout the month of February as part of UAE Innovates 2024, the world’s largest national event that celebrates innovation and innovators. H.E. Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashemi, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, commented: The UAE Innovation Month is a prominent platform to support the UAE’s efforts to enhance the innovation environment and motivate DLD’s employees, strategic partners and the local community to achieve more.” He added: “Ajman Tourism is keen to launch many initiatives and events aimed at creating new innovative practices that contribute to promoting a culture of innovation and developing entrepreneurial thought, thus contributing to consolidating the UAE’s position as a regional and global center for knowledge-based development and innovation, attracting more talents and building human resources.” The list of projects, workshops and initiatives organized by the Department of Tourism Development in Ajman this year includes the Innovation Platform in Ajman Marina, where a pioneering electronic system for internal and external auditing and monitoring of institutional performance will be presented, in addition to a tourism digital data map to display hotel and tourism establishments with the aim of improving the quality of life of customers and enhancing the level of services for visitors. The emirate’s tourism promotional stories will also be presented in a creative way using modern technology and artificial intelligence to be in line with tourist preferences. The Department will also present the innovative sustainability workshop for people of determination “Let’s Transform It”, which highlights an innovative way to convert used papers into accessories presented by a group of students of determination in cooperation with the Ministry of …

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NEOM opens office in New York as base for business across the United States

NEOM opened its first U.S. office in New York City which will serve as a base for NEOM’s business across the United States. NEOM’s latest international office at 50 Hudson Yards in Manhattan follows the launch of its London office in November 2023. Honored guest, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States, attended the official opening at the invitation of Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, who hosted the occasion, and addressed the distinguished guests and strategic partners in attendance. The New York City office will further strengthen existing relationships between NEOM and U.S. entities and present an opportunity to explore new partnerships and sources of investment from the United States. Close collaboration with innovative and world-leading U.S. industries, corporations, and investors, will accelerate NEOM’s efforts to address global challenges by redefining livability, business, and conservation. HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al Saud, said: “We are delighted for NEOM to open an office in New York. The potential impact of NEOM extends far beyond Saudi borders. By serving as a catalyst for innovation, sustainable development, and economic diversification, NEOM has the power to inspire similar initiatives around the world – driving positive change and serving as a blueprint for the cities of tomorrow.” Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, said: “In order to continue to achieve the vision of NEOM, it is imperative that we work alongside global partners that can accelerate our efforts. We chose New York City as our second international NEOM office due to its position as a global capital for business and finance. NEOM has already established many investments and partnerships with U.S. entities, and through this office, we intend to build our relationships …

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Qatar records 702,800 visitors in 2024

In January 2024, Qatar recorded the reception of 702,800 visitors, marking the highest monthly level of visitor entries ever. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries took the lead in terms of the total number of visitors, accounting for 53% of the overall visitor count. These numbers coincide with the significant event at the beginning of the year, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™️. Qatar presents a diverse tourism scene that blends cultural heritage with modernity and development. The country offers visitors various experiences catering to all tastes, from cultural exploration to sports and adventure, as well as artistic exhibitions and educational conferences.

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