Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Government of Ras Al Khaimah has announced the appointment of Phillipa Harrison as the new CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). Harrison, the former Managing Director of Tourism Australia, will spearhead the Emirate’s bold vision to become the ‘Destination of the Future’, bringing decades of international tourism expertise across Australia and other global markets. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAKTDA’s Executive Committee, said: “Tourism is at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy, it is our fastest-growing sector and we’ve achieved remarkable milestones in a short period of time. Harrison brings with her a depth of knowledge and leadership experience, most recently with Tourism Australia, that gives us confidence in her ability to align with Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious goals and strategic targets in the tourism sector.” Commenting on her new role, Harrison said: “I’m honored to join at such an exciting time. Ras Al Khaimah has already established itself as an international success story, and I look forward to unlocking even more growth in the years ahead.” Harrison’s appointment will help to advance Ras Al Khaimah Government’s objectives to further cement its position as a leading sustainable tourism destination, one that welcomed a record 650,000 visitors in H1 2025 alone, on its way to achieving a target of over 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.

As part of its preparations for the 2025/2026 cruise season, which is scheduled to kick off this November in Doha, Qatar Tourism, in cooperation with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, organized a strategic workshop aimed at highlighting the cruise ship passengers and discussing the most prominent projects and initiatives related to the development of the cruise tourism sector in Qatar. The workshop sought to discuss the existing challenges and exchange views, as well as develop the skills and knowledge of all employees and partners involved in the cruise sector in the country, both public and private. This initiative aims to ensure that the sector is ready to provide a distinguished tourism experience to visitors to Qatar as well as unifying efforts among all relevant authorities. Over the course of two days, the workshop brought together representatives from various relevant government and private entities, where the sessions included presentations on the most prominent trends and experiences of global tourist destinations in the field of cruises, identifying points that need to be developed, and proposing innovative initiatives and solutions to enhance the experience. Commenting on the workshop, Mr. Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, said: “The marine tourism sector is one of the vital pillars of Qatar Tourism’s strategy, due to its growing role in supporting the national economy and enhancing the country’s position as a global tourism destination in this industry and provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve excellence in service, ensuring an exceptional experience for visitors to QT.” Commenting on the workshop, Mr. Yousef Jaber Al Jaber, Director of Government Development Affairs at the Civil Service and Government Development …

Qatar Tourism, through the Service Excellence Academy, has concluded the first edition of the ‘Junior Tourism Guidance Program – Summer Camp’, which aims to inspire Qatari youth through interactive tourism activities at Qatar Museums. Two groups of different ages participated in the camp, reflecting Qatar Tourism’s ongoing commitment to skills development and tourism awareness among the local community, and the first batch of young tour guides were honored on the final day at the National Museum of Qatar in the presence of parents and partners. Commenting on the programme, Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar Tourism is committed to providing more programs and initiatives that serve our local community through the Service Excellence Academy. Through this camp, children have learned valuable skills such as storytelling, teamwork, and discovering Qatar’s rich heritage. These skills are not only tools for tourism guidance, but they are also keys to self-confidence and successful communication for our children from the next generation of future tourism ambassadors to encourage our children, as you may be a tour guide or an expert in the tourism industry who carries Qatar’s message to the world.” The program has seen close cooperation with Qatar Museums, with the National Museum of Qatar hosting the closing ceremony, providing a learning space and organizing educational guided tours for children. The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum provided the activity area during the first two days of the program, while the MIA education team worked with Qatar Tourism to deliver an innovative learning experience through an “escape room.” Other teams from Qatar Museums also coordinated logistical aspects, such as securing galleries, booking sites, and ensuring that the …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development, has launched the second edition of the “GIFTED” program—one of its flagship social investment initiatives. The program forms part of the Group’s #IAmTourism strategy, which aims to empower national talent and strengthen its presence in the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman. This edition builds on the success of the first phase, which was implemented at dusitD2 Naseem Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar and achieved positive outcomes in both training and integration. The current edition includes 13 participants with disabilities who are undertaking a six-month intensive program designed to provide them with the practical skills and knowledge required to work in the tourism and hospitality industry. The program represents a practical step toward inclusive employment, offering promising opportunities for participants to join a number of OMRAN Group’s leading hospitality assets in Muscat Governorate, including W Muscat, InterContinental Muscat, JW Marriott, Crowne Plaza at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Barceló Mussanah Resort. Hilal bin Rashid Al Mukhaini, Assistant Director at the Department of Specialized Rehabilitation Centers at the Ministry of Social Development, affirmed: “The Ministry of Social Development is committed to developing a comprehensive framework that enables persons with disabilities to fully integrate into the labour market, in line with its developmental vision to promote independence and self-reliance. The ‘GIFTED’ program, launched in partnership with OMRAN Group, stands as an important practical model of this approach, by providing tailored training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the tourism sector, in line with their abilities and potential.” He added: “Partnerships between the public and private sectors are a cornerstone in the rehabilitation and …

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced that it will host the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit on 27 October 2025 in Dubai, as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025). The Summit aims to enhance economic and tourism partnerships between the UAE and African nations, boosting mutual investments across key priority sectors, particularly tourism, hospitality, and related services. As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Bench – the organizers of FHS World – in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The MoU was signed by H.E. Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry, and Daria Smith, Portfolio Director at The Bench. The two parties will collaborate on organizing the event and coordinating its promotional efforts, in line with the Summit’s objective of highlighting investment opportunities in tourism-related activities and projects across the African continent. The event will bring together over 250 high-level participants, including senior government officials, decision-makers, and investors from 53 African countries, including tourism ministers and representatives of investment promotion agencies from across the continent. This reinforces the UAE’s role as a reliable investment partner for Africa and opens new avenues for strategic collaboration in vital sectors that contribute to building a more integrated and sustainable economic future. H.E. Badreya Al Maidoor said: “The UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit will serve as a strategic platform for exchanging insights and expertise between the UAE and African nations, supporting sustainable development efforts through the establishment of projects and partnerships that serve mutual interests. This aligns with the objectives of ‘We the …

In a move to boost the MICE industry in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau to host M&I Expo from 14- 16 April 2026. The three-day programme incorporates one-to-one pre-scheduled meetings, hosted lunches, and evening socials, bringing the buyers and exhibitors maximum opportunities to connect and foster valuable partnerships. “Hosting the M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi reinforces the emirate’s strength and sustained growth as a premier destination for business events and incentive travel. Our latest achievement reflects our strategic commitment to building a world-class MICE ecosystem offering cutting-edge event venues and exceptional hospitality rooted in our core cultural values. With iconic venues such as Qasr Al Watan and Yas Marina Circuit, complemented by Abu Dhabi’s diverse leisure attractions such as the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, we are confident this event will showcase the very best of what our destination has to offer.” Mubarak Al Shamsi – Director of Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau

The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will host the 68th Annual Convention & Exhibition of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) from 17 to 19 September 2025, further deepening its strategic partnership with one of the emirate’s most important source markets. Held under the theme “Business with Goodness,” the convention will bring together a wide cross-section of India’s travel trade industry, including travel agents, tour operators, airlines, hospitality leaders, and tourism boards, to explore new growth avenues and reinforce bilateral ties. As one of the year’s most significant industry events, the convention highlights Abu Dhabi’s rising profile as a global hub for tourism, trade, and business events. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “India continues to be a key priority market for us, not only in terms of visitor volume but also in long-term strategic collaboration. We are honoured to welcome TAAI’s esteemed members to Abu Dhabi and look forward to showcasing our destination’s remarkable evolution across world-class cultural icons, family attractions, luxury, adventure, and business travel offerings. This convention is an opportunity to build shared value and lasting partnerships across both our markets.” Sunil Kumar, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said: “It is a proud moment for TAAI to bring the 68th Annual Convention to the dynamic city of Abu Dhabi in collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi. Our theme, “Business with Goodness,” reflects our shared vision of building meaningful partnerships rooted in trust, purpose, and progress. This convention will not only provide an enriching platform for knowledge-sharing and networking but also offer our members an immersive experience into Abu Dhabi’s diverse cultural, leisure, and business landscape. We …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has extended its successful partnership with Palms Sports, organiser of UAE Warriors, which will see the emirate host the Middle East’s premier mixed martial arts promotion for an additional three years. Established in 2012, UAE Warriors has cultivated an international reputation amongst industry leaders and fans alike through the consistent delivery of action-packed match ups and top-tier production. This renewed agreement not only solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for combat sports, but also marks a historic expansion, bringing the thrilling action of mixed martial arts to the emirate’s Al Ain Region for the first time. Al Ain Region will host two UAE Warriors events during the 2025 season, with an additional two events per annum planned for the 2026-2028 period. Expansion outside of Abu Dhabi City underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings and showcasing Al Ain Region as a destination for sports entertainment and cultural experiences. The move is set to attract a new wave of visitors and further bolster Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation on the global martial arts stage. His Excellency Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is growing in prominence as a global sports hub through the continuous expansion of our network of international and regional partnerships, resulting in an array of top-tier sporting events being hosted in the emirate. This extension of our partnership with Palms Sports marks a new chapter for UAE Warriors, bringing an exciting programme of mixed martial arts to Al Ain Region for the first time. New audiences will discover Al Ain Region’s unique destination offering …

Diriyah Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Helicopter Company (THC), the Kingdom’s premier commercial helicopter operator, to explore potential opportunities and the integration of advanced air mobility solutions for the Diriyah project. This strategic collaboration supports Diriyah’s vision to become the world’s premier cultural and tourism destination, targeting 50 million annual visitors by 2030. The MoU was signed by  Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, and Capt. Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC. The MoU aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting national efforts to diversify the economy and enhance key sectors including tourism, mobility and infrastructure through the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable development practices. The MoU covers a wide scope of collaboration, including strategic planning and integration, to explore the potential of incorporating Urban Air Mobility (UAM) services within Diriyah’s urban framework. It also emphasizes regulatory alignment and leveraging THC’s expertise in guiding Diriyah Company as its partner in the establishment of operational, technical, and infrastructural foundations to ensure efficient and compliant implementation of air mobility solutions within the birthplace of the Kingdom. The MoU highlights the importance of engagement with the air mobility ecosystem, including air transport operators, technology providers, and infrastructure developers, with an emphasis on environmental and social sustainability. To initiate this collaboration, Diriyah Company and THC will form a joint working group to assess opportunities and evaluate the potential impact of introducing innovative urban air transport services within the Diriyah project. If implemented, these services are expected to play a transformative role in the Kingdom’s urban air mobility and tourism sectors, further elevating Diriyah’s position as a premier global destination in support of Saudi Vision 2030. Commenting on …

According to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) Dubai welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2025 – a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Dubai’s evolving destination offering, driven by impactful public-private partnerships and amplified through a robust global marketing strategy, resulted in the city welcoming these visitors.  His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Dubai continues to set new records in international visitation, reinforcing the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make the city a major global business and tourism destination. This milestone reflects Dubai’s steady growth as a focal point for trade, investment, talent and opportunity and its rise as the world’s most connected city. Dubai’s ability to create compelling experiences that meet the evolving needs of visitors has strengthened its status as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. From exceptional infrastructure to unique attractions, Dubai offers a model of excellence in the tourism and hospitality sectors grounded in innovation.” “As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, tourism will remain key to driving GDP growth and cross-sector value creation in the emirate’s economy. By continually anticipating the needs of travellers and exceeding their expectations, we are strengthening Dubai’s position as the world’s best city to visit, live, and work in. Partnerships, global campaigns, events, and a series of new openings showcased the city to both new and returning international visitors, while DET’s …