Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

As the new year begins, there’s no better time to prioritize wellness and rejuvenation, and Jamaica stands ready to welcome guests with its unparalleled blend of natural beauty, luxury, and holistic experiences. Known for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, Jamaica is more than a destination—it’s a sanctuary for the soul. For travelers seeking privacy, serenity, and world-class indulgence, Jamaica’s wellness offerings are unmatched. Its exclusive beachfront villas and boutique resorts offer tailored wellness experiences in intimate settings, combining luxury with a deep connection to nature. Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of ocean waves, starting your day with yoga on a sun-drenched beach, and indulging in spa treatments inspired by Jamaica’s rich traditions. From bespoke retreats to signature spa experiences, Jamaica offers privacy, tranquility, and the perfect escape from the demands of daily life. Luxurious spa retreats such as The Spa at Round Hill promise tailored treatments that harmonize mind, body, and spirit amidst stunning ocean views. Nestled in the hills of Montego Bay, this award-winning spa incorporates locally sourced botanicals and age-old Jamaican traditions to create a truly restorative experience. At The Caves in Negril, tranquility reaches new heights. Perched atop limestone cliffs, this intimate retreat offers guests a unique spa experience, blending holistic treatments with breathtaking surroundings, including private grottoes and sea-facing treatment rooms. Meanwhile, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall’s Zen Spa redefines luxury wellness. With an extensive menu of therapies inspired by global traditions and a focus on mindfulness, this beachfront haven is perfect for relaxation and renewal. Jamaica’s wellness journey extends beyond its exceptional spas. Sunrise yoga on a secluded beach, meditative forest walks in the Blue Mountains, and invigorating dips in mineral-rich waters …

Wego partnered with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) to spotlight the Kingdom of Bahrain as a premier travel destination. This collaboration aims to promote Bahrain’s unique cultural heritage, top attractions, and cutting-edge tourism innovations to global travelers. Bahrain, known as the “Pearl of the Gulf,” is an archipelago offering a rich blend of history, luxury, and modernity. Through this partnership, Wego will leverage its platform to highlight Bahrain’s iconic destinations, including the UNESCO-listed Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), the vibrant Bab Al Bahrain Souq, the stunning Al Dar Islands, and the world-famous Bahrain International Circuit, home of Formula 1 racing. Commenting on the partnership, Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to showcase the Kingdom’s unique offerings to our global audience. Bahrain is a treasure trove of cultural, natural, and modern attractions, and through this partnership, we aim to inspire travelers to explore this dynamic destination.” Travelers will also be introduced to Bahrain’s innovative tourism initiatives. The Kingdom is embracing cutting-edge technology, offering seamless digital travel experiences and sustainable tourism practices. From immersive virtual tours to smart city solutions enhancing visitor convenience, Bahrain is setting a benchmark in modern travel. Additionally, Bahrain’s commitment to eco-tourism is evident in its focus on preserving natural habitats like the unique Hawar Islands and offering experiences such as pearl diving and marine conservation tours. Maryam Toorani Director, Marketing and Promotion at Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority added: “This partnership with Wego allows us to reach thousands of travelers and highlight Bahrain as a must-visit destination. From its historical landmarks to its forward-thinking tourism innovations, Bahrain has something to …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed an agreement with ne’ma – the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative to promote responsible consumption across the tourism and hospitality sectors, reflecting its commitment to supporting sustainability across the emirate’s tourism, hospitality and events sectors. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, and Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and Secretary-General of the ne’ma National Steering Committee. The national food loss and waste initiative is at the core of the UAE’s efforts to ensure food security and address climate change, and this collaboration aims to drive transformative change in the travel and hospitality sectors, contributing to the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, aiming to reduce food loss and waste in the UAE by 50 percent by 2030. His Excellency Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, said: “As Abu Dhabi continues to grow as a leading global destination, it is essential that we advance our commitment to sustainable development, establishing our emirate as a responsible hub for tourism and events. The partnership with ne’ma sets out a roadmap for meaningful action to reduce food loss and waste while creating awareness among travellers and stakeholders about responsible consumption.” As part of the agreement, DCT Abu Dhabi will encourage restaurants, hotels, and tourism establishments, to adopt sustainable practices such as portion control, menu optimisation, and creative use of surplus food; and develop educational campaigns for tourists and residents to highlight the environmental impact of food waste and the importance of responsible consumption. Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, said: …

Tourism Malaysia won ‘Best destination marketing initiatives’ award at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Thanks to the organisers of DDP Group and the jury for this prestigious award, it is a great responsibility as now we need to work to ensure that we maintain and excel even further. Tourism Malaysia Dubai has actively participated in travel conferences and exhibitions, destinations seminar presentation with airlines and agents and familiarisation trips for agents and media.” Azhar Musyabri Abdul Mutallib, Deputy Director, Tourism Malaysia, Dubai Office.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reported its strongest year ever, welcoming a record-high 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024, marking 12% growth in tourism revenues and a notable 15% rise in MICE visitors. This success is a testament to the Emirate’s strategic and sustainable growth vision to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030. Commenting on the Emirate’s achievements, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “2024 was a milestone year for Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, enhanced connectivity, and diverse experiences tailored to every traveller. Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond attracting more visitors; we aim to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of the future. With significant investments, world-class events, and groundbreaking developments on the horizon, 2025 is set to be another remarkable year. Several factors contributed to this robust performance in 2024, including the opening new hotels and resorts, a growing calendar of international events, increased connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, best-in-class marketing campaigns and over 2,200 international activities and market engagements across 70 cities.  

Speaking at the special press conference at ASEAN Tourism Forum, Mohd Amirul Rizal Bin Abdul Rahim, Head of Visit Malaysia 2026 Secretariat shared that Middle East is a very important source market and they will be focusing on two key aspects family and GenZ or millennials. He further stated that the new campaign will be announced in a number of road shows in the Middle East over the next few months to share more details on the extensive programme that they have prepared to welcome visitors to Malaysia. He reiterated that Visit Malaysia 2026 will be unique as they target high yield tourists as well as tourists who seek sustainability when they travel. However, the theme for the year will be ‘Malaysia: a sustainable destination and rich in culture”.

Hilton and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) partnered to showcase the diverse travel experiences tourists can enjoy in Saudi Arabia through an engaging creative content campaign. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, short films and photos have been creatively produced to promote Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Ula, Makkah and Madinah. These captivating visuals transport viewers to discover the country’s distinctive destinations. The campaign builds on last year’s successful partnership between the two entities, in which they created engaging seasonal content for viewers, and is now being rolled out internationally, including across the Middle East, South Africa, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The announcement also follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Hilton and STA in 2023 to explore cooperation opportunities to promote Saudi Arabia and attract visitors to the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030. It also comes as Hilton continues its plans to more than quadruple its presence with over 70 hotels under development – adding more than 18,000 keys to its growing portfolio, introducing more of its award-winning brands, and creating over 15,000 jobs for hospitality professionals across the Kingdom– with more than half of new hires being Saudi nationals. The content, which can be viewed here, serves as a window that immerses visitors in Saudi experiences before their arrival. It brings to life the Kingdom’s must-visit hotspots and dives into the heart of its welcoming cities. From the spiritual significance of its holy cities, and highlighting the historical treasures of Diriyah, to revelling in the beauty of ancient oases and the stunning topography of the country. It invites visitors to experience the very best of Saudi Arabia with Hilton, highlighting the global hospitality company’s hotels …

Visit Qatar hosted the Arabian Luxury Travel Show 2025, which was held for the first time in Doha from 12 to 15 January 2025. The event was designed to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading luxury tourism destination in the Middle East, with more than 160 luxury tour operators and MICE agents from key markets, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and the Baltic States. More than 50 prestigious hotels, destination management companies and tourism authorities from across the region also participated in the event, including Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey and the Indian Ocean. Participants showcased world-class luxury offerings and highlighted the Middle East’s world-class luxury offerings, reinforcing the region’s position as a hub for luxury tourism. The event included an intensive four-day schedule at The Ritz-Carlton Doha, which included two days of bilateral meetings aimed at facilitating important business deals. The last two days were also dedicated to networking events between buyers and exhibitors. Commenting on the event, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: “Hosting the Arabian Luxury Travel Show 2025 in Doha is the perfect platform for Visit Qatar to present the unique luxury offerings that characterize Qatar, and through direct communication with influential buyers and travel professionals, we seek to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading tourist destination for discerning travelers seeking luxury, as this event is in line with our strategic vision to establish Qatar’s presence in the global luxury tourism sector and strengthen our presence in key markets.” The successful hosting of the event underscores Visit Qatar’s commitment to strengthening Qatar’s position as a global luxury destination, in line with the objectives of …

“According to UN, Sports tourism currently generates around 10% and estimated reach 17% within the next few years,” shared HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa – Chairman Sharjah Tourism and Development Authority.  “Worldwide, according to the UN, tourism’s contribution to the global economy is projected to increase from 10% to 17% within the next seven years. This highlights the immense potential of sports tourism and its growing importance. Destinations that are prepared and proactive should capitalize on their assets and strategically host more sports events to align with their objectives and drive economic and social benefits. Sports tourism fosters partnerships, generates significant outcomes, and promotes sustainable practices. For example, in Sharjah, hundreds of sports events are held annually, showcasing the sector’s potential as a future growth driver. Sports tourism is not only sustainable and healthy but also beneficial for future generations. It has no apparent downsides and should be a key focus for any destination aiming to move in the right direction.” As the emirate of Sharjah hosts the third edition of ‘Sharjah Week of the Stars’ to take place from 10 -13 January 2025 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council. The third edition returns cementing its place as an annual tradition and a growing platform for sports and cultural celebration organized by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority in collaboration with the International Football Development Association (IFDA), bringing together legendary athletes and a rich lineup of activities that showcase Sharjah’s role as a global hub for culture, tourism, and sports. The detailed program of ‘Sharjah’s Week of the Stars’ …

145 players from 27 countries will participate in ‘Sharjah Week of the Stars’  organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. Commenting on the launch of “Sharjah Week of the Stars,” H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, emphasized the emirate’s readiness to host this major international event. He highlighted the synergy between sports and tourism in driving development and attracting visitors, while showcasing Sharjah’s unique offerings. This unique event aims to enhance Sharjah’s sports tourism profile and showcase the emirate’s attractions and landmarks. The week features an exciting lineup of activities, including a football match between retired international legends titled “Night of the Stars,” the “Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament,” the “Legends Padel Tour,” and for the first time, an E-Sports Tournament open to the public, with special participation from football legends. The events will take place from January 10 to 13, 2025. Taking place at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, this tournament will see over 145 players from 27 countries competing from January 11 to 12. The final day will feature football legends joining footgolf champions, vying for the $30,000 prize. With participation from top global players and eight UAE-based players, this championship is one of the most prestigious events in the sport. On January 11, Aljada mini-football stadium, accommodating up to 2,000 spectators, will host a friendly football match featuring 22 international football legends. Participants include Francesco Totti, Fabio Cannavaro, Rivaldo, Michael Owen, Papu Gómez, David Trezeguet, Essam El Hadary, and a legendary Italian football star whose name will be revealed soon. On January 12, 16 international football legends will compete in the “Legends Padel Tour ” at Aljada Padel Courts. This event …