Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The day is finally here, as the most coveted awards in the region, Arabian Travel Awards will once again host the industry winners. This year’s edition is special as the focus is on sustainability. Arabian Travel Awards is a platform for the Middle East market to appreciate the efforts of the travel specialists who have contributed to the booming travel and hospitality industry. The aim is to encourage them to continue promoting tourism in the region. The Arabian Travel Awards are fair and unbiased, following a systematic method of internet-based voting. These awards are supported by Tourismbreakingnews.ae, TravelTVmiddleeast.news and TravTalk Middle East who are premier media partners for the coverage of the event. The awards will be divided into four categories: Personal Awards, Business Awards, Trending Awards and Partner Awards. They will include awards for Best Business Hotel, Best Family Friendly Hotel, Best City Hotel, Best Green Hotel, Best Leisure Hotel, Best Destination Management Company, Best Hotel Apartments, Best B2B Travel Portal, and Best Luxury Hotel to name a few. San Jeet Director Arabian Travel Awards shares, “Our awards this year is very special as it recognizes the untiring efforts of the industry experts. This year as the borders open, the travel, tourism and hospitality experts were able to restore to levels enjoyed pre-pandemic time. Most had to redefine the way forward in the post covid era, as we can confidently call it. Applications are still open to vote for those in the industry and who has been in the forefront promoting and working to go over and beyond the general norms of the industry. Middle East has always been the most resilient region, especially the UAE and Dubai in …

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has unveiled the brand identity of Al Rafisah Dam, a premier leisure and tourist destination that offers enriching experiences in Sharjah’s eastern region. The move aims to bolster the destination’s position and support the inflow of tourists as well as promote its array of inclusive entertainment and tourist offerings. This was revealed during a press conference held to mark the launch of Al Rafisah Dam’s new brand identity on Monday, 14 November, 2022, at Khorfakkan, in the presence of His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA and a host of high-level officials and representatives of government entities from across Sharjah and the eastern region, in addition to media representatives. Al Rafisah Dam’s brand identity is inspired by nature and the environment around it and is rooted in the authentic heritage and cultural legacy of the region. It reflects the passion of adventure enthusiasts and their affinity for mountain and water sports activities as well as lovers of culture, history and nature. The new identity motivates tourists and visitors to explore thrilling adventures that promise fresh and exceptional experiences. HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said: “Launching the new brand identity of Al Rafisah Dam aligns with our strategy of enhancing Sharjah’s position as a premier tourist destination, reaffirming SCTDA’s vision to reinforce the emirate’s distinctive status on the global tourism map. The unique characteristics of safety, natural and cultural sustainability of Sharjah’s destinations that offer comprehensive touristic experiences is elevating the emirate’s appeal and attractiveness to visitors and tourists alike.” “By launching the new brand identity of Al Rafisah Dam, SCTDA aims to enhance and enrich the tourist …

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, launched, the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which comes under the ‘Projects of the 50’ as one of the biggest projects of the next years. The strategy aims to strengthen the position of the UAE as one of the best destinations in the world for tourism. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “Today, we approved UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031. UAE ranks among the top 10 global tourist destinations. Our goal is to boost our competitiveness by attracting AED100 billion as additional tourism investments and welcome 40 million hotel guests in 2031.” His Highness added, “Tourism is key to diversifying our economy and boosting UAE’s global competitiveness. In the first quarter of 2022, our airports received 22 million passengers. Our goal is for the tourism sector’s contribution to be AED450 billion of GDP in 2031.” The strategy, which comes in partnership with various federal and local tourism authorities, national airlines, and international institutions and companies, aims to enhance the unified tourism identity and support the UAE integrated and well-established tourism ecosystem, in order to provide a distinguished experience for tourists from all over the world. The strategy aims to raise the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP to AED450 billion, with an annual increase of AED27 billion, attract new investments of AED100 billion to the tourism sector in the country, and attract 40 million hotel guests. The strategy includes 25 initiatives and policies to support the development of the tourism sector in the country. It is based on 4 key directions: strengthening the unified national tourism identity; developing and diversifying specialised tourism products; …

Saudi joined Umrah+ Connect, a leading B2B platform dedicated to the Umrah travel market to share Saudi’s Umrah offering with UK and European trade partners. Taking place during the World Travel Market, where Saudi is this year’s Premier Partner, Umrah+ Connect brings together leading DMC’s, airlines, hoteliers, and Umrah companies. Following the success of last year’s first major B2B Umrah event in London, Umrah+ Connect took place in association with Nusuk, Saudi’s first official integrated digital platform that offers pilgrims and visitors an easy-to-use planning gateway for their journeys to Makkah and Madinah, and beyond. This comes off the back of the recent global launch of Nusuk by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Nusuk is an initiative of the Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Program which has seen roadshows taking place in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Egypt and Indonesia. Nusuk will expand the range of choice and enhance the overall experience for Muslims visiting Saudi and enable simpler arrival procedures for visitors to perform Umrah. Nusuk will also offer a new range of services including facilitating visas, permits, booking processes and procedures, along with special packages for Makkah, Madinah and beyond. His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Chairman of the Committee for the Pilgrim Experience Program, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, said, “The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues its efforts in cooperation and collaboration with government entities in Saudi Arabia to serve the pilgrims of Makkah and Madinah through Nusuk. We are using the most advanced technology to enrich the spiritual experience of the pilgrim and visitor. Nusuk’s sponsorship of this event is a symbol of our commitment to bringing Nusuk to our partners and to the tens of millions Muslims …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a strategic partnership with WebBeds, one of the world’s leading providers of accommodation and ground product distribution services to the travel industry. The strategic partnership, which was announced at this week’s World Travel Market (WTM) 2022, will help drive awareness of Abu Dhabi among WebBeds’ network of travel agents and partners. Through a series of webinars, roadshows and trade fam trips, the partnership will educate travel agents about Abu Dhabi by showcasing the inspiring, exciting and restorative experiences that can be enjoyed during a visit. The new strategic partnership with WebBeds will pave the way for the two entities to work together to increase WebBed’s product portfolio and inform its trade professionals about Abu Dhabi’s unique blend of experiences and events on offer for travellers throughout the year.  With an action-packed calendar of 180 events, including the debut of The Lion King stage show in the Middle East, and the biggest impressionist art exhibition outside of Europe at Louvre Abu Dhabi, there has never been a better time to visit the UAE capital. His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with WebBeds, which will enable us to showcase Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as an all-in-one destination with year-round experiences that inspire, excite and restore. Collaborations with key partners unlock global markets and this one will allow us to connect with WebBeds’ valued travel agencies and product management network to welcome more visitors each year.” Amr Ezzeldin, WebBeds President – Middle East and Africa, said: “We’re pleased to be working with DCT Abu …

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Middle East (HSMAI ME) is lining up thought-provoking speakers for the 5th Annual ROC Commercial Strategy Conference. The in-person event will be held at the Conrad Dubai Hotel from November 28-29, 2022. Following the success of previous editions that focused on revenue management, this year’s focus will be across multiple disciplines including marketing, revenue, sales, and operational topics from speakers outside the industry to share best practices. The event will also host influential personalities and speakers from various other industries for the very first time. With their knowledge and expertise, HSMAI aims to educate and broaden the perspective of the hospitality industry as a whole. The annual event will open with a fireside chat from Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). During the session, Kazim will explore what Dubai needs to remain an attractive destination and how to ensure Dubai keeps up with technology trends to stay top of mind. Following unprecedented events and challenges brought about by the pandemic, this year’s event theme is “Accelerate Recovery”. The conference brings together hospitality leaders, delivering expert insights and knowledge to help propel the industry into a new era. Filled with keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and networking, the HSMAI ROC Commercial Strategy Conference promises stimulating conversations across a wide range of topics. A keynote by Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics Middle East will delve into economic factors – such as inflation and recession fears – and how it’s impacting the travel industry’s speed of recovery.   Debbie Siminser, Vice President of Learning & Development, ME & Africa from Accor, will take the stage to discuss how organizations can Leverage …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a partnership with Hotelbeds, global leaders in the TravelTech space, to encourage travel agents to promote Abu Dhabi across key and emerging markets as a leading tourist destination. The strategic partnership will drive further awareness of Abu Dhabi among Hotelbeds’ network of travel agents and partners. The partnership also opens up opportunities for the two entities to work together on roadshows and meetings with travel partners, as well as collaborate on initiatives to promote attractions and events in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the partnership will promote Abu Dhabi’s ESG initiatives through Hotelbeds’ existing projects such as the ‘Green Hotel Programme’. Designed to identify and promote officially certified properties as sustainable accommodation, Hotelbeds’ Green Hotel Programme is part of a pledge to offer solutions for destinations to participate in the travel industry’s path towards sustainability. The 12-month partnership, which was announced at World Travel Market (WTM) 2022 in London, will help drive further awareness of Abu Dhabi as a destination that is unique in the diversity of thoughtful and enriching experiences it offers, among consumers and trade partners. HE Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to announce the extended partnership with Hotelbeds, which will further boost Abu Dhabi’s attractive offering. Hotelbeds is a key global partner for DCT Abu Dhabi, and we look forward to working with them closely over the next year to showcase Abu Dhabi and welcome visitors to find their own pace and explore all that it has to offer.” Joseph Sheller, Head of Global Destination Marketing at Hotelbeds, said: “Our partnership with Abu …

Saudi opens World Travel Market (WTM) London for the second consecutive year as Premier Partner. Hosting its largest pavilion at an international event, Saudi has developed interactive on-stand experiences to immerse and inspire visitors across every touchpoint, on a journey of the country through the senses. Incredible visuals showcase the breadth and depth of Saudi’s extraordinary destination offering, bringing the authentic home of Arabia to life. Visitors will feel for themselves the unparalleled hospitality for which the country is known with an opportunity to experience a rich part of the country’s culture, through a celebration of the Year of Saudi Coffee at the Saudi Café. Event attendees will feel the beat of the Saudi spirit through traditional and modern music and dance and be able to journey through the traditions of Saudi’s diverse regions with unique activations ranging from the flower crowns of Soudah to the sadu weaving from Diriyah. Global partners continue to find untapped opportunity and potential in Saudi and have joined Saudi on its journey to create the world’s most exciting leisure tourism destination. At WTM, Saudi welcomes a record of more than 40 destination partners highlighting a wide range of Saudi tourism products, creating access to experiences, packages, hotels, and cruises for trade partners. On stage, senior leaders from the Saudi delegation will take part in high-profile discussions focused on the future of travel, sustainability and innovation through technology in a global context. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board of Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “In Saudi, we dream big, and we deliver bigger and today, we are creating the newest and most exciting destination on Earth, for tomorrow. This year’s WTM is our biggest …

Opening the press conference at the Sharjah tourism pavilion, H.E Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, “welcome to the Sharjah stand. We are very happy to be back here at World Travel Market, as you know it is very important for us to showcase what is new in the destination and the good news is that we have so many new different products and experiences in Sharjah. Fortunately, during the covid period we were able to develop many new projects, we are announcing some of them today and within the next two years we will be launching more projects. The most important elements today or the additions are adventure and eco- tourism. As you know Sharjah is the cultural hub in the Arab world and have been recognised an awarded many times by UNESCO. In addition, we host many events the popular one the power boat racing event for the past 20 years and the Sharjah national book fair, the largest book fair in the world and the Sharjah Lights festival to name a few. Today, myself and my colleagues from both government and private sector will be sharing a brief about products and experiences that have been introduced to enhance the emirate’s touristic and overall infrastructure, given the fact that the sector is a major contributor to the national economy. We are very happy to have you here, as through yourselves whichever field you work under the general tourism umbrella, we will get the right audience, the right reach, the right exposure so thank you once again for being here.” HE Midfa reiterated, “Ladies and gentlemen there is so much to see when you are in Sharjah, our slogan is smile …

115 trade partners gathered for the St.Petersburg roadshow in Riyadh. The guests were welcomed by Arbi Abubakarov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Relations of St. Petersburg, Stanislav Yankovets, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Deputy General Director of the City Tourist Information Bureau of St. Petersburg Yulia Bondareva. The welcome speeches were followed by the presentation of St Petersburg and the travel partners from St Petersburg, among whom was General Director of the Northern Capital Gateway Company (operator of the Pulkovo airport) Leonid Sergeev. The road show “Visit Saint Petersburg!” ended in Saudi Arabia. The road show program, formed on the initiative and with the participation of specialists from the tourism industry in St. Petersburg and organized by the Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg and the City Tourist Information Bureau, included a series of workshops in Riyadh. Participants of the hospitality industry of the Northern capital presented their programs and established direct contacts with Middle Eastern colleagues. There was also a discussion of the possibility of establishing direct air communication between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and St. Petersburg. The representatives of the tourist business of the region got acquainted with the novelties of St. Petersburg, classic programs, the new tourist geography of the city on the Neva river. Road show visitors learned about the historical sights of St. Petersburg, architectural masterpieces, the event calendar, educational and religious routes, and much more. Particular attention was paid to the organization of direct flights to the northern capital. The presentation attracted the attention of representatives of tour operators and professional associations, airlines, organizers of MICE events and specialized media from the Middle …