Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted the first China Visitors Summit (CVS) in Al Ain Region and Abu Dhabi City on 28 – 29 August, marking a significant milestone in strengthening tourism ties with the Greater China region. The summit welcomed 156 Travel trade partners, 62 Stakeholder attendees and over 150 top Chinese travel industry buyers to the emirate, making it the largest business-to-business gathering of Chinese outbound travel professionals hosted outside of China. Building on the success of the 2024 edition, which hosted over 100 buyers and 263 suppliers, CVS 2025 further solidified its position as a premier platform for fostering business trust and collaboration within the global tourism sector. The two-day event, which centred around face-to-face meetings, offered an invaluable opportunity for suppliers – including attractions, airlines, hotels, and MICE venues – to connect directly with key Chinese buyers. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “It was an immense honour to welcome the China Visitors Summit to Abu Dhabi, particularly to the culturally rich Al Ain Region, which was declared the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2025. This event was instrumental in showcasing the exceptional experiences Abu Dhabi offers to our growing Chinese market. The insightful engagements and thousands of opportunities created at the event are testament to the strong desire for international collaboration and future growth.” The agenda featured dedicated business meeting sessions, enabling focused discussions and the establishment of new partnerships. Networking opportunities during lunches, coffee breaks, and the welcome dinner further facilitated informal connections and relationship building, while the China Training Day segment immersed travel suppliers in crucial insights for business development within the …

Focusing on key markets such as Europe, India and China, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched its latest campaign , “I Came for Football, I Stayed For More.” This showcases that Saudi offers visitors far more than their expectations. Heralding the start of its extended season of high stakes sports, rousing entertainment, and breathtaking film, fashion and cultural events, the campaign harnesses TV, Social, Digital, and OTA to give audiences a taste of one of the world’s most exciting destination calendars. Featuring football superstar and Saudi’s most famous foreign resident, CR7, the film takes viewers on a journey through Saudi’s cornerstone events. An awed CR7 sits in the stands – comparing the different sports to his own. Hushed monochromes give way to vibrant colour as we see more of what enticed CR7 to stay in Saudi. From the adrenaline coursing through the crowd, we hear its roar – feeling the highs and lows of a shared experience. The emotion is palpable, and brings audiences into the thick of the action. This is Saudi – engaged, excited, and eager to take its place on the world stage. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi, stated: “Today, Saudi is cementing its place as a global destination that combines cultural authenticity, warm hospitality, and the thrill of world-class events. In the tourism sector, we remain steadfast in our commitment to developing a seamless landscape that inspires the world and provides visitors with unforgettable experiences.” Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, added: “This campaign with CR7 is a showcase of Saudi today, and our ambitions. Tourism is a core component of our vision, and we are continuously expanding our offerings. …

Highlights included the announcement of an agreement with VA Group to develop a mixed-use project at the Sultan Qaboos Port waterfront, as well as three new partnerships under the Yiti Integrated Tourism Development: two mixed-use projects with VA Group and Aurelian Group, and a luxury resort under the global Nobu brand with Enevória Development. In addition, a partnership was announced with Oman Agriculture Development Company to develop Janaen Salalah the first integrated agri-tourism project of its kind in the Sultanate. These included luxury hospitality projects, innovative visitor experiences, and new partnerships aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure, expanding accommodation options, and creating broader opportunities to explore Oman’s natural beauty, heritage, and leisure offerings. In line with its ongoing commitment to support the tourism sector and expand opportunities for growth, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has announced a series of strategic investment partnerships with leading local and international institutions. The announcements formed part of the Group’s 20th anniversary celebrations, held under the patronage of His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and attended by ministers, dignitaries, partners, investors, and leading figures from Oman’s tourism sector. The celebration reflected two decades of growth and expansion since OMRAN Group was established by Royal Decree in 2005. Over this period, the Group has become a strategic driver of tourism and economic development, enhancing Oman’s investment competitiveness and creating a sustainable ecosystem of hospitality and infrastructure. OMRAN Group has developed integrated destinations and hospitality assets that combine authenticity with modernity, offering unique experiences that showcase the Sultanate’s abundant tourism potential. His Excellency Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority, said: “This occasion marks an important milestone …

As part of its growing economic and industry partnerships with India, one of the organisation’s priority growth markets, Visit Qatar held two high-level dialogue sessions in Mumbai, engaging the country’s leading tour operators and wedding planners as the two nations look to deepen tourism and industry ties. During the interactive sessions, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, spoke alongside a number of representatives who highlighted key upcoming initiatives and potential opportunities for further collaboration between the two countries and attract more travellers and event organisers to Qatar. Through presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, recognition ceremonies, and networking, the events showcased Qatar’s world-class hospitality, seamless connectivity, and diverse offerings, reinforcing its position as the luxury destination of choice for Indian travellers and wedding celebrations.

Jamaica, as a holiday destination for travellers from the GCC, proposes something new and unexplored. As holidaymakers are increasingly prioritizing space, privacy, and personalized service, the island grows as an ideal Caribbean escape for family vacations, couples’ retreats, and group holidays. Jamaica offers the versatility to cater to a range of visitor segments, and one area where it doesn’t fall short is luxury. Its selection of the finest private and luxurious villas sprawled on its lush hillsides and along its sun-kissed coastlines delivers seclusion, comfort, and island living at its best. Choose to unwind in the coveted Tryall Club in Montego Bay, is set on a 2,200-acre estate boasting 92 elegantly designed villas complete with a championship golf course. The Club sits on a gated community of rolling hills and oceanfront, with an impressive 18th century Georgian Great House. Enjoy its world-class amenities plus a wide range of water sports across the luscious estate. Travelling with the whole clan? Jamaica is home to exclusive villa rentals that appeal to big groups or multi-generational travelers. Consider booking a stay at the stunning Flower Hill Villa which can accommodate up to 17 people, or the architecturally striking Bougainvilla which also give its guests full membership access to the Half Moon Hotel and Golf Course. Villa Rosa vintage architectural bones with modern amenities and refined interiors, is also ideal for groups of up to 8 people. It is worth considering a few nights’ stay in Ocho Rios, where many of Jamaica’s top attractions are located. After a day filled with sightseeing and adventure, Jamaica Inn’s old-school charm can be the perfect place for solace. Imagine a place where waves of nostalgia meet timeless, …

Abu Dhabi has recorded a remarkable 78% year-on-year increase in Chinese visitors, reinforcing China’s position as the emirate’s second-largest source market. This growth has been further supported by a 29% rise in flight capacity between Abu Dhabi and China. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), welcomed China’s leading travel trade buyers to the capital, noting: “Abu Dhabi is a home away from home for Chinese travellers. By hosting this event, we aim to showcase the experiences that make our destination truly special.” He also underlined the shared values of innovation and forward thinking between Abu Dhabi and China. The Chairman of Destination Abu Dhabi added: “We don’t just want Abu Dhabi to be on the bucket list—we want it to be the bucket list destination.”  

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 …