Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Travellers searching for barrier-free travel can enjoy a plethora of options in Germany, with the European country prioritising, and widely investing in, accessible leisure and tourism facilities. “Germany has made accessibility a firm priority over the past few years,” said Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB. “We recognised the gaps in accessibility within our cultural and touristic experiences which led us to work with policymakers, accommodation providers and site managements to develop our offerings. This led to changes such as the introduction of building ramps to historical sites, ensuring braille and audio descriptive text was available, widening corridors, created disabled parking and toilets and more. Our revisions have opened up a vast range of activities to visitors with restricted mobility, visual and hearing impairments, and learning difficulties.” Germany has a wide range of adventurous offerings for travellers seeking increased levels accessibility and its ‘Tourism For All’ initiative makes it even more straight forward to find them. Split into seven types of visitors: reduced mobility; wheelchair users; impaired hearing; deafness, visually impaired; blindness; and learning difficulties, the site also includes further information for guests with allergies and can be searched by type of activity they’re keen to enjoy or area they are visiting. Just one of the options travellers can enjoy includes the Bavarian Forest National Park which is Germany’s oldest national park. In July the commitment was taken to the next level with a group of students interning dedicating their time to clearing and setting up paths that aid accessibility further. Visitors can enjoy the wilderness camp, the youth forest home and well-equipped national park centres. Castle …

Speaking with Travel TV at the 77th year of Independence celebrations of Indonesia in the consulate in Dubai, Hon. Candra Negara, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Dubai stated that this year is a special year as the borders have opened and they are focused on the “10 New Balis” project, to promote tourism from the UAE to Indonesia. The “10 New Balis” includes Borobudur Temple (Central Java), Belitung (Sumatra), Mount Bromo (East Java), Labuan Bajo (East Nusa Tenggara), Lake Toba (North Sumatra), Thousand Islands (Jakarta), Mandalika (West Nusa Tenggara), Wakatobi (Southeast Sulawesi), Tanjung Lesung (Banten), and Morotai (North Maluku). Hon. Candra Negara, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Dubai reiterated, “As we speak, we have an interesting promotion in JBR where we promote the Jakarta area, the diversified business city with lots of tourism offerings for both business and leisure travellers. The city of Jakarta with its rich cultural, heritage and especially the diving spots, because in Jakarta area there are over 40 small islands called thousand islands because there are so many clustered they are promoting it to the Emiratis and and expats in the JBR area. In Indonesia itself, we are trying to promote the tourism destination in 10 priority areas. We are now creating “10 new Balis” they spread from the Western part of Indonesia Sumatra, close to Malaysia and Singapore to the Eastern part of Indonesia in Papua. This eastern part is very important as it offers the best diving spots in the world called The Raja Ampat Islands, four hour flight from Jakarta, worth a visit to explore it’s beautiful virgin diving spot and nature. We are also looking at …

Britain’s national tourism agency, VisitBritain, confirmed its participation in the upcoming fifth edition of the Gulf Travel Show 5.0 on 28th and 29th September 2022 under the theme sustainable tourism. As part of their B2B strategy for the year 2022/23, VisitBritain is looking to expand their travel trade footprint in GCC markets, share the latest trade tools featuring key destinations, experiences products as well as to recover key account management and gather insights about the potential of each GCC market following Covid-19. VisitBritain GCC Country Manager, Tatiana Khoreshok said: We are very excited to be part of the fifth edition of the Gulf Travel Show as it aligns perfectly with our objectives this year by providing a platform for us to maintain our connections with the travel trade and create new partners to encourage travel to Britain while growing our brand further in the region. Over the years, sustainability in travel, tourism and hospitality had been in the shadows working its way slowly but steadily. However, when UNWTO announced its commitment for the year on sustainability, all attention and initiatives will be to ensure that this becomes a focus across the globe. Gulf Travel Show (GTS) is the only event which was built in with a purpose. When it first started out just after the pandemic whilst most borders were still closed, it gave the travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity an opportunity to ensure that confidence is restored in the minds of the people passionate about the industry. It was also a tool which connected online GCC buyers with exhibitors from across the globe. The fifth edition or GTS 5.0 demonstrates its commitment to uphold its social responsibility to ensure …

Wego and Visit Greece announce an agreement to take travelers on an inspiring travel experience this summer. Through Wego and Visit Greece, travelers can grab the best deals and get all the information they need to plan their perfect stay in the country. Wego and Visit Greece will be shedding the light on the best of Greece through tailored content, and guides encompassing all the happenings and things to explore. From the adventurous activities, wild landscapes, the tranquil beaches to the Greek architecture and history, people have a lot to discover in this serene country. Among the top destinations from MENA searching for a stay in summer 2022 in Greece are Saudi Arabia and UAE, with 42% and 11% simultaneously. Egypt ranks third followed by Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, and Oman.  The trip duration is also longer and ranges between 4 and 7 days. Solo travelers dominate the searches with 64%, followed by couples 19% and then families 11%. And roundtrips account for 74%. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “We are excited to partner with Visit Greece. We see an increased demand for this vibrant cosmopolitan hub from the MENA region. We continue to provide our users the best destinations to explore, and Greece is a must see for all travellers.” Dimitris Fragakis, Secretary General of Greek National Tourism Organization, said: “We are extremely happy to work with Wego one of the most influential platforms for the Arabic audience! Our aim is to promote Greece as a destination ideal for couples, for solo travelers, but also for family vacation. Greek mainland and islands are top of mind choices …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) in cooperation with several government and private agencies and institutions in the emirate  has launched a regulatory framework – the Sharjah Tourism’s ‘Holiday Homes Project’ – which aims to offer an official framework of facilitation and control to Sharjah residents who wish to rent out places they own as holiday homes to tourists and visitors. According to the terms and standards approved by SCTDA as stipulated by the Holiday Homes Project, the residential units can be rented out on a rotational basis, regularly.  The project is successfully developing an official facilitation framework in line with international best practices for the operation of holiday homes, and to register them under a unified umbrella and database. The project will also empower prospective users with a new source of income recognised by the Government of Sharjah, offering them official guidance on operating requirements, classification criteria, violations and other mechanisms. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said: “With Sharjah Tourism’s Holiday Homes project, the emirate’s aspirations to continue advancing this sector has crossed a meaningful milestone, as the initiative not only introduces an innovative new service to the tourism landscape but also puts Sharjah’s home owners at the forefront of benefiting from a drive that is poised to drive more visitors from around the world to the emirate. Through the Sharjah Tourism’s Holiday Homes Project, we seek to maximise visitor experience by ensuring high-quality classification standards and offering additional staycation options across the emirate of Sharjah. It will further strengthen cooperation between the Authority and the providers of holiday homes by developing a system of legislation and regulations. This will contribute to diversifying the …

The Tourism Institute of Spain (TURESPAÑA) launches a new media and content campaign, “Legends of Spain”. “Legends of Spain”will bring to global audiences the seafaring legends of the Sirens in the Basque Country, the myth of the giant winged snake of Asturias (The “Cuélebre”) and the stories of “The Land of Giants” of Castilla-La Mancha that inspired Cervantes’ Don Quixote. This campaign is part of Turespaña’s branded-content strategy of partnering with the world’s largest and most important publishing brands and content producers, with the aim of generating the most inspirational content, told by the best storytellers in the world, for the global audiences of greatest value for Spain.

Dubai attracted 7.12 million international overnight visitors between January and June 2022, recording more than 183% growth in visitors compared to the 2.52 million tourists who visited Dubai during the same period in 2021, according to latest data from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This positive trend in H1 2022 places the city firmly on track to achieve its tourism goals for 2022 and beyond, and further reinforces its position as an international destination of choice. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the city of the future and the world’s best place to live, work and invest in has resulted in a resurgence of Dubai’s tourism sector. The growth in tourists reflects the resilience and dynamism of the emirate’s economy. His Highness’s vision has helped Dubai create a strong and stable economic foundation and a dynamic business ecosystem, enabling it to become a leading global hub for diverse sectors. The rapid rise in international tourist arrivals puts Dubai on track to achieve its ambitious target of becoming the world’s most visited destination. In the years ahead, Dubai will continue to develop itself further as a destination that offers compelling value to international travellers.” The number of tourists recorded in H1 2022 was close to the numbers achieved in the first six months of 2019, which saw 8.36 million tourists arriving in Dubai. The emirate’s ability to quickly return to near pre-pandemic tourism levels is even …

GCC travellers looking for a final summer escape need look no further than Germany’s beautifully rich, cultural attractions. Explore the German.Local.Culture campaign to enjoy Germany to the fullest, from breath-taking scenery to interactive, artisan workshops around the diverse cities. “The German.Local.Culture campaign is one we find resonates well with our Gulf markets,” said Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB. “Germany has so much to offer and this campaign helps visitors to experience some of Germany’s top crafts, tastes, greenery, and flair. Following the Eid break in May, we saw a 37 per cent increase in overnight stays compared to our statistics from 2019, prior to the pandemic. It is evident that Germany is a popular travel destination for GCC travellers. With such great results from Eid travellers, we are looking forward to a strong late summer season.” Located at one of the largest historic city centres in Germany, the Grand Opera on Erfurt Cathedral Hill is an ideal place to see the beautiful, open-air stage while the sun sets in the backdrop. Watch an outstanding performance with a historical backdrop dating back to the early Middle Ages. Classic operas and musicals are performed on the 70 step Cathedral Hill during the Cathedral Steps Festival, creating a perfectly unique cultural experience. Discerning foodies can savour the artisan flavour of authentic handmade goat’s milk cheese in Hesse, at the dairy farm located among the luscious Rhön meadows. Visitors can learn all about the local white Edel goats and have the opportunity to use their high-quality milk to create wheels of cheese. The entire production process is out in the …

Based on its pioneering role as a national arm responsible for the development and investment in the growing tourism sector in the Sultanate, OMRAN Group is one of the strategic partners in the Oman Vision 2040, working alongside its partners in the tourism sector and other key sectors to realise its ambitious national objectives. With the aim to fulfil Oman Vision 2040 and the National Tourism Strategy, our diversified portfolio reflects their pioneering role in establishing the country’s key anchor tourism developments, managing a world-class array of hotels across the country, and working with leading regional and international investors to foster strategic partnerships that create multiple socio-economic advantages for the Sultanate. This includes 5 Master Developments, 27 Hotels & Resorts with 4000 plus keys, 6 Strategic Partnerships, 5 Nature & Heritage Attractions etc. By overseeing the executive role of the National Tourism Strategy 2040, OMRAN Group works hand in hand with the Ministry of Tourism to expand the capability of the industry and diversify the national income. Through their flagship projects, investments and hospitality assets that showcase Oman’s cultural and natural uniqueness, they will continue to support the country’s ambition to become one of the top tourist destinations in the world.  

In keeping its position as the adventure tourism hub in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah will host the second edition of HIGHLANDER’s specially designed two-and three-day hikes on Jebel Jais to take place 18 – 20 November, offering hikers and nature enthusiasts a thrilling adventure atop UAE’s highest peak. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Ras Al Khaimah is well known as the nature Emirate, with its combination of sea, desert and mountains. Drawing on this natural heritage, we’ve worked closely with the local community to preserve the surrounding ecosystem, resulting in some of the most developed hiking trails in the region. As leaders in global adventure, we welcome HIGHLANDER for the second year to revisit some of their favourite trails on Jebel Jais and to discover new paths of exploration.” Fadi Hachicho, Managing Director of HIGHLANDER UAE and Founder of Adventurati Outdoor, said: “Last year’s HIGHLANDER event saw Ras Al Khaimah welcome 158 adventurers from the UAE and other European countries to explore the Emirate’s unique mountain ecosystem. I am so excited to host a second edition where, together with the Authority, we will immerse the HIGHLANDER community in the natural beauty of our Emirate, reinforce the wellbeing attributes of outdoor activities and show the importance of preserving and nature for future generations.” Soaring rockscapes, rugged canyons, winding pathways and mesmerizing views of the Arabian Gulf – the Hajar Mountains are a breath-taking celebration of nature that makes hiking in Ras Al Khaimah truly unforgettable. From 18 – 20 November, hikers at home and abroad have a unique opportunity to explore the secrets of the mountains with HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah 2022. …