Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

As Tourism Malaysia participates for the fourth consecutive time at the Gulf Travel Show (GTS) on 22nd and 23rd March 2022 from 11am to 5pm, Sabah tourism will be one of the key partners to attend the event virtually to meet the agents for two consecutive days. Humphrey Ginibun, Senior Marketing Manager, Sabah Tourism Board shares, “Sabah Malaysian Borneo is the hidden jewels of Malaysia and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is proud to promote Sabah as a preferred holiday destination for families, honeymooners, and adventure travellers. Mt Kinabalu in Sabah is Malaysia’s first World Heritage site and Sipadan Island is renowned as among the top dive sites in the world. These tourism products are Sabah’s top iconic tourism product in Malaysia. Prior to the Covid19 pandemic, Sabah is ranked the top two busiest airports in Malaysia and Sabah receives over 200 international direct flights from 20 cities in Asia. Sabah is growing in popularity as a holiday destination, STB looks forward to meeting tour agents who can work hand in hand with us to rekindle tourism holidaymakers and promote Sabah to the Middle Eastern market.” As a platinum partner, Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 15 booths consisting of tourism boards, tour operators and hotels and resorts such as Tourism Malaysia Dubai, Tourism Malaysia Jeddah, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Selangor, Asian Overland Services, Universal Holidays travel and tours, World Express tours Malaysia, Sunway hotels and resorts, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, New World Petaling Jaya hotel, Dash Box Hotels, Lexis hotels and resorts, Berjaya hotels and resorts and Gembox. It will be an opportunity to network with travel agents and tour operator partners from the Middle …

For the first time around, Israel is now open to all travellers residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As of 01 March 2022, vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists of all ages are permitted to enter Israel upon presenting a negative PCR test before departure and after arriving in Israel. The Israel Ministry of Tourism made the official announcement at the Expo 2020 Israeli Pavilion on 15 March 2022. The announcement follows a recent agreement between the UAE and Israel extending visa-free entry to all UAE nationals as part of the ongoing strategic partnership between both countries.   Following the announcement, the Israel Ministry of Tourism hosted a B2B workshop for travel partners in the UAE. Dignitaries from the Ministry shared an informative destination presentation showcasing exceptional prospects for post-covid tourism. The workshop attracted over 65 agents from the travel industry, followed by a pavilion tour to the travel trade partners and media. The event concluded with a networking gala serving Israeli delicacies and music that welcomed top travel stakeholders in the market.   Israel’s tourism offering: Israel is a global destination attracting over 4.5 million tourists in 2019 alone. The country provides the perfect conditions to accommodate all UAE visitors, including halal food restaurants. The local Israeli Kosher food is halal-friendly and is liked by many tourists. Additionally, the country offers diverse family-oriented hotels and heritage sites which can be explored with the help of Arabic tour guides.   Speaking at the event, Ksenia Kobiakov, New Markets Development Department Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism, said, “There is a tremendous potential in the UAE to drive incoming tourists to Israel. I hope travellers from the UAE will appreciate Israel’s unique offerings, …

The Malaysian state of Melaka kicked off a week-long campaign to woo foreign investments in maritime, IT, energy, electric vehicles, tourism and other sectors at the Expo 2020 Dubai with an initial target of RM500 million (US$119 million) in projects. The state is also showcasing its latest and ambitious waterfront economic zone, which it says will help transform the once-thriving trading port into a modern metropolis and an important investment hub in Southeast Asia. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Utama Sulaiman Md Ali, who led a high-powered delegation of investors and government officials, said the Expo would also help boost tourism in Melaka, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Melaka, along with George Town, are historic cities of the Straits of Melaka. Both cities have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with rich multicultural heritage. “Our history as a maritime hub and a busy trading centre goes back a long way.  The deep, sheltered harbour on the narrow channel which took our name, the Straits of Melaka, positioned us at the crossroads of one of the busiest sea lanes in the world,” Sulaiman said in his speech at the launch of the Melaka Week. Besides preserving heritage, Melaka is also forging ahead in its drive for a more relevant and sustainable economic future. It is aggressively pushing to develop the economic corridor called the Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone or M-WEZ. Launched just a year ago, state authorities are banking on international investors to help turn the huge 25,000-acre site into a vibrant corridor. A unique aspect of this corridor …

Tourism Malaysia is participating for the fourth consecutive time at the Gulf Travel Show (GTS) on 22nd and 23rd March 2022 from 10am to 3pm. As a platinum partner, Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 15 booths consisting of tourism boards, tour operators and hotels and resorts such as Tourism Malaysia Dubai, Tourism Malaysia Jeddah, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Selangor, Asian Overland Services, Universal Holidays travel and tours, World Express tours Malaysia, Sunway hotels and resorts, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, New World Petaling Jaya hotel, Dash Box Hotels, Lexis hotels and resorts, Berjaya hotels and resorts and Gembox. Following this year’s participation, Mirza Ghalib, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, Dubai office says that GTS 2022 is a platform that allows industry players to re-establish the travel trade connections for the Middle East market. “Malaysia has successfully completed the COVID-19 vaccination of more than 97 per cent of its adult population and as a result, the country is all set to welcome back international travellers starting on 1st April 2022,” says Mr Mirza. This announcement was made by the government after almost two years of closure due the COVID-19 related pandemic and it is the beginning on the endemic phase. It will be an opportunity to network with travel agents and tour operator partners from the Middle East. Travel products from across the world have signed up to participate. Find out what is trending in the region with the auditorium special sessions with a host of speakers who will share the latest happenings in the region. Focused on business meetings, the digital event will host buyers from across the region. After the success of the first …

As the Tourism and hospitality industry recovers, Namibia is looking to showcase the country’s unique attractions and heritage with a high-level government and tourism delegation visiting the UAE to communicate and engage with partners, media and agents about the travel opportunities offered by Namibia as well as strengthen crucial relationships. Led by Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and Mr. Digu Naobeb, CEO of Namibia Tourism Board, the delegation reinforces the country’s alluring attractions as a must-see tourist destination nestled along the southwestern coast of the African continent with a large land surface, known for clear blue skies and sunshine, unpolluted air, memorable wildlife encounters and the best destination for star gazing. A land of remarkable contrasts, with breathtaking views, desert landscapes, woodlands and waterways, the delegation will highlight the best places to visit and the destination’s positive, social, economic and environmental approach for the tourism industry that meets the needs of travellers from different backgrounds. Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said, “We are delighted to share our new developments for tourism and efforts to help rebuild trust in travel and showcase our country’s appeal to potential visitors around the globe. We are in the UAE to highlight our country’s strengths and offer a short glimpse into our culture and our common interests, as we have a lot to offer in terms of exceptional service and experiences” Digu Naobeb, CEO of Namibia Tourism Board, said, “The pandemic put a reset on where people go and what they do, focusing on wellbeing, seeking space and opportunities to reconnect with nature. We offer the perfect fit for the kind of traveller seeking these experiences and …

VisitOman.om, the Sultanate of Oman’s online travel booking gateway for trade partners, has officially launched its booking engine commercially. As the global travel and tourism sector prepares to return to full strength in 2022, VisitOman.om aims to connect the world with Oman’s beauty by offering a full Omani travel experience through sustainable partnerships. VisitOman.om is the country’s first authorized integrated digital platform designed specifically to serve the international travel industry. The advanced digital platform   offers Business to Business (B2B) partners an innovative solution for inbound travel trade, making it easier to plan, book, and build packages to showcase the full potential of Oman to the world. Shabib Al Maamari, Visit Oman Managing Director, said, “Our goal is to set uniform standards for regulated routes, trip package inclusions, pricing, clear terms and conditions, and well-defined customer service agreements. The platform offers stimulating business opportunities for our network of partners, while delivering on our aim to drive tourism to Oman and support Oman’s position among global travel and tourism markets in line with the National Tourism Strategy 2040.” A win-win proposition for travel trade partners Featuring advanced digital technology, the platform brings all tourism suppliers together for trade partners in key markets around the world to guarantee instant confirmations for all bookings and create a seamless travel experience, building a complete itinerary from the moment guests board the plane to Oman to the moment they leave. Creating a bespoke trip of a lifetime The VisitOman.om team visits operators and suppliers across the country to be able to recommend unique experiences to clients. Whether it is a traditional cooking lesson on a remote mountain, a custom tour or an exclusive experience, the platform …

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) is announcing a partnership with UAE-based dnata Travel to unveil new experiences and tailor-made offers to Mauritius for UAE holiday makers in 2022, with travel to the island nation in demand across the emirates. Experts at dnata Travel – the UAE’s longest-standing travel provider – are revealing that travel bookings to the Indian Ocean island have doubled in 2022 so far, in comparison to booking figures in Q4 2021, when Mauritius fully-reopened for tourism post the pandemic, following a partial re-opening in the summer. As demand for travel continues to increase, representatives from the official tourism authority of the Republic of Mauritius are identifying the UAE as an important growth market for tourism, and revealing plans to attract even more travellers from the emirates this year. Arvind Bundhun, Director at Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, commented: “We have always seen strong demand for travel to Mauritius from the UAE and it remains one of the most important source markets for us globally, while our countries share strong cultural ties. In 2022, we are partnering with dnata Travel to bring our experiences closer to UAE travellers than ever before, as we work to create tailor-made itineraries focused on families, romance, and those seeking grand, All-Inclusive offerings.” Representatives from the MTPA detail the top considerations for travellers booking holidays to Mauritius in 2022 so far, from the UAE and across the world, to be a want for new and immersive experiences, a balance of relaxation and outdoor activities, and sustainable travel options, all-important elements of the country’s tourism offering. Emily Jenkins, General Manager of dnata Travel Leisure, added: “Traveller demand from the UAE to Mauritius continues to …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the appointment of Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer as its Acting Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Al Qaseer will continue the ongoing concerted efforts to achieve Shurooq’s vision of developing world-class projects and bolster efforts to drive national and foreign investments into the emirate. He will also oversee the management and operational execution of all multi-sectoral projects under Shurooq’s portfolio, including its tourist and heritage destinations across the emirate. Al Qaseer made formidable contributions in fulfilling the goals of Shurooq’s plans and projects. He has facilitated the growth of businesses across sectors, in addition to strengthening Sharjah’s status as a key investment, tourist and trade destination in the region. Ahmed Al Qaseer joined Al Qasba Development Office in 2006 as Business Development Manager and was promoted to Director of Business Development in 2008. He was an integral part of the team that transformed Al Qasba into the popular leisure and tourism destination it is today. Following his highly successful track record with Al Qasba, Ahmed Al Qaseer played a key role in the establishment of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in 2009. As Director of Property Management in 2010, he was entrusted with the responsibility of managing Shurooq’s properties as well as its operations, sales, and leasing. The following year, he was promoted as Chief Operating Officer of Shurooq, and in that capacity, was responsible for the operational execution of Shurooq’s portfolio of projects and destinations.

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has honoured members of the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme – including healthcare professionals, scientists, industry experts, academics, business leaders and government officials – who have spearheaded successful bids to bring global business events to Dubai. Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and a division of DET, presented awards to 20 member organisations at the Programme’s annual appreciation ceremony, held on 3 March at Dubai Exhibition Centre, within the Expo 2020 Dubai site. With Dubai continuing to lead the global recovery of the business events sector, the bid wins driven by the Ambassadors are contributing to the growth of the pipeline of conferences, congresses and meetings which will take place in the city over the coming years and provide platforms for the sharing of knowledge, professional development and networking. As the city continued to present a compelling proposition for international associations, societies and other entities for their major events, the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme last year supported in securing 26 conferences and congresses to be hosted in Dubai over the coming years, set to attract over 35,000 industry-specific professionals and experts from around the world. Among the events won in 2021 thanks to the contributions of Ambassadors were: 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (2025), IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (2024), World Science and Technology Education Conference (2023) and Congress of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (2024). Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “In recognition of their commitment and vital contributions towards Dubai’s growing status as an international business events hub, we congratulate and express gratitude …

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority recently signed a memorandum of understanding with a Dubai-based marketing and representation company to promote and market PNG’s tourism industry in the Gulf and Middle East regions. Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture Isi Henry Leonard and the chief executive officer of Across Borders Travel, Fabian Fernandes, signed the MoU in Dubai – UAE. The signing was witnessed by TPA chief executive officer, Eric Mossman Uvovo, and TPA director marketing, Alice Kuaningi. Minister Leonard said Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry has never penetrated the tourism market in the Middle East and that the MoU was a break through, and hopes that a market from the Gulf region can be secured. He said PNG’s participation at the Dubai World Expo2020 would provide the leverage to effectively market PNG as a tourism destination in light of the opening of international borders. Across Borders Travel looks after the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which is a political and economic union of Arab states bordering the Gulf. GCC was established in 1981 and its members include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. Established and registered in 2013, Across Borders Travel is a Preferred Sales Agents(PSA)  for 7 Cruise Companies and 11 Destination Management Companies(DMC’s) around the world. Under the MoU, Across Borders Travel will provide tourism and marketing advice to TPA, and support in providing information about travel and tourism, and any related information throughout the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East and Arab region to TPA.