Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development showcased the emirate’s unique attractions, its natural features and tourist potential at a strategic roadshow across key destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to promote and market tourism in the Emirate of Ajman. The roadshow itinerary included visits to Oman that started on December 4 and continued to Al Riyadh, KSA on December 5-6, and Jeddah, KSA on December 7. The initiative aimed to tap into new tourist markets, attract more visitors and tourists, facilitate the exchange of experiences and expertise, and establish valuable partnerships with companies and travel agencies through meetings and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). On this occasion, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development said: “This tour underscores our dedication to showcasing the unique cultural and natural treasures that define the Emirate of Ajman. As we embarked on this strategic journey, our goal was not only to introduce potential visitors and partners to the distinctive offerings of Ajman but also to forge meaningful collaborations with industry operators. We believe that by engaging with key markets in Oman, and Saudi Arabia, we can tap into new tourist segments, attract a diverse range of visitors, and strengthen our position as a leading tourism destination in the region.” The GCC market has been a pivotal contributor to Ajman’s tourism sector, witnessing consistent growth year over year. The influx of visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council countries saw a significant uptick of 12% from the third quarter of 2022 to the start of 2023, marking a notable increase compared to the preceding year. KSA, holding the position of the 9th top source market for Ajman, …

A special event was held in Riyadh highlighting Berlin’s offerings in medical travel, showcasing a dedicated Arabic website catering to GCC travellers and providing information on accommodation and medical facilities. The Arabic site can be viewed at berlin-health-excellence.com/ar. It was held under the esteemed patronage of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Riyadh, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and visitBerlin last night hosted a special event in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. The gathering aimed to showcase the allure of Berlin and highlight Germany’s tourism offerings for 2024. The exclusive event served as a platform to spotlight Berlin’s rich history, vibrant culture, enchanting Christmas markets, and diverse culinary scene, positioning it as a premier destination for global tourism and conventions. In addition to this, recognising the popularity of football in the region, Berlin also promoted the highly anticipated European Championship, which will be held in 2024 across 10 German cities, including Berlin where the final game will be played. Another major date in 2024 is the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with numerous events taking place in November next year to showcase the city of freedom Berlin. Additionally, Berlin also emphasised its commitment to welcoming guests from diverse backgrounds, offering Muslim-friendly accommodations and sharing information on where to find halal cuisine. The city’s family-friendly environment – featuring children’s museums and zoos – presents an ideal destination for families. Moreover, with its abundant lakes, rivers, and parks, Berlin offers an idyllic retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Yamina Sofo, Director of Marketing & Sales Office – Gulf Countries at the GNTO, said: “Germany stands as an embodiment of cultural magnificence and this exclusive event in Riyadh …

Almosafer announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Talemia to provide and implement field trips ( by planes, buses) for school students in the Kingdom providing enjoyable and culturally enriching experiences. The collaboration builds on the mutual commitment of the two entities to nurture a profound understanding of Saudi Arabia’s rich natural and cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia among students. Under the three-year agreement, Discover Saudi, Almosafer’s destination management company, will be responsible for meticulously curating and expertly managing cultural field trips  that offer immersive cultural experiences for students from elementary to high school. The core objective is to offer a deep understanding of the cultural richness and achievements of the Kingdom through specially curated hands-on learning opportunities for public education. Commenting on the newly signed agreement, Fahad Mohammed Alobailan, Chief Tourism Officer at Almosafer, said: “We are excited to support “Talemia” and the Ministry of Education in taking education beyond the confines of classrooms and textbooks as we believe that every student should have the opportunity to explore, learn, and be inspired by their own heritage and culture. The partnership with Talemia allows us to perfectly blend culture with education and draws on the expertise of Discover Saudi in fostering a deep appreciation of our Kingdom’s heritage to create lifelong learners in the Kingdom with a passion for culture and history.” The trips, organized by Discover Saudi in collaboration with Talemia, will meet the requirements of the student activities specified by the Ministry of Education departments in the Kingdom. Students will embark on journeys to various cities, where these trips will bridge the knowledge derived from textbook knowledge with real-world experiences, and enable the students to explore and …

Dubai in its commitment to sustainable tourism announced the launch of the Dubai Reef project, one of the world’s largest marine reef developments, marking a pioneering step in the journey towards ecological preservation. In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Reef project will be led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and founding partner, the Regulatory Committee on Fishing of Living Aquatic Resources in Dubai, in cooperation with Dubai Chambers, the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), and Nakheel. The project is part of the city’s efforts to increase fish stocks, support sustainable fishing and contribute to boosting food security. Dubai Reef project will also play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and increasing marine biodiversity. As the city continually strives to achieve the objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to strengthen Dubai’s profile as a leading sustainable city, the landmark project is set to further consolidate the emirate’s position as one of the top three global cities. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted that preserving the environment, safeguarding wildlife and promoting biodiversity stand as core priorities for the UAE, aligned with the strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. His Highness also emphasised that safeguarding the continuity and quality of human life requires a concerted and intensified commitment to launching high-impact projects and championing the adoption of best practices that ensure environmental safety and sustainability for generations to come. “Dubai recognises the critical importance of the environment and is fully committed to its preservation …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted its inaugural Emirati Hospitality Ambassadors Forum, a new platform that empowers and connects UAE nationals working across the emirate’s tourism sector. The event saw the participation of DCT Abu Dhabi leadership and over 80 Emirati tourism professionals from across the sector, representing diverse roles such as tour guides, agents, marketers, and managers, among others. The annual forum was incepted to highlight the pivotal role Emiratis play in delivering authentic experiences for visitors, and to facilitate networking and the exchange of invaluable insights about Abu Dhabi’s rapidly growing tourism and hospitality sector. HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “As we continue to grow and elevate Abu Dhabi’s tourism landscape, we must ensure our community of Emirati tourism and hospitality ambassadors are given the tools and resources needed to deliver authentic and unforgettable experiences for all. The Emirati Hospitality Ambassadors Forum will amplify the voices of our Emirati talent, while leveraging their unique perspectives to steer and evolve Abu Dhabi’s hospitality industry.” The Emirati Hospitality Ambassadors Forum aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s mission to cultivate a dynamic, diverse and inclusive tourism sector, one that celebrates the rich heritage and warm hospitality that defines Emirati culture.  

Bahrain is set to become the first Middle Eastern nation to host the 9th UNWTO’s World Forum on Gastronomy scheduled to unfold in 2024. This historic event underscores Bahrain’s rich heritage, diverse culture, and its burgeoning tourism industry, positioning the kingdom as a global epicenter for gastronomy tourism. The news was unveiled on the sidelines of the 8th World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, held in the picturesque city of San Sebastian, Spain. The announcement not only marks a significant milestone for Bahrain but also showcases the nation’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in the realm of gastronomy and tourism. Bahrain, with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, is poised to leverage the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2024 as a catalyst for promoting responsible agricultural practices. The event aims to highlight the importance of nurturing local communities while preserving Bahrain’s rich heritage and traditions. Scheduled to take place at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir, the forum promises a diverse array of engaging activities.   One of the highlights of the forum will be visits to local producers, providing participants with a firsthand experience of Bahrain’s vibrant culinary landscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in culinary classes, immersing themselves in the kingdom’s gourmet excellence rooted in its historical legacy. This unique combination of cultural immersion and gastronomic exploration is anticipated to make the 9th UNWTO’s World Forum on Gastronomy in Bahrain an unforgettable experience for participants from around the globe.   The year 2024 is poised to be a transformative period for Bahrain’s tourism sector, and the hosting of the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism plays a crucial role in the kingdom’s primary vision. The forum is …

In a landmark announcement made at the 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions, Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh has been named as the host city for the highly anticipated Expo 2030. Themed ‘The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,’ Expo 2030 will align perfectly with the fulfillment of Saudi’s Vision 2030 – a historic blueprint to fundamentally transform the Kingdom, diversify the economy, and improve the lives of the country’s citizens. Saudi is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations, and in the first quarter of 2023, it had the second-highest number of international arrivals in the world – a growth of 64% compared to the same period in 2019. Expo 2030 is expected to turbocharge the sector’s steep upward trajectory, giving the kingdom a platform to share its unique and diverse wonders with the world while driving forward job creation, sector investment, and trade partnerships. The announcement is also set to significantly boost the Saudi economy and drive the Vision 2030 ambition of making tourism the second largest component of the country’s GDP. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board of Saudi Tourism stated: “Today marks an extraordinary chapter for Saudi, with our capital city, Riyadh, honored by the world as the chosen host of Expo 2030. I believe that Expo 2030 will serve as a catalyst for growth and its impact on Saudi’s tourism sector will be felt immediately. As we prepare for this iconic global showpiece, we would like to call on our trade partners to take advantage of the historic opportunities on offer, to help us drive forward sustainable growth and development within the Kingdom’s tourism sector today.” Spotlighting Saudi’s robust …

From Baa to Ari, Unveil the Beauty of Maldivian Atolls – Unwrap the Gift of Maldivian atolls and Venture into Paradise During the Holiday Season. December in the Maldives is a time of pure delight with its powder-soft white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. With the northeast monsoon ushering in dry, sunny days, it’s the perfect season for exploration. Expect to encounter vibrant marine life, crystal-clear waters, and sunny skies. Before Going To make the most of your Maldivian adventure, here are some travel tips to consider: Book in advance: December is a popular time to visit. Booking your flights, accommodation and activities well in advance is recommended. Check visa requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visa or permits to enter the country. Travel Declaration: Visitors are required to submit this form 96 hours before their flight to and from Maldives. Pack sunscreen and swimwear: Protecting your skin from the tropical sun is paramount, don’t forget your swimwear for all your water adventures. Snorkelling and diving gear: If you have your own gear, consider bringing it along with you. Festive Tips and Things to Do The Maldives offers a treasure trove of experiences that are well loved such as water adventures through snorkelling, scuba diving and windsurfing; delving into Maldivian culture, heritage and local tradition through island exploration; booking wellness escapes to rejuvenate the body and soul at the world-class wellness centres; basking in the Maldivian twilight with cruises and savouring the culinary gems of Maldives with its fresh seafood and aromatic spices.   For this season, enhance your Maldivian experience with a variety of offers from the many world-class properties nestled in this mesmerising country. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa …

On the sidelines of the HSMAI ME ROC ME Commercial Strategy conference, it was shared that Dubai welcomed 450,000 Chinese travellers between January to September 2023, in an exclusive interview with TravelTV Middle East with Hoor Al Khaja Senior Vice President International Operations, Dubai Economy and Tourism. She shared that China once again has returned within the top 5 source market to Dubai. She reiterated the various strategies implemented to attract this important market over the past year as the travellers started to explore Dubai once again, adding it to their bucket list destinations. Al Khaja mentioned, “China has been one of the key source markets for Dubai prior to the pandemic, it was the fourth major source market. It was one of the markets which took a longer time to comeback. We have seen Dubai as one of the bucket list markets for Chinese wanting to travel. If we look at January to September 2023, we have welcomed over 450,000 Chinese visitors so we are well on our way to achieving figures away beyond 2019. We have been conducting many special programmes with our trade partners. We hosted trade and tech partners from China so that we can regain the visitor numbers as before.”

If you find yourself vacationing in the Philippines during December, you’ll discover a nation transformed into a festive wonderland. Embrace the warmth of Filipino hospitality amidst a backdrop of vibrant traditions and have an unforgettable journey filled with festive cheer. Christmas and New Year’s Eve hold profound cultural and religious significance in the Philippines. Deeply rooted in the country’s predominantly Catholic faith, its celebration is marked by a unique blend of traditional Filipino customs, family gatherings, lively public celebrations and global holiday practices. Here are some travel tips during the most awaited and cherished occasions throughout the country:   Pack light and comfortable clothing: December is part of the dry season in the Philippines, so pack light and breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the tropical climate.   Prepare for festive crowds: Christmas is widely celebrated in the Philippines, and popular tourist spots and markets can be crowded. Plan your itinerary accordingly and be patient in bustling areas.     Book your flights and accommodations in advance: December is a peak travel season due to the holidays. Secure your accommodations in advance to ensure availability and potentially take advantage of festive promotions.   Check Festival Schedules: Research local festivals and events happening in December. Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, for example, is a must-see for its dazzling display of intricate lanterns.   Learn Basic Local Phrases: English is widely spoken, but learning a few basic Filipino phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and enrich your travel experience.   Experience Simbang Gabi: Attend Simbang Gabi, the traditional series of dawn Masses leading up to Christmas. It’s a cultural and spiritual experience that offers a unique insight into Filipino traditions.   …