Tag Archives: tourism

Saudi’s national tourism brand ‘Saudi Welcome To Arabia’ has kicked off another global marketing campaign featuring football legend and Saudi Tourism Ambassador, Lionel Messi. Launching across key target markets in Europe, India and China, the “Go Beyond What You Think” campaign is anchored on consumer insights, which revealed there are still common misconceptions about the destination, and invites audiences to experience the incredible and vibrant cultural transformation taking place across Saudi. Those that know Saudi are encouraged to share positive experiences and memories on TikTok and social channels using the bi-lingual hashtags #ShareYourSaudi and in Arabic #السعودية_بعيونك,. The latest ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ brand campaign is a combination of TV, Social, Digital, and OTA tactics activated over a three-month period. It is the latest in a series of initiatives by Saudi Tourism to foster broadening of perspectives, and bridging cultures through tourism. The campaign brings to life the UN Tourism, ‘Tourism Opens Minds’ Initiative that launched on World Tourism Day in Riyadh in September 2023, which extends a compelling invitation for travelers to broaden horizons and explore uncharted corners of the world. Governments and industry were presented with a special pledge, calling on them to promote new and under-appreciated destinations while consumers pledged to ‘be open-minded to new cultures and destinations, holding an open heart while travelling’ Lionel Messi is one of many leading international figures who took that pledge. Messi has a fond connection with Saudi being a frequent visitor to the country, including most recently with his wife, Antonella and their two children last Spring. Both Messi and his family have expressed delight in their Saudi experiences and a desire to continue visiting the country. Boldly addressing these …

Turkish Airlines (TK) and Riyadh Air (RX) have agreed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding to offer a comprehensive range of benefits for guests traveling between the Kingdom, Türkiye and points beyond their Riyadh and Istanbul hubs, as well as lay the ground for deeper future collaborations. Guest of both airlines will be able to take full advantage of each carrier’s worldwide network through a comprehensive interline and codeshare agreement that will allow customers to seamlessly connect between and combine sectors operated by either Riyadh Air or Turkish Airlines. Turkish Airlines Chief Investment & Technology Officer Levent Konukcu and Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas, signed the agreement at a ceremony on the sidelines of the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2023)  held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The intention of both carriers is that benefits will be made available to guests as soon as possible after Riyadh Air launches operations in mid-2025 and is subject to regulatory approvals by relevant authorities. The close cooperation will allow members of each carrier’s loyalty program to earn points or credits when traveling on codeshare services operated by the other, with both airlines also exploring opportunities to develop a broader loyalty agreement covering both global networks. In addition to offering a comprehensive range of guest benefits, the MoU also commits Riyadh Air and Turkish Airlines to work together to explore and implement broader synergies and efficiencies across the value chain, touching areas such as aviation related services, cargo and digital development. Turkish Airlines Chief Investment & Technology Officer, Levent Konukcu stated: “We are happy to start our relationship with Riyadh Air, a promising new player in the aviation industry. This Memorandum of Understanding is …

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.  

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collectively initiate and pursue cross-destination tourism promotion and marketing initiatives between the Musandam Governorate, Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The agreement was signed in London at WTM, between Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, Chief Executive Officer of OMRAN Group during a signing ceremony held at the World Travel Market, one of the most influential annual global exhibitions on travel and tourism. The MoU provides an official platform for both parties to cooperate on initiatives aimed at attracting more international visitors while positioning Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam as leading global tourism destinations in the Middle East. The agreement will see leaders of both organisations work together to create opportunities for travellers to visit both destinations, Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam, in a single trip. The partnership between the destinations is a natural fit, with just a 90-minute drive between them and a shared mountain range, the majestic Hajar mountains, among a wealth of other shared natural landscapes. Furthermore, their intertwined cultural heritage and historical connections only serve to enrich and strengthen this unique collaboration. To this end, the MoU sets forth a framework for greater collaboration and dialogue on marketing initiatives to promote cross-destination tourism. This includes facilitating ease of access in transportation between Musandam and Ras Al Khaimah, developing favourable visa arrangements for international travellers to visit both destinations and initiating tourism packages, adventure offerings and partnership opportunities. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism …

As part of its ongoing endeavours to empower national competencies and enhance their skills and experiences in the tourism sector, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) announced the launch of the first of a kind “Leadership Development Academy” and introduced its programmes (SHIFT & LIFT). The academy launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Al Mutasim Said Al Sariri, OMRAN Group’s Vice Chairman, and witnessed the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors, CEO and officials from OMRAN Group, subsidiaries, and owned hospitality assets at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The Leadership Development Academy serves as a platform to enhance the leadership skills of the local competencies and foster a motivating professional environment. In addition to providing the tourism sector with qualified leaders who actively contribute to achieving this promising sector’s growth and development. Commenting on this occasion, Dr.Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, said: “OMRAN Group is devoted to providing various programmes and initiatives that aim to harness national competencies, equip them with the knowledge, insights, and strategies needed to drive the growth and sustainability of our nation’s tourism sector.” He further added, “We affirm our commitment to investing in our human capital and their development in alignment with the national tourism strategy and our corporate objectives.” The ‘SHIFT’ programme will provide training courses in different management and leadership roles within the sector. Its first phase includes 40 participants from management levels at OMRAN Group and its subsidiaries. On the other hand, the ‘LIFT’ programme involves 20 candidates from hospitality assets, concentrating on developing leadership skills specifically for the hospitality industry. To ensure the high quality of the training …

Announced during the World Tourism Day celebrations in Riyadh, “Tourism Opens Minds” will showcase the powerful role that tourism plays in bridging cultures and promoting a more interconnected and harmonious world. To mark the launch, delegates gathered in Riyadh were presented with a special Pledge calling on them to actively work to promote new and under-appreciated destinations. The ‘Tourism Opens Minds’ initiative extends a compelling invitation for travelers to broaden their horizons and explore the uncharted corners of our world. World Tourism Day 2023 was held as new data from UNWTO underscored the sector’s recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. At the same time, however, research suggests that only a minority of tourists intend to seek out new or different destinations as they start travelling again. According the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, global tourism is on track to recover  80% and 95% international arrival numbers by the end of 2023. Notably, however, a recent YouGov survey found that 66% of tourists believe that travelling to a place that provides familiarity is important. Just under half of respondents feel uncomfortable travelling to places they know little about. This is despite the fact that, of those that do travel to new destinations, 83% agree that they come back with a changed or broadened perspective.

An official UAE delegation led by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, will be in France this week to explore further development of economic partnerships between the two countries. The visit will focus on enhancing partnerships in the sectors of trade, entrepreneurship, tourism, aviation, travel, new and circular economies, education, health, energy, anti-money laundering, space, AI, and intellectual property in particular. H.E. Bin Touq will hold several bilateral meetings with French ministers, officials, and private sector representatives to further enhance the economic and trade relations between the two sides by exploring more promising investment opportunities. The Minister of Economy will also participate in a meeting with the private sector, which will also be attended by several officials from both sides, to highlight the promising investment and commercial opportunities offered by the UAE economy. It will turn the spotlight on the advantages that the UAE’s business environment offers to investors and entrepreneurs, especially since French investments in the UAE continue to grow. More than 12,500 French economic licenses are active in the UAE as of July 10, 2023. H.E. Bin Touq will visit some of the largest business incubators and accelerators in France, namely ‘Station F’ and the ‘Airbus’ Creative Center to exchange experiences and best practices in entrepreneurship, startups and technology, and to learn more about their operations. In addition, he will visit the First Abu Dhabi Bank branch in France.

ADNEC Group has announced through its subsidiary, Capital Holiday, its full operational launch in Munich, marking a significant milestone in its vision to elevate Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector. With a dedicated team in place, Capital Holidays is committed to supporting sustainable growth of tourism in the emirate. Driven by a shared passion for excellence, the Capital Holidays team is working to activate a state-of-the-art technological infrastructure. This infrastructure aims to streamline workflows and enhance collaborations between Capital Holidays and its trade partners, ensuring seamless travel experiences for tourists exploring Abu Dhabi. The inauguration of Tourism 365’s new office in Munich, operating under its subsidiary Capital Holidays, represents a strategic move to attract European leisure and business tourists to Abu Dhabi. This expansion aims to promote the emirate’s captivating tourist attractions in the European market while forging partnerships with tour operators. Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC, said: “The establishment of our Munich office reflects our commitment to creating lasting connections between Europe and Abu Dhabi. By providing convenient access to our exceptional destination through our European hub, we aim to showcase the richness of Abu Dhabi’s offerings to travellers, entrepreneurs, and investors alike. This move is evidence of ADNEC’s dedication to bolstering the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector on an international scale.” The strategic location of the new office in Munich positions Capital Holidays to cater to the unique preferences of European travellers. Through targeted marketing initiatives, Capital Holidays will highlight Abu Dhabi’s diverse cultural heritage, modern infrastructure and unparalleled hospitality. Emphasis will be placed on the city’s iconic landmarks, thriving arts and culture scene, and world-class business facilities to foster a deeper understanding of …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) celebrated the graduation of 56 Emirati students from its 2023 Tourism Youth Summer Camp, a two-week introduction to Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality industry where participants nurtured essential teamwork and leadership skills, gained hands-on experience and received insights from professionals within the field. The graduation ceremony, held at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas was attended by the students and their parents, as well as key industry partners and government officials including H.E. Mouza Obaid Al Nasseri, Executive Director of Small & Medium Enterprises, Department Of Economic Development; Shaikha Al Nuwais, Vice President Owner Relationship Management at Rotana Groups; Hamad Mohammed Alsudain, Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Director at DCT Abu Dhabi; Mouza Theib Al Mansoori, Recruitment Department Manager at Human Resources Authority; and Najla Al Nahdi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Abu Dhabi National Hotels. In line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, DCT Abu Dhabi’s annual Tourism Youth Summer Camp allows young UAE nationals interested in exploring a career in the emirate’s tourism and hospitality industries to learn about Abu Dhabi as a tourism and cultural destination. The programme includes a work placement at one of the emirate’s top hotels, where participants discover the different components of the tourism business and how they contribute to the growth and development of the emirate’s economy. At the end of the programme, each student is equipped with knowledge and experience in various aspects of the tourism and culture sectors and an understanding of their important role in achieving Abu Dhabi’s strategic ambitions, having gained valuable professional skills and greater confidence to pursue a career in the industry.

NEOM announced a partnership with IMG Golf Course Services to open a groundbreaking 9-hole beachfront golf course on the luxury island, Sindalah. The first island golf course of its kind in the GCC, Sindalah will offer an entirely unique golfing experience for all visitors, from amateurs and young players to experienced enthusiasts and golfing professionals. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 6,474-yard (5,920 meter) par 70 golf course will boast 9 holes and 18 teeing points, as well as a 280-meter driving range and golf practice suites fitted with state-of-the-art ball tracking technology and statistics feedback. The course is also set to be GEO certified, meaning it will demonstrate the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. IMG Golf Course Services has been appointed to provide pre-opening, marketing and management services to the Golf Club at Sindalah, which will be a year-round, exclusive venue, elevating the golfing experience in the Middle East. The IMG Golf Course Services team will manage the onsite sports club, which will offer multiple membership options for visitors to enjoy the very best facilities, equipment and services, including a luxurious gym, Olympic-size swimming pool, an indulgent spa, and sports courts. The Sindalah Golf Academy will further complement the facilities with multiple performance studios offering the latest in custom-fitting and golf-learning technology. Perfectly positioned as a glamorous gateway to the Red Sea, Sindalah will redefine the luxury island experience and welcome in a new dimension of exquisite, curated travel. Sindalah is one of a group of islands off the NEOM coastline and will be the Red Sea region’s first ultra-prime superyachting destination. Opening in Q1 2024, the island will be the first iteration of NEOM to …