Category Archives: Govt

The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) celebrated a successful return to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) with the exclusive announcement of two high profile strategic partnerships on the second day of the region’s leading travel trade fair. The announcements were officially presented at a press conference on the GNTO stand hosted by His Excellency, The General Secretary of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, Dimitrios Fragakis, and comes as the national tourism body steps up its efforts to promote Greek tourism across the region ahead of the summer travel period by showcasing the exceptional weather and diverse experiences on offer to visitors throughout the year under the Greek sun. The GNTO is partnering with Qatar Airways to promote new direct routes to Greece as part of its ongoing commitment to offering seamless connectivity for passengers looking to enjoy as many one-stop connections as possible. The popular Greek island of Santorini, with one of the most famous views in the world, will join high-demand flights to Athens and Mykonos to become the third destination to be served in Greece by Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways and the GNTO will run a dedicated media campaign to raise awareness among audiences in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with a focus on the unique, money can’t buy experiences that only Greece has to offer. The campaign will also target potential travelers from as far afield as Australia. The first flight to Santorini is scheduled to depart from Doha’s Hamad International Airport, voted the world’s best airport in 2021, on 7th June 2022. The new flights will further increase the already strong connectivity that Greece enjoys with the EMEA region, with existing routes including regular and seasonal …

Tourism Malaysia, the promotion board under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, is participating once again in the Arabian Travel Market with the country’s tourism trade partners, to promote Malaysia to the Middle Eastern market. Showcasing the latest attractions and destinations for shopping, family fun, eco-adventure, honeymoons, luxury holidays, Malaysia will also underscore its reputation as a safe travel destination. The prestigious annual event is once again being held at Dubai World Trade Centre, from 9th to 12th May. This year, the Malaysian delegation is led by The Honourable Minister Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. The Malaysia Pavilion consists of 64 delegates representing 32 organisations, eager to meet key industry buyers from the Middle East. Malaysia reopened its borders to international tourists on 1st April 2022. Commenting, Dato’ Sri Nancy said, “It was indeed a significant milestone for our tourism industry as we welcome more international visitors, first time and returning visitors alike, to further boost our economy. Now that our borders are fully open again, we are confident that we will witness a strong rebound in tourism numbers, to bolster the recovery of our economy. We estimate two million international tourist arrivals this year generating more than RM8.6 billion (AED7.5 billion) in tourism receipts.” Pre-pandemic, in 2019, Malaysia received 397,726 tourists from MENA region. Saudi Arabia was Malaysia’s top market, accounting for 121,444 tourists, more than 30% of arrivals, from the West Asia and North African regions, an 8.2% increase over the previous year. The Malaysian delegation is comprised of hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism product owners, and representatives from state tourism boards. During the four-day event, they will …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is providing inspiration for GCC tourists to visit Germany this year, by relaunching their highly successful German.Local.Culture. campaign, as well as launching its ‘Embrace German Nature’ campaign in the GCC, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022. The campaigns form a compelling tourism proposition that appeal to GCC travellers, with harmony between generations, traditions and different cultural influences. It reflects authentic, local experiences in urban destinations while shining a light on rural areas and their sustainable tourism. “We want to inspire GCC travellers. Germany is a diverse destination and ideal for longer holidays for the culturally minded, for families and for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits and natural beauty,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales & Marketing for the GCC, at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). Germany is once again becoming an extremely popular destination for GCC Nationals. Pent up demand from GCC Nationals, resulted in 518,516 overnight stays in Germany during 2021, an 82.3% increase over 2020. In December 2021 alone, despite the outbreak of the Omicron variant, Germany recorded over 54,493 overnight stays from GCC Nationals, an increase of 335%, compared with the same period in 2020, “These figures show that Germany is a preferred destination for GCC Nationals. Visitor numbers in 2021 rebounded significantly, which is even more impressive given COVID travel restrictions in Germany only eased end of June 2021. The GCC is now the highest inbound performing region within Asia, Australasia and South Africa,” added Sofo. This has clearly been supported by the way in which the GCC countries have responded to the pandemic, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, …

Sultanate of Oman being a key participant at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) officially opened their stand spearheaded by His Excellency Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Oman delegation included 14 companies, institutions, and establishments of the Omani tourism sector. The exhibition, which runs from May 9th to 12th witnessed the launch of Oman’s new pavilion, as well as Oman Tourism Forum 2022. The Forum will oversee participation of over 1,500 exhibitors representing 112 tourist destinations around the world, with over 20,000 visitors specialized in the tourism sector. In a statement commenting on the participation of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said, “ATM is an important platform for the Ministry and the Omani tourism sector institutions to showcase its latest developments and projects, especially as we prepare to welcome the Khareef season soon.” His Excellency added, “The intensive business programs and official meetings serves as a catalyst for Ministry, and the Omani institutions and companies to learn, discover and grow from global markets. The Omani tourism sector institutions are keen to introduce and promote their products, offers and services at such specialized international exhibitions.” His Excellency, The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism also emphasized the launch of the Oman Tourism Forum 2022, set to begin on 10th May – Tuesday. He stressed the importance of such specialized global forums that attracts senior speakers, decision-makers, participants, investors and important stakeholders in the global tourism industry. The forum is organized in cooperation between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism Oman and the Chinese Forum for International Investment, …

With Dubai fully regaining its vibrancy after safely navigating and accelerating out of the unprecedented global challenge, the city’s newly formed Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will showcase the diversity of Dubai’s destination offering, along with innovative initiatives designed to further strengthen the city’s tourism industry, during the 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market. With this year’s ATM set to shine a light on the growth trajectory of the global travel and tourism industry, as well as the challenges ahead under the theme ‘The future of international travel and tourism’, DET looks forward to sharing and facilitating the exchange of information and ideas and leverage opportunities for sustainable growth. Located in Hall 3 at Dubai World Trade Centre, a bigger and all-new design Dubai stand (ME-3110) will see more than 100 partners and representatives from government entities, hotels, destination management companies and tour operators join DET to safely welcome visitors, as well as over 290 international hosted buyers to the event. The Dubai stand will also highlight key activities of government bodies and industry stakeholders including Dubai Police, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA -Dubai), Dubai Health Authority, SMCCU, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture, Accor and Marriott International.   Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented: “ATM is an important platform for global and regional tourism and this year the forum is happening at a time when the world is increasingly looking to take a leaf out of Dubai’s successful tourism recovery strategy. As the host destination and one of the longstanding partners of this annual event, Dubai’s participation together with a cross-section of  government and industry partners is fundamental to providing …

The Emirates Tourism Council – which met under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises – reviewed the national plans to develop a tourism data system in accordance with global best practices and promote tourism in foreign markets to increase the footfall of visitors in the UAE. The first Council meeting in 2022 – which was attended by the membership of heads, directors of all local tourism departments and entities in the UAE – also reviewed the performance of the tourism sector and hotel establishments in the country in 2021 and the growth rates achieved in several tourism indicators. Al Falasi asserted that the tourism sector in the UAE continues to achieve outstanding results due to the vision and directives of the wise leadership and the concerted national efforts to develop the country’s tourism environment by providing integrated tourism products and services that enhance UAE’s position as a preferred and sustainable tourist destination for tourists from within the country and around the world. According to the data, hotel establishments in the country hosted 19 million guests in 2021, with a growth of more than 29 per cent compared to the number of guests in 2020. Domestic tourism accounted for 58 per cent of the total number of guests last year in the UAE. Hotel establishments last year generated revenues of AED 28 billion, witnessing a growth of up to 70 per cent compared to 2020. Over the past year, more than 75 million hotel nights have been booked, up 42 per cent compared to 2020, while the hotel occupancy rate reached 67 per cent, which is the highest …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), under the umbrella of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), has announced its fifteenth consecutive participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 9 – 12. The authority will also be present at their online event, ATM Virtual, from May 17 – 18. Furthering its mission to continue boosting the UAE’s and the region’s business and investment potential in the authentic, eco-inspired travel sector, Shurooq will unveil  new hospitality projects at the 29th edition of ATM, along with showcasing its diverse and world-class portfolio of existing eco-destinations that champion the spirit of conservation and the preservation of local culture and heritage, and in doing so, are redefining the leisure and travel landscape of Sharjah and the region. With a physical presence at ATM 2022 at Stand No. ME 2150 in Hall 2, Shurooq will also be turning the spotlight on its latest projects, which will be making their ATM debut. These include Lux* Al Jabal Resort – a luxurious beach resort in Khorfakkan overlooking the pristine waters of the Soueifa Beach; the Lux* Al Bridi Resort in Al Dhaid set adjacent to the Sharjah Safari, the largest wildlife safari in the world outside of Africa, where Shurooq and EPAA will collaborate to curate unique guest interactions with the wild; and Nomad which explores the emirate’s nature through beach trailer experience in Al Hamriya. . Through its presence at the leading travel and tourism event in the region, Shurooq aims to update industry stakeholders as well as regional and international investors on their latest contributions to the emirate’s travel and leisure sector, particularly …

Medyaf, the industry nationalisation initiative at Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, has launched the ‘Explore the Tourism Industry in Dubai’ initiative, designed to empower Emirati talent seeking to join the tourism workforce with the fundamental knowledge and skills through an immersive programme of interactive workshops, field trips, vocational experiences and hands-on training. The goal of the Medyaf initiative is to provide students with a better understanding of opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sectors, attracting new talent and supporting their continued professional development, in addition to contributing towards further enhancing the visitor experience. Mariam Al Maeeni, Director of Industry Nationalisation at Dubai College of Tourism, said: “We are delighted to launch the Medyaf ‘Explore the Tourism Industry in Dubai’ initiative, inspired by the constant efforts of our visionary leadership to boost the economy by providing opportunities for Emirati talent to excel across sectors. The initiative is also in line with the important role played by Medyaf in supporting the UAE’s industry nationalisation strategy, which aims to support and bolster Emirati talent and increase the number of UAE nationals entering the tourism sector. Medyaf is a comprehensive public-private collaboration which includes a plethora of immersive workshops, training events, and industry activities contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, in addition to supporting the diversification of the national economy.” As part of the initiative, two workshops were hosted by Medyaf last month; the first was conducted in Al Seef Heritage Hotel and attended by 10 participants, whilst the second was held in Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, and welcomed 11 participants. Both workshops contained theoretical and practical activities in an engaging, interactive environment, and provided …

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in China held a webinar on District 2020, the dynamic Dubai development that has evolved from Expo 2020, as part of efforts to showcase the huge potential it offers international entrepreneurs and investors, while reaffirming Dubai’s position as a destination of choice for global travellers. The webinar titled ‘District 2020: A lasting legacy after Expo 2020 Dubai’ was held in collaboration with District 2020, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.  Among the participants at the virtual forum were diplomats, senior officials and representatives from the media and businesses community. Among those who addressed participants at the webinar were His Excellency Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the UAE to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency E. Zhang Shenfeng, Vice Chairman of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and Commissioner General of the China Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai,  Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) and Sanjive Khosla Senior Vice President of Transition Unit – District 2020. They shared the successful results of Expo 2020 Dubai and the China Pavilion, as well as providing information on the tourism and business sectors of District 2020 to Chinese audiences. The speakers at the event stressed that Dubai will continue to attract global visitors in the post-Expo era. China is a key market for Dubai’s tourism industry, which continues to be at the forefront of global tourism recovery. After 182 days of memorable experiences, Expo 2020 Dubai successfully drew to a close on 31 March, having attracted over 24 million visits by residents …

Dubai Next, the digital crowdfunding platform that has attracted many young innovators and start-up ideas, is anticipating an increase in fund-seekers and contributors following the country approving a federal system for such platforms recently. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the new federal framework that will allow operators from the government and private sectors to back crowdfunded projects. Dubai Next was launched in May 2021 by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, The platform, which is managed by Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai, is attracting  innovators and has already enabled eight start-up concepts raise the required funds. “Crowdfunding has had a significant impact in ushering in a new generation of entrepreneurs in the UAE. It provides an alternate financing option, and an ideal opportunity to turn start-up ideas into viable projects. Students aged 12 and above can create campaigns on Dubai Next and the campaigns seen so far are diverse and innovative” said Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME. Crowdfunding involves small amounts sourced towards financing of a single commercial venture. Anyone with an innovative idea or project can create a campaign on Dubai Next and seek funds from contributors. The not-for-profit platform is open to people of all nationalities. “The Dubai Next experience confirms that crowdfunding can motivate our growing youth population to pursue entrepreneurship, thus ushering in a new generation of entrepreneurs and eventually positioning Dubai as the global hub of innovative enterprise,” Al Janahi said. Currently, Dubai Next …