Category Archives: Govt

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) invited a group of 113 Chinese professionals from the key Chinese seaport of Dalian in Liaoning province to visit the UAE capital this week, to experience some of the Emirate’s unique cultural offerings. The group experienced two full days of sightseeing, taking in key attractions such as Qasr al Watan, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the many offerings on Yas Island. “Hosting the Dalian delegation for two days in Abu Dhabi gave us the opportunity to showcase the very best of what the UAE capital has to offer to our number one overseas market, especially the experience of the Emirati majlis, which is one of the inscribed elements on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, where Emiratis open up their homes to welcome their guests from everywhere in the world,” said Saeed Al Saeed, Destination Marketing Director at DCT Abu Dhabi.  “It was a great pleasure to welcome the delegation from China, and to have the chance to introduce them to some of the heritage and deep-rooted history of the Emirate through a traditional majlis,” said Aaesha AlShehyari, one of the founders of Visit Makan. The latest official report on visitation to the UAE capital released by DCT Abu Dhabi shows that hotel guest numbers for the Chinese market posted double-digit year-on-year growth in June 2019, with guests from China rising by 21.8 per cent compared to the corresponding month in 2018. China is the largest overseas market for the UAE capital, and in 2018, more than 400,000 Chinese travellers visited Abu Dhabi, an increase of 8 per cent when compared to the previous year.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has reported a stellar incline in tourism volumes from Nigeria, Africa’s largest source market for inbound traffic to Dubai, welcoming 113,000 overnight visitors in the first seven months of 2019. With impressive double-digit growth, inbound traffic from Nigeria to Dubai grew by 28 per cent year-on-year, cementing its position as the emirate’s 17th largest source market. Dubai’s diverse portfolio of attractions has experienced sustained interest amongst Nigerian travellers through ongoing strategic trade partnerships, bespoke integrated marketing campaigns, and always-on social media activations. Building on ongoing efforts to provide a platform to broadcast Dubai’s multifaceted comprehensive offerings to African tourists, Dubai Tourism, led by the CEO, Issam Kazim, showcased its support at the Akwaaba African Travel Market for the fourth consecutive year with a strong delegation of 21 Dubai-based partners, which included a team from Expo 2020 Dubai. Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, “The immense hospitality and genuine welcome we received during our time in Nigeria paved the way for a hugely successful Akwaaba Travel Market 2019. Our continued presence at industry events such as these is testament to our globally diversified market strategy to engage with key strategic partners, cementing our positive relationship with the African travel trade ecosystem.”

In line with its efforts to further strengthen the Kingdom’s position as an ideal destination for weddings and celebrations, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) organised a familiarisation trip for 10 Indian wedding planning agencies, from September 21-24. The delegation included companies and agencies from several Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Surat and Jaipur, targeting locations with High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) and distinguished families. On September 22 and 23, BTEA arranged for meetings between Indian wedding planners and a number of Bahraini vendors and organisations, which included leading 5 and 4-star hotels, Bahraini wedding planners and organisers, travel and tourism service providers, destination management companies and other accommodation venues. A representative from BTEA’s office in India also attended the meetings along with the delegation. In addition, a tour of the Kingdom was also organised for the Indian delegation which featured a visit to some of Bahrain’s tourist attractions such as Go Karting, the Hindu Temple in Manama and Bahrain International Circuit. “Through organising regular meetings with Indian wedding planners and agencies, we aim to increase the number of wedding ceremonies being held in the Kingdom, further positioning Bahrain as an ideal destination for weddings and celebrations,” said Dr. Ali Follad, Tourism Advisor at BTEA.

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, delivered the keynote speech to open the inaugural World Travel & Tourism Council Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum 2019, held in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre. Sheikh Saud confirmed in his speech at the event, which attracted hundreds of C-level tourism and travel industry delegates from around the region and the world, that Ras Al Khaimah has had a unique journey, from communities of pearl fishermen, traders and mountain tribes to the prosperous, growing Emirate we see today. Sheikh Saud said, “To create sustainable development here in Ras Al Khaimah, we have been busy trying to build one of the most diverse economies in the region. Currently, no single sector of our economy makes up more than 30% of GDP. And in terms of tourism, we’ve witnessed huge growth – tripling our visitor numbers from under 400,000 to over 1 million in just seven years.”  The one-day World Travel & Tourism Council Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum 2019 brought together a select group of CEOs and regional travel and tourism leaders, along with Tourism Ministers and regional experts. Speakers included Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi woman and youngest Arab to summit Mount Everest; Paul Griffiths, the CEO of Dubai Airports; Raki Phillips, the CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; Shaun Vorster, the Vice President of Expo 2020 Dubai; Princess Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud; and Gloria Guevara, the President & CEO of WTTC and former Tourism Minister of Mexico.

For the first time Azerbaijan tourism board will be partnering with the most coveted Arabian Travel Awards as its maiden destination partner on Ocober 22, 2019, at the Westin Mina Seyahi Hotel in Dubai. “We are delighted to be part of the Arabian Travel Awards 2019 and to be recognised by the travel trade across the region. We hope our collaboration with TravTalk will continue to drive awareness of our beautiful destination to travel agents across the Middle East. Azerbaijan has been delighted to witness a huge growth in the number of tourists from this region in recent years and really looks forward to welcoming many more in the future,” said Ms. Sevinj Zeynalli, Director of International Market Management. Arabian Travel Awards is a platform for the Middle East market to appreciate the efforts of those travel specialists owing to whom the travel and hospitality industry is booming. The aim is to encourage them to continue promoting tourism in the region. The awards are fair and unbiased, following a systematic method of internet-based voting. These awards are supported by media partners Travel TV.News, TravTalk Middle East and TravTalk India. The awards will be divided into four categories — Personal Awards, Business Awards, Trending Awards and Partner Awards. They will include awards for the Best Business Hotel, Best Family Friendly Hotel, Best City Hotel, Best Green Hotel, Best Leisure Hotel, Best Destination Management Company, Best Hotel Apartments, Best B2B Travel Portal and Best Luxury Hotel, to name a few.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is gearing up to host the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Middle East & North Africa Leaders Forum 2019 next week. The forum will take place on October 2 at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah for the first time in the region and will bring together key industry leaders to discuss the core issues facing the region’s Travel & Tourism sector. The one-day programme is set to bring together government agencies, industry associations, CEOs and senior leaders of the top travel and tourism companies, experts, and media from across the region, in an effort to explore contemporary issues facing the sector and discuss growth opportunities to advance the regional agenda. Local and regional experts from the both public and private sectors will deliver keynotes and engage in topical panel discussions, including Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, Minister of Tourism, South Africa; Rusty Brainard, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer, Red Sea Project; Shaun Vorster, Vice President, Expo 2020 Dubai, Alison Grinnell, CEO, RAK Hospitality Holding; and Raha Moharrak, Mountaineer & first Saudi Woman to Climb Seven Summits. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of RAKTDA, said, “The opportunity to host this prestigious industry forum comes at a pivotal time as we aim to fuel a sustainable tourism-driven economic growth in Ras Al Khaimah, as guided by our current Destination Strategy 2019-2021. Tourism remains one of the key drivers of the Emirate’s continued growth in GDP and employment.”

A statement issued by His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA on World Tourism Day 2019, stated, “The celebration of World Tourism Day 2019, under the theme ‘Tourism and Jobs: A better future for all,’ reaffirms the commitment of the World Tourism Organisation to highlight the skills, education, and jobs available in the tourism industry. This year’s national commemoration is yet another powerful reminder of the social, cultural, economic, and environmental values of tourism, which play a pivotal role in achieving our sustainable development goals and increasing the international tourist arrivals to Sharjah according to Sharjah Tourism Vision. This key framework aims to attract 10 million visitors to the emirate by 2021.” “We are also committed to contributing to the ‘Sultan Al Qasimi Emiratisation Project’—taking pride in being part of this all-encompassing human capacity development initiative through our specialised training courses. By offering such courses, we are helping to improve the skills and knowledge of all workers in the tourism and hospitality industries, raising the level of tourism services in Sharjah and reinforcing our aim to make our services at par with the world. Sharjah has enjoyed significant growth in recent years and the tourism sector has contributed more than AED 9 billion to the total gross domestic product (GDP), which now stands at AED 102.5 billion. Looking ahead, enhancing cooperation between the public and private sector entities is the key to generating greater employment opportunities for our citizens and residents and sustaining our current success,” he shared.

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Executive Committee, inaugurated new spaces within the Cultural Foundation, marking the completion of major renovation and maintenance work at one of Abu Dhabi’s the most prominent cultural landmarks. Located in historic Al Hosn, in the heart of the capital, the Cultural Foundation’s new spaces include a 900-seat theatre and the all-new Abu Dhabi Children’s Library. HH Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, “Abu Dhabi’s strength as a cultural hub is the deep link between our history and future aspirations. Investment in immersive learning spaces like this will develop the young leaders of the future.” The inauguration ceremony was attended by HE Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi; HE Eng. Awaidha Murshid Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Education and Knowledge – Abu Dhabi, HE Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Minister of State. The inauguration marks the start of the institution’s opening season, which will welcome the public to enjoy landmark visual arts exhibitions, a performing arts series, the library’s multi-generational educational programme, the newly established Bait Al Khatt (House of Calligraphy) and the Al Marsam Al Hor (Art Studios). Reem Fadda, Director of the Cultural Foundation, said, “With a multitude of events for audiences of all ages to enjoy, it is our goal to nurture and educate the nation, and offer a new platform …

A tourism delegation led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) visited three major cities in China to help boost awareness about the emirate as a holiday destination for Chinese travellers. The delegation, which included Etihad Airways, hotels, attractions and tour operators, visited Chengdu on September 16, followed by Shenzhen on September 18 and finally Beijing on September 20, for the annual roadshow. China has become one of the largest international source markets for Abu Dhabi hotel guests, with the emirate welcoming 401,316 Chinese hotel guests in 2018.  June 2019 figures reveal a 21.8 per cent increase, year-to-date, in visitors from China compared to 2018, with the first six months of 2019 having already seen 209,000 Chinese visit the emirate. The Department is targeting 600,000 Chinese hotel guests a year by 2021. Several tourist attractions and hotels across the emirate have already received the China Tourism Academy’s Welcome Chinese Certification, awarded to destinations offering high quality services to Chinese visitors, including Mandarin-speaking staff, while recent legislation now allows Chinese visitors to receive a visa-on-arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport making the process of staying in Abu Dhabi even easier. Many leading destinations and hotels across Abu Dhabi also now accept China Union Pay bank cards, making it easier for Chinese tourists to stay and travel. Saeed Rashed Al Saeed, Destination Marketing Department at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “This year, we educated local agents as to how the emirate caters to different styles of tourism; for example, both Free Independent Travel and Group Inclusive Tours are rapidly growing in popularity in China. We look forward to further promoting Abu Dhabi’s unique offerings and cultural experiences, …

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has announced a partnership with Turner Asia Pacific, a WarnerMedia company, to launch a new digital campaign starring the popular Chinese emoticon ‘Tuzki’, as part of efforts to further increase tourist traffic to the emirate from China. Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, “Through Tuzki, we aim to capture the imagination of Chinese netizens to participate in the campaign via social and digital touchpoints, further highlighting our ongoing efforts to work with relevant industry partners to deliver initiatives that will highlight Dubai as a ‘must-visit’ destination.”  In a clear indication of China’s rising prominence as one of Dubai’s fastest growing source markets, the first seven months of 2019 saw over 575,000 visitors arriving from China – a 12 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2018. Notable successes this year include the launch of the Dubai Mini Assistant, an enhancement of the city-experience Mini Program, one of the applications of the WeChat ecosystem, featuring 10 new mobile-based digital audio tours to highlight in-city accessibility, local historic sites and cultural landmarks for Chinese netizens. The Dubai College of Tourism also launched the Chinese Traveller Standards for tourist-facing staff across city touchpoints to enable them to deliver personalised, exceptional Dubai experiences to every Chinese guest. Chinese netizens will also be inspired to book a Dubai holiday during the National Day Golden Week from October 1-7, 2019.  “This digital rabbit is the perfect ambassador for Chinese tourists to Dubai and will show them that this remarkable place has a unique personality and welcomes them with a sense of fun,” said Clement Schwebig, Managing Director of China …