Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Saudi Railway Polytechnic (SRP) have announced a new agreement to boost the capabilities of young Saudis looking to launch a career in AlUla and the Kingdom’s rapidly growing rail sector. Officially signed by representatives of The Royal Commission for AlUla and The Saudi Railway Polytechnic in November in Riyadh, the partnership aims to strengthen the long-term and sustainable development of young Saudi talent. The first stage of the agreement is planned to provide vocational training programmes in railway maintenance and operation that will build sector-specific subjects such as rolling stock and infrastructure through hands-on training. The comprehensive regeneration of AlUla is powering the development of new mobility options across the county, including new rail and tram services such as the Experiential Tram that will link key heritage, tourist, and residential sites once complete. Building the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of AlUla’s workforce is critical to achieving RCU’s transformational and development goals, as well as the long-term ambitions of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. The history of railways in Saudi Arabia stretches back to 1947 with the construction of the first line, which was followed by the inauguration of a railway linking Dammam with the capital Riyadh. The launch of the Haramain High Speed train Railway between Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City in 2018 was a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s rail sector, providing greatly improved speed, safety, and comfort for passengers. In 2021, SAR was created after the annulment of the previous national train operator, the Saudi Railways Organisation. Mohammed Alshkrah, The Human Capability Development VP at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “The ongoing regeneration of AlUla supports the …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority announces “Sharjah Championship Week” which is one of the most important events in the Sharjah tourism calendar as it draws spectators from across the world. The final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship will be held at Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon, with the participation of 19 drivers representing 9 teams, competing for the top three positions in the largest and most prominent championship of its kind in the world.  This takes place during the “Sharjah World Championships Week,” which attracts a selection of world champions in powerboat racing. Organized by “Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority,” the event will take place from 6th to 8th December and it will determine the world champions for the 2024 season for both drivers and teams. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, Sharjah is hosting the “Sharjah World Championship Week,” the final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship, “Grand Prix of Sharjah,” in its 23rd edition. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, highlighted the importance of the final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship as a significant global achievement for the UAE in general, and Sharjah emirate in particular, in the field of marine sports. He added, ” We are delighted to welcome world champions and fans of this thrilling sport to such a prestigious event. Hosting this championship reflects our commitment to supporting international sports while providing a prominent platform for world champions to compete on UAE soil. We are fully prepared to host …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) concluded its Annual Overseas Conference, a significant event bringing together representatives from DCT Abu Dhabi’s international offices and key global tourism partners from Abu Dhabi. The conference served as a platform for collaboration, strategy alignment, and information-sharing aimed at driving Abu Dhabi’s tourism growth across various international markets. The Annual Overseas Conference provided a dynamic platform for key tourism stakeholders in the emirate to engage with DCT Abu Dhabi’s overseas representatives from key international markets, including the UK, India, Germany, and the GCC, with a focus on optimising Abu Dhabi’s global presence. DCT Abu Dhabi shared strategic insights into the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030 and presenting new initiatives and offerings which will support long-term tourism growth. Attendees participated in market-specific networking sessions, fostering tailored collaborations that address the unique needs of each target region. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Annual Overseas Conference enables DCT Abu Dhabi to strengthen relationships with our valued partners, align on strategic objectives, and explore new avenues for enhancing Abu Dhabi’s appeal globally. Through these interactions, we are committed to delivering compelling experiences and ensuring Abu Dhabi remains a top destination for travellers worldwide.” This event underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to meaningful partnerships and accelerating tourism industry growth, aligning with the emirate’s goals to position Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for culture and leisure.

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in collaboration with Sea Going Green, American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Manbat, a platform founded by Arada to facilitate stronger ties between Emirati farmers and consumers. The signing took place during Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2024 (SITTF) to consolidate support and efforts for the Carbon Reduction Initiative, and to highlight the importance and impact of sustainable development on UAE and global sustainability goals. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA; Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer of Arada; Aleksandra (Ally) Dragozet, Founder & CEO of Sea Going Green, and Dr Steven Griffiths, Vice Chancellor for Research in AUS signed the MoU during SITTF that took place in Sharjah Expo Centre. The Carbon Reduction Initiative aims to pilot innovative food waste recovery and composting solutions within the tourism and hospitality sector, integrating cutting-edge technologies like blockchain-based carbon credit tracking to achieve measurable carbon reductions and support Sharjah’s sustainability goals. These announcements mark a pivotal advancement in SCTDA’s sustainability strategy, underscoring Sharjah’s leadership in sustainable tourism. The collaboration with esteemed partners enhances the credibility and scalability of these initiatives, ensuring that key messages emphasize SCTDA’s innovation, partnerships, and alignment with UAE and global sustainability goals.

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) recently hosted its first-ever Discover Jamaica Webinar for travel trade professionals in the GCC region, marking a significant step in promoting Jamaica as a premier destination to this key market. The event, held in collaboration with JTB’s GCC trade representative office, Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East, attracted an impressive registration of over 400 travel trade professionals from across the region. The webinar featured insights from Torrance Lewis, Jamaica Tourist Board’s District Sales Manager, alongside expert presenters from Buzz Travel Marketing. Participants were introduced to Jamaica’s world-class tourism offerings, highlighting the island’s luxurious resorts, vibrant culture, adventure experiences, and authentic culinary delights. “Together with our team on the ground, engaging with the GCC travel trade through this webinar highlights our commitment to building meaningful connections in the region. By showcasing Jamaica’s luxurious accommodations, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures, we aim to position our island as a top-tier destination for GCC travelers seeking unforgettable experiences,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism of Jamaica Tourist Board. “The Discover Jamaica Webinar demonstrates our dedicated efforts to establish Jamaica’s presence in the GCC travel market. It provided an ideal platform to present the diverse tourism offerings of the island, that is tailored to the GCC audience with its appreciation of extraordinary travel experiences, exclusivity, and rich culture,” said Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager of the Jamaica Tourist Board. To close the event, a raffle was drawn among attendees, with the grand prize valued at AED 19,000. The package for two included stays at the prestigious Round Hill Hotel and Villas and Half Moon Resort, access to VIP Attractions Lounge in Montego Bay Airport, meet-and-greet services, a catamaran cruise, and …

In a special interview with TravelTVMiddlee East, HE Khaled Jassim Al Midfa –  Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority shared that the United Arab Emirates 2031 vision is doubling the number of hotel guests by the year 2031 from 20 million to 40 million. And relatively the contribution to the economy from 200 billion dirhams to 450 billion dirhams by 2031. HE Midfa reiterated, “today we launched the 11th edition of the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum. And this forum every year as we see, we have a big group of international speakers as well as local entities from both the government and the private sector. We discuss the main topics that are very important to the sustainability of the tourism sector. This is a vital sector that contributes to more than 10% of the international GDP. And it’s really important that we see how our country, the United Arab Emirates, is focusing on developing the infrastructure and developing all the other aspects that are within the ecosystem of tourism such as hospitality, adventure tourism, attractions, infrastructure, airport development, airline expansion programs and plans. This is really important for us and we launched also the United Arab Emirates 2031 vision which is doubling the number of hotel guests by the year 2031 from 20 million to 40 million. And relatively we have the contribution to the economy from 200 billion dirhams to 450 billion dirhams by 2031. So we see how this is a main and vital sector and how the government of the United Arab Emirates has given it a lot of importance and has a lot of scope for development. In Sharjah as well, under the …

Under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced the 11th edition of the Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum (SITTF) scheduled to take place on 25th November at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Held under the theme “The Future of Tourism: Digitisation, Health, and Safety”, the forum will gather experts from the travel and tourism industry, sharing insights on how digital technologies are fundamentally reshaping the tourism industry, through a series of panel discussions and engaging workshops to further delve into the challenges and opportunities that exist within the travel and tourism sector. The anticipated forum is set to feature notable keynote speakers, welcoming the likes of Abdalla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, SCTDA Chairman, Ahmed Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), HE Basmah Al Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East, United Nations Tourism, and other industry representatives. The forum will address the transformation of consumer behaviour driven by digital platforms and the importance of data-driven decision-making for understanding market trends and elevating travel health and safety protocols and governance. Additionally, the event will cover trends and innovations in the use of artificial intelligence machine learning to personalise travel experiences while ensuring compliance with health measures. It will emphasise collaboration among various stakeholders to integrate new travel protocols goals and share success stories from the sector, including how travel and tourism entities can be better prepared to mitigate health and safety challenges in a sustainable way. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of …

The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) is all set to host the emirate’s first-ever e-Games Championship from November 21 to 24 2024 at the Ajman Police Sports and Shooting Club. The move comes as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to embrace technological advancements and ensure the engagement of younger generations – a vital demographic within the community. The championship will bring together leading professional gamers and enthusiasts aged eight or above for three days of gaming competitions, interactive networking, and knowledge-sharing activities, showcasing Ajman as a growing hub for e-sports and digital innovation. The event reflects the ATDD’s dedication to promoting innovative initiatives aimed at ensuring youth participation across diverse age groups. It offers a creative platform for participants to exhibit their skills and talents, and drive youth participation in programs that are in line with their passion and the latest digital advancements. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, said: “At ATDD, we are delighted to organise the debutant e-Games Championship in Ajman. This move reflects our goal to offer a dynamic platform that boosts youth engagement, who are key drivers of our mission to shape a prosperous and innovative future for the emirate. We aim to provide young people of all age groups with novel and innovative opportunities that cater to their interests and help them achieve their long-term goals by creating an atmosphere that fosters creativity and development. This championship also demonstrates our steadfast dedication to enhance Ajman’s standing as a vibrant hub for entertainment and technology events and support its tourism sector.” The championship will feature a wide range of competitions appropriate for all age groups, including FIFA25, Tekken, Street Fighter, Assetto …

In 2023, GCC travellers contributed €2.6 billion to Germany’s economy, marking a 24% increase over the previous year—a testament to Germany’s appeal and deepening ties with the region. Germany has reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as one of its leading tourism markets following a high-profile media and trade event co-hosted by the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and visitBerlin. The event showcased exciting developments in Germany’s travel sector, including new flight routes, digital innovations, and a personalised approach to GCC tourists, who comprise Germany’s third-largest overseas tourism market. Germany has recently expanded its direct flight options from the GCC region to accommodate the growing number of tourists, reinforcing its commitment to accessible and convenient travel for GCC visitors. Condor introduced direct flights between Berlin and Dubai, while Eurowings, Germany’s prominent low-cost carrier, launched flights from Berlin to Dubai and Jeddah, alongside new routes from Cologne-Bonn airport and Stuttgart. This enhanced connectivity aims to streamline the travel experience for visitors from the Gulf, fostering seamless access to Germany’s diverse regions, historic sites, and cultural landmarks. Burkhard Kieker, CEO of VisitBerlin, said: “Berlin is more accessible than ever for GCC travellers, thanks to enhanced flight connectivity to the region. These connections allow visitors from the GCC to explore Berlin’s rich cultural heritage, diverse neighbourhoods, and renowned medical facilities. Our goal is to offer seamless, enriching travel experiences tailored to the unique preferences of GCC tourists, strengthening our bond with the region.” In 2025, Berlin will celebrate key anniversaries, including the 200th anniversary of its renowned Museum Island and the reopening of historic sites such as Peacock Island’s Lustschloss. With its blend of modern attractions and heritage …

According to the latest official statistics, for the first six months of 2024 shared by Visit Britain show there were a record 512,000 visits from the GCC to the UK, up 25% on January-to-June last year. Visitors from the GCC also spent a record £1 billion on their trips in the UK in the first half of 2024, up 6% on 2023. As Britain’s national tourism agency VisitBritain gears up to host top travel buyers from across the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries on its ‘Destination Britain Middle East and Asia’ trade mission, latest official statistics show travellers from the GCC are visiting the UK in record numbers, and spending more on their trips. To harness this growth and compete for visitors, VisitBritain is hosting 20 buyers from the GCC on its upcoming ‘Destination Britain Middle East and Asia’ trade mission, taking place from 20-to- 22 November in Bengaluru, India. The three-day event sees dozens of UK tourism industry suppliers meet with more than 70 top buyers from China, the GCC, Japan, India and South Korea, to drive business to Britain. Speaking ahead of the trade event, VisitBritain’s Deputy Director Middle East and Asia Carol Maddison said, “With the growing airline connectivity through regional gateways alongside the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, travel to the UK is now easier and more accessible for GCC nationals. Working with our trade partners including at our Destination Britain Middle East and Asia trade event, we’re harnessing the strong growth we’re seeing, showcasing Britain’s latest tourism products and experiences to drive bookings. “We want visitors to explore outside of London through our regional gateways, staying longer and discovering exciting destinations across our nations and …