Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Saudi Arabia has made unprecedented strides in its tourism sector, setting a remarkable milestone with total spending by inbound visitors reaching 135 billion riyals in 2023. Inbound visitors spending in 2023 reached 135 billion SAR, marking the Kingdom’s highest ever spending by inbound visitors with a growth of 42.8% compared to inbound visitors spending in 2022. Furthermore, data from SAMA showed that in 2023, the Kingdom achieved a surplus of 48 billion riyals in travel account, reflecting a growth rate of nearly 38% compared to the surplus recorded in 2022. The notable surge in spending by inbound visitors is part of the successive achievements in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. Particularly noteworthy is Saudi Arabia’s leadership position on the UN Tourism’s list of large tourist destinations, showcasing significant growth in the number of international visitors in 2023 compared to 2019. As highlighted in the UN Tourism Barometer report released in January 2024, the Kingdom witnessed a remarkable 56% increase in inbound visitors in 2023 compared to 2019. Furthermore, there was a noteworthy recovery of 156% in the number of inbound visitors in 2023 compared to 2019, indicating a robust resurgence in the Kingdom’s tourism industry. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has garnered widespread international recognition from the UN Tourism and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for surpassing 100 million inbound and domestic tourists in 2023. Both organizations have praised the significant efforts undertaken in the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has extended the waiver of fees for issuing, distributing, and marketing event tickets in the emirate, to further encourage growth for the tourism sector. Event organisers will be exempt from paying the tourism fee of 10 per cent on tickets sold until 31 December 2024. His Excellency Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi’s year-round line-up of events consistently attracts visitors from around the globe. The extension of the tourism fee waiver until the end of the year is part of our efforts to accelerate our growth and provide continued support to our event partners and organisers, who are integral to the tourism and entertainment ecosystem of the emirate.” Event organisers must continue to obtain event licences through the Abu Dhabi Events Licensing System following specified regulations. Organisers are required to declare revenues generated from their events, submit supporting financial statements, and cooperate with revenue auditors or individuals designated by DCT Abu Dhabi to verify the accuracy of their declarations. The tourism tax waiver is among several recent measures aimed at fostering the expansion of the tourism and events industry in Abu Dhabi. Other incentives include the reduction of tourism and municipality fees for hotels in Abu Dhabi, as well as updates to the holiday homes policy. Within this policy, farmhouse owners can now acquire licences to convert their properties into holiday homes. Landlords and residential unit owners can obtain more than one holiday home license for multiple units.

Discover and savor the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine, where every dish tells a story of cultural heritage and innovation. Expect fresh seafood delights to bountiful tropical flavors, the Filipino cuisine offers an array of dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. The culinary landscape of the Philippines reflects diverse influences, shaped by its vibrant history. At the heart of Filipino cuisine is its ability to blend diverse flavors into harmonious culinary masterpieces. Think of contrasting tastes and textures served on a plate. Generations have passed down culinary traditions, resulting in the unique flavors found in authentic Filipino dishes that we enjoy today such as the hearty comfort of sinigang, the zesty tang of adobo, or the aromatic richness of the kare-kare. With over 7,000 islands, each region of the Philippines boasts its own culinary specialties, reflecting the unique ingredients and cultural influences of the area. In the northern region of Ilocos, diners indulge in the tangy flavors of pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew). In the Visayas, seafood takes center stage, with dishes like kinilaw (ceviche) and lechon (roast pig) drawing crowds of eager food enthusiasts. Meanwhile, in Mindanao, dishes like piyanggang (grilled chicken in coconut milk) and tiyula itum (black soup – braised beef or goat) showcase the region’s rich Muslim heritage. The country’s coastline treasures should not be missed. Delight in the freshness of grilled fish, succulent prawns, and mouthwatering squid dishes, each prepared with local herbs and spices to enhance their natural flavors. With the country’s numerous fishing communities and coastal towns, seafood is often caught and served on the same day, ensuring optimal flavor and quality. In Batangas, feast on tawilis, a type of freshwater sardine found only in Taal Lake, while in Cebu, savor the smoky flavors of …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral announced 65% completion of the overall development of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Located within Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum is set to be the largest of its kind in the region, once construction is completed by the end of 2025. Upon completion, the museum will take visitors on a 13.8-billion-year journey through time and space – from the earliest origins of our universe, exploring the abundance of life on Earth today, and looking into the future. Structural works of the 35,000 sqm museum is largely complete with a current focus on the installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), building fit-out, and exhibition works. The museum was topped out by H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi and Miral, H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi and Mohamed Abdallah Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, which was followed by a visit of the development to check construction progress. H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will play a key role in advancing science and inspiring environmental stewardship in our children while furthering Abu Dhabi as a global centre for research and collaboration. By cultivating a generation passionate about the natural sciences, we seek to enrich lives through education and scientific discovery, in turn encouraging people to actively care for the planet’s future. Set to inspire visitors of all ages by unlocking billions of years of knowledge about our planet, this progress update is an indication of concrete steps towards curating a thought-provoking …

With an impressive 15% increase in overnight stays from GCC travellers in 2023, totalling 1,297,256, Germany reinforces its position as a premier global destination. The fourth quarter of 2023 alone showcased a remarkable resurgence to near pre-pandemic activity levels, with 263,985 overnight stays, mirroring 97.44% of the figures from 2019. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) announced a stellar performance for Destination Germany, reflecting a robust recovery trajectory and heightened appeal among travellers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.  2023’s success builds on the momentum from 2022, when GCC visitors to Germany more than doubled, underscoring the region’s growing fascination with Germany’s cultural and sustainable tourism offerings. Germany’s rich calendar of events, including the eagerly anticipated European Championship 2024 from June 14 to July 14, promises to further elevate its status as a premier cultural travel destination. The championship, along with more than 300 cultural events themed around football, exemplifies Germany’s innovative approach to blending sports, culture, and sustainability, aiming to attract even more international visitors in the current year. Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office – GNTO GCC, shares her optimism: “Our 2023 performance is a testament to Germany’s magnetic appeal and our steadfast commitment to hospitality. Our growth from the GCC region, our third-largest overseas market, highlights the multifaceted appeal of Germany. “Germany’s allure for travellers from GCC is multifaceted, offering an enriching blend of stunning natural scenery, exclusive shopping experiences, and dynamic urban environments. This diversity not only underscores Germany’s universal appeal but also speaks volumes of our commitment to hospitality and inclusiveness.” Building on the momentum of the previous year’s remarkable performance, GNTO is eager to advance its sustainable tourism initiatives under …

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) welcomed 2.47 million participants in 2023, marking a remarkable 25% increase in visitation compared to the previous year. The results were driven by 301 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), business and consumer events, a notable 23% rise year-on-year. The impressive increase in visitors reflects the strength of DWTC’s diversified content-rich calendar, led by 107 Exhibitions and International Association Conventions and Industry Conferences. These events collectively attracted 1.56 million attendees, marking a substantial 33% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, over 722,000 were international attendees, representing an unprecedented 60% growth year-on-year. These industry-leading events and exhibitions saw a participation of 53,789 exhibiting companies, representing a remarkable 45% increase over last year. An unprecedented 78% of these exhibiting companies were international (41,864), further reinforcing DWTC’s ability in consistently drawing both new and repeat international participants. The surge in foreign business attendees furthers the aspirations of the D33 Agenda, to propel Dubai to be a top three global economic city by 2033. The diversity of DWTC’s robust events calendar was further reinforced with its consumer and leisure events portfolio growing last year to host a total of 35 entertainment, live, and leisure events collectively attracting over 850,000 visitors. Commenting on the outstanding results, H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “DWTC’s increasingly diverse exhibitions and events portfolio, along with its allied businesses, continue to go from strength to strength. Our results underscore the robust dynamics of the emirate’s thriving economy and strategic focus on key industry sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s leading status as a global hub for knowledge, innovation and business. The past year has been shaped by extraordinary momentum …

DidaTravel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enter into a strategic partnership with Visit Oman – the National Travel Operator – to promote the country to DidaTravel’s network of 25,000+ travel trade partners in China. The MOU outlines potential areas of collaboration between DidaTravel and Visit Oman, which include DidaTravel offering Visit Oman’s varied portfolio of contracted properties, transfers, and experiences to their extensive B2B network through API integration. As a result of this agreement Visit Oman will also be able to access DidaTravel’s consolidated portfolio of high value, yet hard to reach, Chinese travel trade customers. The two companies will embark on joint marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive travel demand from China to Oman. Jinyan Li, VP Global Account Management at DidaTravel commented “We are thrilled to partner with Visit Oman and leverage our B2B distribution network to introduce the beauty and cultural richness of Oman to our extensive network of travel partners in China. This collaboration holds immense potential to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between our nations”.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Culture and Tourism. DCT Abu Dhabi to foster the development of the UAE’s space exploration capabilities through collaborative efforts in education, awareness programmes, and knowledge exchange. H.E. Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Honouring the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this MoU is a vital boost to the UAE’s space sector ambitions, through strategic community outreach rooted in education and collaboration. With a mandate to promote, protect and progress Abu Dhabi, we are fostering a shared appreciation for astronomy and highlighting its integral part within our vast cultural heritage.” H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, said, “This MoU is a testament to our shared vision of harnessing space exploration as a catalyst for educational, technological, and cultural advancement. Through this partnership, we aim to inspire a new generation of explorers and scientists by highlighting the rich legacy and future possibilities of space exploration. It is a strategic step towards nurturing talent and promoting sustainable growth in the UAE’s space sector.” Reinforcing the UAE’s space sector, the MoU was signed by H.E. Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi and H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, in the presence of astronaut H.E. Dr. Sultan Saif AlNeyadi at Louvre Abu Dhabi, and H.E. Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director, Strategic Affairs, DCT Abu Dhabi. A key focus of the MoU is on outreach and educational programmes designed to raise public awareness about the importance of space exploration. This will include seminars, workshops, and other events that will not …

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) successfully showcased Dubai’s diverse destination proposition alongside 56 key partners and stakeholders at the recent Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin) trade show, 5-7 March 2024. This was the 32nd time that Dubai had exhibited at one of the world’s leading travel trade shows, which this year attracted almost 100,000 attendees. Demonstrating the breadth of the city’s tourism offering to global travel industry leaders and professionals, DET was joined in Berlin by co-exhibitors from across the tourism ecosystem including government entities, hotels, tour operators and destination management companies (DMCs), and among them were Address Hotels + Resorts, Atlantis Dubai, Banyan Tree Dubai, Museum of The Future, and, for the first time, flydubai. Participating at major international trade shows such as ITB Berlin is a key element of DET’s marketing strategy to promote Dubai to a global audience and grow inbound visitation from both traditional and emerging overseas markets. In 2023, Dubai welcomed a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors, representing a 19.4% YoY growth compared to the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022. The German market played a crucial role, contributing significantly to Dubai’s tourism success, with a remarkable 36% YoY growth and 574,979 overnight guests in 2023. At its stand in Berlin, the Dubai delegation engaged with travel trade professionals from around the world and welcomed top politicians and industry leaders including Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin; Franziska Giffey, Berlin Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises; and Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “As Dubai continues its growth …

Emirates signed a Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) to boost inbound tourism in the airline’s European network. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Operations commented: “We’re pleased to partner with the Greek National Tourism Organisation and we look forward to working closely with them to boost visitation to each respective country. The agreement is a testament of our commitment to the Greek market, where we have progressively grown our connectivity and presence, and we’re confident that our collaborative efforts will encourage travellers to visit the beautiful sights and attractions the country has to offer.” Emirates has pledged its commitment to support Greece’s travel and tourism industry by boosting traffic from top inbound markets including the US, the UAE, Australia, India and China, to Greece through the exploration of joint marketing activities and campaigns. The airline will look at ways to support the country’s efforts to build more awareness of Greece as a brand, in line with the GNTO’s 2024 vision and objectives. The new agreement underscores Emirates’ long-term business objectives for the market as it continues to serve the already robust international travel demand to Greece. The Mou was signed by Thierry Aucoc, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe and Dimitris Fragakis, GNTO’s Secretary General. Also present during the ceremony was Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President, and Chief Commercial Officer. Dimitris Fragakis commented: “We are delighted to announce a strategic partnership between the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) and Emirates. Emirates, with its global reach and reputation for excellence, is the perfect ally in expanding our presence in key source markets and connecting with audiences who appreciate the richness of Greece’s …