Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

While the Los Angeles wildfires have presented challenges, the indomitable spirit of Los Angeles, as well as its iconic attractions and experiences, remain intact. In fact, the best way to support Los Angeles is to visit and patronize the hotels, restaurants and other businesses that depend on tourism. Over 98% of Los Angeles County remains untouched by the fires, and the city’s iconic landmarks—from the Hollywood Sign to Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, the Santa Monica Pier, and more—are open and ready for visitors, as depicted in the recovery map provided by VisitCalifornia. Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta today issued the following statement on how tourism will support Los Angeles’ recovery: “Our message to travelers is simple: Now is the time to visit Los Angeles. “As households across the country – and world – are planning their 2025 vacations, we want everyone to know that Los Angeles remains open and ready to welcome you. “Ninety-eight percent of Los Angeles, including its iconic landmarks and attractions, remains untouched and fully prepared to welcome visitors. “The economic impacts of these wildfires are already becoming increasingly evident. One out of five California tourism-related jobs are in Los Angeles County, highlighting just how vital the tourism industry is to the region’s economy and recovery efforts. “LA’s local businesses and residents depend on tourism, and there’s no better way to help the region recover than to plan a trip now.” Postponing or cancelling trips will only make the economic impact of this disaster worse for everyone. Instead, visit Los Angeles and encourage your clients, friends and family to experience its vibrant culture. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we unite and …

Qatar Tourism has announced the highlights of the mid-season cruise season 2024/2025, which show Qatar’s growing position as a major tourism destination. By 20 January 2025, Qatar had received 53 cruise ships, carrying 191,944 visitors, including 20,951passengers have used Doha as a starting point for their cruises. So far, the season has welcomed passengers from Germany (30.2%), followed by Russia (10.8%) and Italy (9.2%), with the top ten nationalities collectively accounting for 69.2% of the total number of passengers. This season saw the addition of four new cruise ships: Resorts World One, MSC Eurobia, Celestial Journey and Costa Esmeralda. In addition to the ship “Norwegian Sky”, which is expected to arrive on 12 April 2025. The Costa Esmeralda, the eighth largest cruise ship in the world, will visit Doha Port ten times this season, carrying around 82,000 passengers. Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development  at Qatar Tourism, said: “The incredible growth of Qatar’s cruise sector is a testament to our vision within the National Tourism Strategy 2030. Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, more than 30 cruise ships are expected to arrive by the end of the season in April 2025, carrying around 185,000 visitors, reflecting Doha’s growing position as a major cruise destination, coupled with strong partnerships with global cruise operators, all of which demonstrate the growing demand for Qatar’s exceptional cruise offerings. As we continue to invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience, we remain committed to positioning Qatar as a premier cruise destination.” The cruise sector has become a key pillar of Qatar’s national tourism strategy, with remarkable growth in recent years, with Doha Port strategically located in the heart of the …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has launched its promotional campaign ‘Live The Vibe’ to highlight the heritage and tourism assets of Al Batinah South Governorate. This campaign coincides with the activities of ‘Explore Al Batinah South 2025,’ organised by the Office of the Governor of Al Batinah South. Raiya bint Salim Al Maskeri, Assistant Director of the Tourism Marketing Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said, “The campaign aims to boost tourism activity in Al Batinah South Governorate, introduce its heritage and tourism sites, and enhance tourist visits during the event period. This is expected to positively impact the partners of the tourism sector in the governorate.” She added, “The campaign’s objectives include promoting the governorate’s tourism sites, such as Bald Sayt Village in Wadi Bani Awf, Wakan Village, Al Ulya, Ain Al Kasfa, Ain Al Thowarah, Wadi Al Hoqain, Wadi Al Sahtan, and Wadi Bani Kharus. It also aims to introduce the governorate’s castles and forts, including Al Hazm Fort, the Wall and Tower of Al Khamis, Rustaq Fort, Nakhal Fort, Al Awabi Fort, and Bait Al Ghasham Museum, among others. Additionally, the campaign highlights the governorate’s beautiful beaches, such as Al Musannah Beach, Barka Beach, and more, as well as destinations for marine excursions and adventure tours.” Al Maskeri emphasised that the Ministry’s participation in the ‘Explore Al Batinah South 2025’ activities seeks to promote the governorate culturally and touristically. The ministry plans to offer a diverse range of events to attract visitors from within and outside Oman, aiming to position Al Batinah South as a distinctive tourist destination. The initiative also aims to achieve synergy by enhancing diversity, attracting more visitors, and boosting tourism …

As the new year begins, there’s no better time to prioritize wellness and rejuvenation, and Jamaica stands ready to welcome guests with its unparalleled blend of natural beauty, luxury, and holistic experiences. Known for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, Jamaica is more than a destination—it’s a sanctuary for the soul. For travelers seeking privacy, serenity, and world-class indulgence, Jamaica’s wellness offerings are unmatched. Its exclusive beachfront villas and boutique resorts offer tailored wellness experiences in intimate settings, combining luxury with a deep connection to nature. Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of ocean waves, starting your day with yoga on a sun-drenched beach, and indulging in spa treatments inspired by Jamaica’s rich traditions. From bespoke retreats to signature spa experiences, Jamaica offers privacy, tranquility, and the perfect escape from the demands of daily life. Luxurious spa retreats such as The Spa at Round Hill promise tailored treatments that harmonize mind, body, and spirit amidst stunning ocean views. Nestled in the hills of Montego Bay, this award-winning spa incorporates locally sourced botanicals and age-old Jamaican traditions to create a truly restorative experience. At The Caves in Negril, tranquility reaches new heights. Perched atop limestone cliffs, this intimate retreat offers guests a unique spa experience, blending holistic treatments with breathtaking surroundings, including private grottoes and sea-facing treatment rooms. Meanwhile, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall’s Zen Spa redefines luxury wellness. With an extensive menu of therapies inspired by global traditions and a focus on mindfulness, this beachfront haven is perfect for relaxation and renewal. Jamaica’s wellness journey extends beyond its exceptional spas. Sunrise yoga on a secluded beach, meditative forest walks in the Blue Mountains, and invigorating dips in mineral-rich waters …

Wego partnered with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) to spotlight the Kingdom of Bahrain as a premier travel destination. This collaboration aims to promote Bahrain’s unique cultural heritage, top attractions, and cutting-edge tourism innovations to global travelers. Bahrain, known as the “Pearl of the Gulf,” is an archipelago offering a rich blend of history, luxury, and modernity. Through this partnership, Wego will leverage its platform to highlight Bahrain’s iconic destinations, including the UNESCO-listed Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), the vibrant Bab Al Bahrain Souq, the stunning Al Dar Islands, and the world-famous Bahrain International Circuit, home of Formula 1 racing. Commenting on the partnership, Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to showcase the Kingdom’s unique offerings to our global audience. Bahrain is a treasure trove of cultural, natural, and modern attractions, and through this partnership, we aim to inspire travelers to explore this dynamic destination.” Travelers will also be introduced to Bahrain’s innovative tourism initiatives. The Kingdom is embracing cutting-edge technology, offering seamless digital travel experiences and sustainable tourism practices. From immersive virtual tours to smart city solutions enhancing visitor convenience, Bahrain is setting a benchmark in modern travel. Additionally, Bahrain’s commitment to eco-tourism is evident in its focus on preserving natural habitats like the unique Hawar Islands and offering experiences such as pearl diving and marine conservation tours. Maryam Toorani Director, Marketing and Promotion at Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority added: “This partnership with Wego allows us to reach thousands of travelers and highlight Bahrain as a must-visit destination. From its historical landmarks to its forward-thinking tourism innovations, Bahrain has something to …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed an agreement with ne’ma – the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative to promote responsible consumption across the tourism and hospitality sectors, reflecting its commitment to supporting sustainability across the emirate’s tourism, hospitality and events sectors. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, and Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and Secretary-General of the ne’ma National Steering Committee. The national food loss and waste initiative is at the core of the UAE’s efforts to ensure food security and address climate change, and this collaboration aims to drive transformative change in the travel and hospitality sectors, contributing to the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, aiming to reduce food loss and waste in the UAE by 50 percent by 2030. His Excellency Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, said: “As Abu Dhabi continues to grow as a leading global destination, it is essential that we advance our commitment to sustainable development, establishing our emirate as a responsible hub for tourism and events. The partnership with ne’ma sets out a roadmap for meaningful action to reduce food loss and waste while creating awareness among travellers and stakeholders about responsible consumption.” As part of the agreement, DCT Abu Dhabi will encourage restaurants, hotels, and tourism establishments, to adopt sustainable practices such as portion control, menu optimisation, and creative use of surplus food; and develop educational campaigns for tourists and residents to highlight the environmental impact of food waste and the importance of responsible consumption. Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, said: …

Tourism Malaysia won ‘Best destination marketing initiatives’ award at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Thanks to the organisers of DDP Group and the jury for this prestigious award, it is a great responsibility as now we need to work to ensure that we maintain and excel even further. Tourism Malaysia Dubai has actively participated in travel conferences and exhibitions, destinations seminar presentation with airlines and agents and familiarisation trips for agents and media.” Azhar Musyabri Abdul Mutallib, Deputy Director, Tourism Malaysia, Dubai Office.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reported its strongest year ever, welcoming a record-high 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024, marking 12% growth in tourism revenues and a notable 15% rise in MICE visitors. This success is a testament to the Emirate’s strategic and sustainable growth vision to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030. Commenting on the Emirate’s achievements, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “2024 was a milestone year for Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, enhanced connectivity, and diverse experiences tailored to every traveller. Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond attracting more visitors; we aim to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of the future. With significant investments, world-class events, and groundbreaking developments on the horizon, 2025 is set to be another remarkable year. Several factors contributed to this robust performance in 2024, including the opening new hotels and resorts, a growing calendar of international events, increased connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, best-in-class marketing campaigns and over 2,200 international activities and market engagements across 70 cities.  

Speaking at the special press conference at ASEAN Tourism Forum, Mohd Amirul Rizal Bin Abdul Rahim, Head of Visit Malaysia 2026 Secretariat shared that Middle East is a very important source market and they will be focusing on two key aspects family and GenZ or millennials. He further stated that the new campaign will be announced in a number of road shows in the Middle East over the next few months to share more details on the extensive programme that they have prepared to welcome visitors to Malaysia. He reiterated that Visit Malaysia 2026 will be unique as they target high yield tourists as well as tourists who seek sustainability when they travel. However, the theme for the year will be ‘Malaysia: a sustainable destination and rich in culture”.

Hilton and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) partnered to showcase the diverse travel experiences tourists can enjoy in Saudi Arabia through an engaging creative content campaign. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, short films and photos have been creatively produced to promote Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Ula, Makkah and Madinah. These captivating visuals transport viewers to discover the country’s distinctive destinations. The campaign builds on last year’s successful partnership between the two entities, in which they created engaging seasonal content for viewers, and is now being rolled out internationally, including across the Middle East, South Africa, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The announcement also follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Hilton and STA in 2023 to explore cooperation opportunities to promote Saudi Arabia and attract visitors to the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030. It also comes as Hilton continues its plans to more than quadruple its presence with over 70 hotels under development – adding more than 18,000 keys to its growing portfolio, introducing more of its award-winning brands, and creating over 15,000 jobs for hospitality professionals across the Kingdom– with more than half of new hires being Saudi nationals. The content, which can be viewed here, serves as a window that immerses visitors in Saudi experiences before their arrival. It brings to life the Kingdom’s must-visit hotspots and dives into the heart of its welcoming cities. From the spiritual significance of its holy cities, and highlighting the historical treasures of Diriyah, to revelling in the beauty of ancient oases and the stunning topography of the country. It invites visitors to experience the very best of Saudi Arabia with Hilton, highlighting the global hospitality company’s hotels …