Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

In a landmark announcement made at the 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions, Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh has been named as the host city for the highly anticipated Expo 2030. Themed ‘The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,’ Expo 2030 will align perfectly with the fulfillment of Saudi’s Vision 2030 – a historic blueprint to fundamentally transform the Kingdom, diversify the economy, and improve the lives of the country’s citizens. Saudi is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations, and in the first quarter of 2023, it had the second-highest number of international arrivals in the world – a growth of 64% compared to the same period in 2019. Expo 2030 is expected to turbocharge the sector’s steep upward trajectory, giving the kingdom a platform to share its unique and diverse wonders with the world while driving forward job creation, sector investment, and trade partnerships. The announcement is also set to significantly boost the Saudi economy and drive the Vision 2030 ambition of making tourism the second largest component of the country’s GDP. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board of Saudi Tourism stated: “Today marks an extraordinary chapter for Saudi, with our capital city, Riyadh, honored by the world as the chosen host of Expo 2030. I believe that Expo 2030 will serve as a catalyst for growth and its impact on Saudi’s tourism sector will be felt immediately. As we prepare for this iconic global showpiece, we would like to call on our trade partners to take advantage of the historic opportunities on offer, to help us drive forward sustainable growth and development within the Kingdom’s tourism sector today.” Spotlighting Saudi’s robust …

From Baa to Ari, Unveil the Beauty of Maldivian Atolls – Unwrap the Gift of Maldivian atolls and Venture into Paradise During the Holiday Season. December in the Maldives is a time of pure delight with its powder-soft white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. With the northeast monsoon ushering in dry, sunny days, it’s the perfect season for exploration. Expect to encounter vibrant marine life, crystal-clear waters, and sunny skies. Before Going To make the most of your Maldivian adventure, here are some travel tips to consider: Book in advance: December is a popular time to visit. Booking your flights, accommodation and activities well in advance is recommended. Check visa requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visa or permits to enter the country. Travel Declaration: Visitors are required to submit this form 96 hours before their flight to and from Maldives. Pack sunscreen and swimwear: Protecting your skin from the tropical sun is paramount, don’t forget your swimwear for all your water adventures. Snorkelling and diving gear: If you have your own gear, consider bringing it along with you. Festive Tips and Things to Do The Maldives offers a treasure trove of experiences that are well loved such as water adventures through snorkelling, scuba diving and windsurfing; delving into Maldivian culture, heritage and local tradition through island exploration; booking wellness escapes to rejuvenate the body and soul at the world-class wellness centres; basking in the Maldivian twilight with cruises and savouring the culinary gems of Maldives with its fresh seafood and aromatic spices.   For this season, enhance your Maldivian experience with a variety of offers from the many world-class properties nestled in this mesmerising country. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa …

On the sidelines of the HSMAI ME ROC ME Commercial Strategy conference, it was shared that Dubai welcomed 450,000 Chinese travellers between January to September 2023, in an exclusive interview with TravelTV Middle East with Hoor Al Khaja Senior Vice President International Operations, Dubai Economy and Tourism. She shared that China once again has returned within the top 5 source market to Dubai. She reiterated the various strategies implemented to attract this important market over the past year as the travellers started to explore Dubai once again, adding it to their bucket list destinations. Al Khaja mentioned, “China has been one of the key source markets for Dubai prior to the pandemic, it was the fourth major source market. It was one of the markets which took a longer time to comeback. We have seen Dubai as one of the bucket list markets for Chinese wanting to travel. If we look at January to September 2023, we have welcomed over 450,000 Chinese visitors so we are well on our way to achieving figures away beyond 2019. We have been conducting many special programmes with our trade partners. We hosted trade and tech partners from China so that we can regain the visitor numbers as before.”

If you find yourself vacationing in the Philippines during December, you’ll discover a nation transformed into a festive wonderland. Embrace the warmth of Filipino hospitality amidst a backdrop of vibrant traditions and have an unforgettable journey filled with festive cheer. Christmas and New Year’s Eve hold profound cultural and religious significance in the Philippines. Deeply rooted in the country’s predominantly Catholic faith, its celebration is marked by a unique blend of traditional Filipino customs, family gatherings, lively public celebrations and global holiday practices. Here are some travel tips during the most awaited and cherished occasions throughout the country:   Pack light and comfortable clothing: December is part of the dry season in the Philippines, so pack light and breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the tropical climate.   Prepare for festive crowds: Christmas is widely celebrated in the Philippines, and popular tourist spots and markets can be crowded. Plan your itinerary accordingly and be patient in bustling areas.     Book your flights and accommodations in advance: December is a peak travel season due to the holidays. Secure your accommodations in advance to ensure availability and potentially take advantage of festive promotions.   Check Festival Schedules: Research local festivals and events happening in December. Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, for example, is a must-see for its dazzling display of intricate lanterns.   Learn Basic Local Phrases: English is widely spoken, but learning a few basic Filipino phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and enrich your travel experience.   Experience Simbang Gabi: Attend Simbang Gabi, the traditional series of dawn Masses leading up to Christmas. It’s a cultural and spiritual experience that offers a unique insight into Filipino traditions.   …

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) recently launched the largest integrated travel campaign in China ‘Embark on a Journey of Discovery to Saudi’ at the Shanghai Bund Waterfront with 400 trade partners. The event was attended by Jin Lei, Deputy Director General of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets including over 400 trade partners, media and influencers, and the Chinese public were invited to explore the rich and diverse tourism offerings of Saudi. The campaign marks the largest integrated travel campaign launched by Saudi in China, starting with a week-long Saudi Tourism Exhibition, a celebration of Saudi’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty on the Shanghai Bund waterfront, from 17 to 23 November, inviting guests to experience mystical Saudi through immersive experiences, storytelling, and live performances. So far, the exhibition has welcomed over 80,000 visitors. In addition to the consumer marketing campaign, a series of Saudi experience films have launched on national TV and all major digital China platforms such as Ctrip, Huawei, Mafengwo, and Tencent, reaching and connecting with over five hundred million Chinese citizens.  The films intend to showcase the rich experiences Chinese travelers can look forward to upon visiting Saudi and is further available on VisitSaudi.CN website and STA’s social media channel. Starting from November 17, destination experience videos were launched, enabling digital travelers to visit scenes such as a traditional Bedouin tent complete with camel caravans and stargazing; tour the historic Diriyah, Al Masmak Fortress, and the colorful Souk Al Zel; learn to create Arabian fragrances; fly over AlUla in a hot-air balloon; go on a cross-country adventure in a vintage Land Rover; and snorkel in the Red Sea. Also, how-to …

Qatar Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mowasalat Karwa to innovate and enhance the tourism experience for visitors coming to Qatar via cruises. The MoU aims to enhance coordination and cooperation between the two parties in the field of cruise tourism, which in turn is an integral part of the National Tourism Strategy that seeks to make Qatar one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The MoU outlines the joint cooperation between the two organizations to maintain the continuity of communication with transparency, optimize cost, and provide the necessary support for the success of the upcoming cruise season. Qatar Tourism will provide Mowasalat Karwa with data and statistics related to the tourism sector to facilitate their cooperation, and will send advance notice of the arrival times of ships and cruise ships, enabling effective planning of transport services. The MoU was signed by H.E. Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism, and Mr. Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, CEO of Mowasalat Karwa. H.E. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism, said: “Cruise tourism is a key pillar in supporting Qatar’s national tourism strategy and contributing to Qatar’s position on the global tourism map. Qatar Tourism is working continuously with its key partners to ensure an exceptional tourism experience for visitors to Qatar. Transportation plays an important role in enhancing this experience, and we are confident that our partnership with Mowasalat will contribute to the success of the current cruise season.” Mr. Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, CEO of Karwa, said: “We believe in the importance of transportation for visitors and its impact on the competitiveness of tourist destinations. Tour operators in Qatar market …

HE Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), unveiled the latest triumphs in the tourism, development, hospitality, and investment projects undertaken by the authority in Kalba. Al Qaseer provided a comprehensive overview of the 3 noteworthy projects, each a testament to Shurooq’s dedication to realising the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, in elevating the eastern region into a premier investment and tourism destination. These projects include Kalba Beach, Kingfisher Retreat, and Nomad. In discussions surrounding Kalba beach, the CEO of Shurooq underscored the project’s commitment to preserving the natural ecosystem of Kalba at every stage of development. The project’s construction processes will exclusively involve environmentally friendly materials, with work set to commence in the First quarter of 2024 and handed over in the third quarter of 2025. Spanning an impressive 9.5 km, the beach is situated in the eastern region of the Emirate of Sharjah. HE further highlighted the project’s aspiration to become a premier tourist destination in the eastern region, boasting an array of restaurants, cafes, kiosks, and a diverse range of service and entertainment facilities for beachgoers. Notably, a dedicated play area for children will also be featured. Kalba Beach is steadfast in adhering to the rigorous standards of the Blue Flag global programme, ensuring services meet stringent safety criteria. Moreover, Al Qaseer highlighted that the expansion works of the “Kingfisher Retreat” project will be concluded in the upcoming month, December 2023. The retreat serves as an entrance to environmental reserves and is situated approximately 30 metres from the beach in Kalba City. Twenty luxury tents have been added to the project, …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority will kick off its 10th edition of Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum under the theme “Sustainable Tourism: The Way to Improvement”will kick off today at Expo Center Sharjah. The forum serves as a nod to Sharjah’s efforts in developing environmentally and socially responsible travel practices, its thriving eco and adventure tourism sector, as well as the emirate’s growing reputation as a global example of sustainable solutions.  A highlight of SITTF’s dynamic agenda will be a series of engaging discussions, presentations and interactive workshops, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the travel and tourism sector. In the panel discussion ‘Sustainability Practices – Innovate for Impact, Collaborate for Change’, notable participants include HE Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Permanent Representative of UAE IRENA, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Green Development and Climate Change at the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; and HE Ahmed Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). These experts will share their insights on sustainable tourism trends, government policies, economic benefits, the role of technology, and the significance of collaboration in achieving sustainable tourism goals. The panel on ‘Strategies for Sustainable Travel and Tourism’ will bring together industry leaders, including Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of HMH Hotel Group; Koko Tang, GSTC Board Member, Founder of Colorful Earth Co-Founder of Vinetree Tourism; Paul Bridger, COO of Rove Hotel and moderated by Doug Lansky, Destination Advisor and Tourism Expert. The panel will explore eco-tourism, waste reduction, and the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable tourism, providing valuable perspectives on shaping the industry’s future. SITTF 2023 will feature several expert-led presentations by Koko Tang, GSTC Board Member, Founder of …

With the new ETA announced for GCC and Jordanian nationals, Visit Britain conducted a special webinar for the agents in the GCC region. It was a well-attended webinar with over 300 agents posing their questions to the two speakers, from Visit Britain and the UK government’s home office.  At the beginning Visit Britain shared about their brand-new campaign for 2024, where there was a host of varied experiences which come in the bucket list of the travellers especially from this region as the interest keep increasing mainly due to the great outdoors, rich heritage, culture and the adventurous explorations. A special video was placed showcasing all the great areas to explore, the winter wonderland in Hyde Park, Oxford, Regent etc. “Britain has got it. I invite you to see it for yourself. This is our brand-new brand campaign that has launched this month. Welcome to Britain, where there’s always more to explore. Journey, wild coastlines, adventures through our vibrant cities, go monster hunting, meet the locals. Come see things differently. Plan your trip and visit Britain.com. As you can see, let me just check if I’ve off mused. I’ve this before. Yes, as you can see, there is so much to see and do in just 30 seconds. But what I want to do is start with the most magical time of the year. So basically, there’s nowhere else in the world, I think, that does the festive season quite like the UK. We all know of winter wonderland in Hyde Park, Oxford, Regent and Carnaby Street, Drakes and Twins and Lights, and the famous Ice Rink at Somerset House.” The power point presentation included, Winter Wonderlands and Festive Season, …

NEOM announced its latest luxury coastal tourism destination Epicon, located on the Gulf of Aqaba.  Epicon aims to set a new standard of hospitality and architecture. Rising from NEOM’s desert landscape like a glistening mirage, the property will feature two striking towers, one 225 meters tall and one reaching 275 meters. The towers will be home to an ultra-premium 41 key hotel and luxury residences that comprise of 14 suites and apartments. A short distance from the hotel is the Epicon resort, which blends tranquility with indulgence and features 120 rooms and 45 stunning residential beach villas. Designed as a gateway to the future, Epicon provides an opportunity to escape the stresses of the everyday. Whether relaxing at the beach club, visiting the spa for bespoke wellness treatments, exploring the surrounding nature, participating in one of the many watersports on offer, or dining at destination restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience, Epicon has been conceived to meet the full array of guest and resident needs. A highly attractive visitor destination and an optimum place to live and thrive, Epicon’s guests and residents can expect a truly immersive and life-affirming experience. The luxurious residences and beach villas aim to deliver new levels of livability through cutting-edge innovations, world-class services and first-class experiences, positioning the resort as a benchmark for iconic living. Guests and residents of Epicon will enjoy unrestricted access to world-class facilities, complemented by views of one of the most desirable shorelines in NEOM. Amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, library, workspaces, pools and lounges. News of Epicon follows the recent announcement of Leyja, NEOM’s sustainable tourism destination set within a magnificent natural valley. The extensive range of experiences and activities …