Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) is extending a warm invitation to travellers from GCC, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural tapestry. In 2024, visitors exploring Germany will encounter a rich mosaic of experiences, each unique to different parts of the country. Germany’s event calendar is brimming with a variety of engagements, ensuring that every visit is both memorable and distinct. This diverse range of events showcases the country’s cultural richness and promises an enriching journey for all who travel there. GNTO has shared a lineup of events across Germany for the year 2024 as a guide for travellers from GCC to some of the most anticipated happenings that will inspire their next journey to the heart of Europe. Each of these events reflects Germany’s commitment to celebrating its rich heritage and contemporary vibrancy. From the serene beauty of historic art to the roaring excitement of football matches, from the enchanting routes of fairy tales to the reflective significance of historical anniversaries, Germany in 2024 offers a spectrum of experiences. Hamburg will be in the spotlight as it hosts the biggest port festival in the world. The Hamburg Port Anniversary, from May 9 to 12, will feature an extended range of events, including maritime presentations on the Elbe, the Grand Arrival Parade, the Tugboat Ballet, and spectacular fireworks show. The festival atmosphere will extend along the docks, with over 420 stand operators and performers, ensuring a lively and diverse experience for all visitors. Football fans will have a reason to cheer as Germany hosts the European Championship 2024 from 14 June to 14 July across ten host cities. Berlin, Munich, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, …

The emirate of Sharjah has been illuminated with artistic displays from Wednesday (7th evening) as the 13th Sharjah Light Festival kicked off, unveiling its artistic canvas of light across different locations. The festivities commenced at the Sharjah Police Headquarters, featuring a breathtaking inaugural light show that transformed the iconic architectural monument into a work of art. The spectacular display took the attendees on a visual journey, reflecting the authenticity of Sharjah’s identity and the UAE, while also depicting its ambitious and futuristic vision. Illuminated symbols portrayed the emirate’s history, its trajectory toward the future, and its ongoing developments. The festival’s opening ceremony, graced by prominent heads of authorities, departments, entities, distinguished personalities, and visiting delegations, featured a film dedicated to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in celebration of the 52nd anniversary of his ascension to rule. The festival, organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), will take place across 12 of the emirate’s premiere cultural landmarks and natural destinations from February 7 – 18. In his opening speech, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), underscored that the tourism sector in Sharjah is one of the key sectors that contribute to supporting the national economy. He noted that tourism is seeing notable progress at all levels, thanks to the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Al Midfa also highlighted how SLF has become a major tourist attraction, drawing a great deal of attention through substantial turnout and media interest, year after year. “The festival showcases the emirate’s unique features, achievements, and future vision to the thousands of visitors and …

As the AFC Asian Cup 2023 enters the semi-finals stage, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar has welcomed around 2.5 million football fans and visitors from around the world, with more than 41,000 visitors using the tram, and an average of 14,000 visitors making their way to Msheireb Galleria daily. Dr Hafiz Ali Abdullah, Senior Director of Corporate Communications said: “We are excited to be the go-to destination for visitors and residents during the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Msheireb Downtown Doha continues to proudly showcase Qatari culture with thrilling activations and unique design features.” Throughout the first half of the tournament, Msheireb Downtown Doha was filled with exhilarating activities like the Asian Sikka featuring booths from all 24 participating countries, Football Bowling, Football Golf Target, and Subsoccer games, match screenings at Baraha Msheireb, and finally the open-air ‘Baraha Musical Concert’ in collaboration with the renowned Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, Msheireb Downtown Doha housed the Media Centre for the entire tournament with over 2,000 media representatives. Msheireb Downtown Doha, located in close proximity to the buzzing Souq Waqif, also offers visitors a unique cultural experience through the city’s interactive Msheireb Museums, various choices of fine dining and international cuisines, as well as stores and children’s edutainment at the four-story Msheireb Galleria.

The Department of Tourism Development in Ajman (DTC) is organising a series of projects, initiatives and workshops throughout the month of February as part of UAE Innovates 2024, the world’s largest national event that celebrates innovation and innovators. H.E. Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashemi, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, commented: The UAE Innovation Month is a prominent platform to support the UAE’s efforts to enhance the innovation environment and motivate DLD’s employees, strategic partners and the local community to achieve more.” He added: “Ajman Tourism is keen to launch many initiatives and events aimed at creating new innovative practices that contribute to promoting a culture of innovation and developing entrepreneurial thought, thus contributing to consolidating the UAE’s position as a regional and global center for knowledge-based development and innovation, attracting more talents and building human resources.” The list of projects, workshops and initiatives organized by the Department of Tourism Development in Ajman this year includes the Innovation Platform in Ajman Marina, where a pioneering electronic system for internal and external auditing and monitoring of institutional performance will be presented, in addition to a tourism digital data map to display hotel and tourism establishments with the aim of improving the quality of life of customers and enhancing the level of services for visitors. The emirate’s tourism promotional stories will also be presented in a creative way using modern technology and artificial intelligence to be in line with tourist preferences. The Department will also present the innovative sustainability workshop for people of determination “Let’s Transform It”, which highlights an innovative way to convert used papers into accessories presented by a group of students of determination in cooperation with the Ministry of …

NEOM opened its first U.S. office in New York City which will serve as a base for NEOM’s business across the United States. NEOM’s latest international office at 50 Hudson Yards in Manhattan follows the launch of its London office in November 2023. Honored guest, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States, attended the official opening at the invitation of Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, who hosted the occasion, and addressed the distinguished guests and strategic partners in attendance. The New York City office will further strengthen existing relationships between NEOM and U.S. entities and present an opportunity to explore new partnerships and sources of investment from the United States. Close collaboration with innovative and world-leading U.S. industries, corporations, and investors, will accelerate NEOM’s efforts to address global challenges by redefining livability, business, and conservation. HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al Saud, said: “We are delighted for NEOM to open an office in New York. The potential impact of NEOM extends far beyond Saudi borders. By serving as a catalyst for innovation, sustainable development, and economic diversification, NEOM has the power to inspire similar initiatives around the world – driving positive change and serving as a blueprint for the cities of tomorrow.” Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, said: “In order to continue to achieve the vision of NEOM, it is imperative that we work alongside global partners that can accelerate our efforts. We chose New York City as our second international NEOM office due to its position as a global capital for business and finance. NEOM has already established many investments and partnerships with U.S. entities, and through this office, we intend to build our relationships …

In January 2024, Qatar recorded the reception of 702,800 visitors, marking the highest monthly level of visitor entries ever. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries took the lead in terms of the total number of visitors, accounting for 53% of the overall visitor count. These numbers coincide with the significant event at the beginning of the year, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™️. Qatar presents a diverse tourism scene that blends cultural heritage with modernity and development. The country offers visitors various experiences catering to all tastes, from cultural exploration to sports and adventure, as well as artistic exhibitions and educational conferences.

The Department of Tourism Development in Ajman is introducing authentic Emirati culture and cuisine for an immersive experience for visitors by strategic partnerships with 4 and 5-star hotels in the Emirate of Ajman. This new step is part of the coordination between the concerned authorities to enhance the tourism scene and cultural interaction in the Emirate of Ajman, as well as to achieve the Department’s vision to support the sustainable development of the tourism sector. These steps are in line with the Department’s strategic vision, which announces a special initiative entitled “Training Hotel Chefs to Prepare Emirati Popular and Traditional Dishes”. The aim of this initiative is to enhance the tourist experience by enriching their experience by tasting the authentic flavours of Emirati cuisine, in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan in 2024. Recognising the pivotal role culinary experiences play in attracting tourists, the department relied on the expertise of Emirati chef Khulood Ateeq. H.E. Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashemi, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, said: “Emirati cuisine is a cornerstone of our cultural heritage and we believe that by incorporating these authentic flavours into the tourism experience, we can create an immersive experience for visitors. Through this unique collaboration with prestigious hotel establishments and the expertise of our Emirati chefs, we are not only promoting Emirati culinary traditions, but also positioning Ajman as a culinary destination in its own right.” Ms. Sarah Al Suwaidi, Head of Strategic Partner Relations, added: “This initiative is in line with the overall mission of Ajman Tourism Development not only to attract tourists to Ajman but also to provide them with unique and immersive experiences. Combining cultural richness with culinary excellence, Ajman …

The Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) reaffirmed its commitment to further developing the emirate’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector with the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China MICE Advisory Group at a signing ceremony recently at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The China MICE Advisory Group, a committee of key Chinese MICE trade partners and media, was established by ADCEB in 2019 to gain insights into MICE and business travel trends unique to the dynamic Chinese market. As the first-ever dedicated advisory committee in China created in partnership with ADCEB, its formation reflects ADCEB’s proactive approach to engaging with the growing outbound MICE sector from China. The China market ranks among Abu Dhabi’s top source markets for tourism and MICE, reflecting a strong bilateral relationship. As the demand for outbound MICE in China increases, approaching levels comparable to the country’s outbound leisure market, a substantial surge in outbound Chinese MICE is expected in 2024. H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said, “Our thriving partnerships with China and a proven track record of attracting tourists and business travellers to Abu Dhabi underscores the strength of this partnership. This renewal will enable us to continue to share knowledge and strategically plan for our tourism future, in line with our commitment to promoting and preserving the emirate’s heritage, culture and tourism assets. Our continued collaboration empowers our efforts while significantly contributing to the growth of inbound visitors from China, solidifying Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice globally.” As part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to boost international MICE arrivals from China, the partnership aims to incentivise …

The official tourism authority of the Caribbean island country is reporting an impressive 32% increase in travellers from the GCC in 2023, compared to the previous year. dnata has partnered with Visit Barbados as it aims to attract more travellers from the GCC region.  Latest passenger arrivals demonstrate notable growth in travel to Barbados from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Popular locations across the island with GCC travellers include its capital, Bridgetown, and the world-renowned beaches lining the island’s West Coast and South Coast, where many of its luxury villa and all-inclusive resort accommodation, high-end dining, and entertainment options reside. Visit Barbados has appointed Dubai-based dnata Representation Services as its exclusive sales, marketing, and PR representative in the GCC, to bring the latest news, exclusive rates, bespoke itineraries and more from the destination to travellers in the region. The partnership will focus on showcasing trending experiences for 2024, including travel packages for the highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup games set to be played in Barbados this year, with the key objective of growing passenger numbers into the country. Rakhi Purohit, Head of Representation Services at dnata, commented: “We are proud to partner with Visit Barbados and look forward to promoting the island as a high-value, sophisticated and multi-faceted destination. In-focus will include the island’s impressive luxury accommodation product, fabulous gastronomic scene, and wide range of unique activities and attractions, from Barbados Sailing Week to eco-adventure experiences, and beyond.” Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, added: “Barbados presents an alluring long-haul holiday destination from the GCC. With excellent one-stop connectivity, our partners at dnata can support local travellers with the latest in travel, accommodation, and …

Sharjah Light Village opens to visitors from 1st February 1st 2024 ahead of the Sharjah Light Festival which begins from 7th to 18th February 2024. Last year Sharjah Light Village attracted over 180,000 visitors from across the globe. Speaking at the event, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority shared, “this year there are so many new immersive experiences and new small and medium enterprises joining us, almost 55 companies here located in the University City Hall in the Light Village and there are 12 locations in the Sharjah Light Festival in total across the emirate of Sharjah, the main city, Al Hamriyah and Khorfakkan and Kalba. Each location will give a different experience and different memory for our visitors from here and abroad and inshallah it will be forever. 15 international artistes participating in making these amazing installations and amazing artwork and video mapping in our iconic buildings in Sharjah and hope that our guests from everywhere from UAE and abroad enjoy their time during this month. ”  Personifying the rich heritage and culture of Sharjah to visitors and residents, Sharjah light festival will kick off in 12 iconic locations across the emirate. Year on year this event has become a key highlight which attracts tourists from across the globe. Various artists from different parts of the world participate and display their skills and they contribute immensely in terms of bringing out the rich heritage of the cultural emirate of Sharjah. Sharjah Light Festival continues on its journey of excellence and innovation, continuously updating its visions and ideas, developing the technologies it relies on, and adapting to new developments, in order to ensure sustainable, …