Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Visit Qatar hosted the Arabian Luxury Travel Show 2025, which was held for the first time in Doha from 12 to 15 January 2025. The event was designed to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading luxury tourism destination in the Middle East, with more than 160 luxury tour operators and MICE agents from key markets, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and the Baltic States. More than 50 prestigious hotels, destination management companies and tourism authorities from across the region also participated in the event, including Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey and the Indian Ocean. Participants showcased world-class luxury offerings and highlighted the Middle East’s world-class luxury offerings, reinforcing the region’s position as a hub for luxury tourism. The event included an intensive four-day schedule at The Ritz-Carlton Doha, which included two days of bilateral meetings aimed at facilitating important business deals. The last two days were also dedicated to networking events between buyers and exhibitors. Commenting on the event, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: “Hosting the Arabian Luxury Travel Show 2025 in Doha is the perfect platform for Visit Qatar to present the unique luxury offerings that characterize Qatar, and through direct communication with influential buyers and travel professionals, we seek to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading tourist destination for discerning travelers seeking luxury, as this event is in line with our strategic vision to establish Qatar’s presence in the global luxury tourism sector and strengthen our presence in key markets.” The successful hosting of the event underscores Visit Qatar’s commitment to strengthening Qatar’s position as a global luxury destination, in line with the objectives of …

“According to UN, Sports tourism currently generates around 10% and estimated reach 17% within the next few years,” shared HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa – Chairman Sharjah Tourism and Development Authority.  “Worldwide, according to the UN, tourism’s contribution to the global economy is projected to increase from 10% to 17% within the next seven years. This highlights the immense potential of sports tourism and its growing importance. Destinations that are prepared and proactive should capitalize on their assets and strategically host more sports events to align with their objectives and drive economic and social benefits. Sports tourism fosters partnerships, generates significant outcomes, and promotes sustainable practices. For example, in Sharjah, hundreds of sports events are held annually, showcasing the sector’s potential as a future growth driver. Sports tourism is not only sustainable and healthy but also beneficial for future generations. It has no apparent downsides and should be a key focus for any destination aiming to move in the right direction.” As the emirate of Sharjah hosts the third edition of ‘Sharjah Week of the Stars’ to take place from 10 -13 January 2025 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council. The third edition returns cementing its place as an annual tradition and a growing platform for sports and cultural celebration organized by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority in collaboration with the International Football Development Association (IFDA), bringing together legendary athletes and a rich lineup of activities that showcase Sharjah’s role as a global hub for culture, tourism, and sports. The detailed program of ‘Sharjah’s Week of the Stars’ …

145 players from 27 countries will participate in ‘Sharjah Week of the Stars’  organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. Commenting on the launch of “Sharjah Week of the Stars,” H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, emphasized the emirate’s readiness to host this major international event. He highlighted the synergy between sports and tourism in driving development and attracting visitors, while showcasing Sharjah’s unique offerings. This unique event aims to enhance Sharjah’s sports tourism profile and showcase the emirate’s attractions and landmarks. The week features an exciting lineup of activities, including a football match between retired international legends titled “Night of the Stars,” the “Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament,” the “Legends Padel Tour,” and for the first time, an E-Sports Tournament open to the public, with special participation from football legends. The events will take place from January 10 to 13, 2025. Taking place at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, this tournament will see over 145 players from 27 countries competing from January 11 to 12. The final day will feature football legends joining footgolf champions, vying for the $30,000 prize. With participation from top global players and eight UAE-based players, this championship is one of the most prestigious events in the sport. On January 11, Aljada mini-football stadium, accommodating up to 2,000 spectators, will host a friendly football match featuring 22 international football legends. Participants include Francesco Totti, Fabio Cannavaro, Rivaldo, Michael Owen, Papu Gómez, David Trezeguet, Essam El Hadary, and a legendary Italian football star whose name will be revealed soon. On January 12, 16 international football legends will compete in the “Legends Padel Tour ” at Aljada Padel Courts. This event …

German National Tourist Office Gulf Countries secured the award for ‘Most active in promoting sustainable and accessible travel’ at the 7th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. “This award is incredibly meaningful as it reflects our commitment to promoting sustainable travel experiences. It’s a collective achievement for our team, partners, and the communities in Germany who are passionate about fostering greener tourism. It reminds us of the positive impact we can have, inspiring us to continue offering mindful and inclusive travel options to GCC visitors. The recognition motivates us to raise the bar for sustainability and accessibility. For GNTO, it reinforces our role as a leader in responsible tourism. It also encourages industry-wide collaboration, showing how eco-friendly practices can meet modern travellers’ expectations while protecting the environment and supporting inclusivity.” Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office – GNTO GCC

Shop Qatar 2025 is set to run from 1 January to 1 February 2025. The month-long festival will feature 20 participating malls and shopping destinations, including Place Vendôme and Doha Festival City, each promising unbeatable discounts, family-friendly entertainment, exciting competitions, and incredible raffle prizes. Building on the success of previous editions, Shop Qatar 2025 promises an action-packed lineup of experiences, with exclusive offers across luxury, high-street, and local retailers. Adding to the excitement, back with its 21st edition, the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2025 promises to dazzle attendees with its exclusive showcase of luxury and artistry. Beyond the exquisite collections on display, the event offers a rich tapestry of experiences, including live demonstrations by master craftsmen, exclusive launches of limited-edition pieces, attendance of global celebrities and influencers, alongside interactive sessions with global industry leaders. Shop Qatar 2025 will commence on 1 January at Place Vendôme with a performance by Lebanese singer Abeer Nehme, vibrant parades, and influencer appearances. The festival will conclude on 1 February at Doha Festival City with the final raffle draw. Weekly raffles at prominent venues will offer extraordinary prizes, including cash rewards ranging from QAR 10,000 to QAR 100,000, and the grand prize of a Tesla Cybertruck, with participation open to shoppers spending QAR 200 at any participating venue. Visitors can also enjoy a dynamic entertainment schedule, such as the Barbie Dreamhouse, Mr. Bean, and Miraculous, as well as roaming parades and interactive games, ensuring memorable experiences for all ages. Qatar Calendar’s January edition features over 40 captivating events designed to appeal to regional audiences, making Qatar a vibrant destination to start the new year. Heritage enthusiasts can explore the Qatar International Falconry and Hunting …

Qatar Tourism announced a new milestone with the number of international visitors to the State of Qatar exceeding five million in 2024, reflecting a growth of 25% compared to 2023, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading global tourism destination. H.E. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism, said: “The number of visitors exceeding five million is a landmark achievement for the State of Qatar and is an embodiment of Qatar Tourism’s vision of establishing Qatar as one of the world’s leading family tourism destinations. The 25% year-on-year growth, coupled with exceptional sales of nearly10 million hotel nights, is a testament to the effectiveness of the strategy and the efforts of partners. This achievement is not just a celebration of what has been achieved, but also a foundation for future growth, as we continue to provide exceptional experiences and services in all tourist destinations to every visitor.” “Between 2022 and 2030, we aim to almost triple the number of visitors, at least double tourism spending within destinations, and increase the contribution of the tourism sector to GDP to between 10 to 12%.” GCC nationals accounted for 41% of visitors in 2024, with the remaining 59% coming from other international markets. Major markets, including Saudi Arabia, India, the UK, Germany and the USA, have shown significant growth, reflecting Qatar’s diverse appeal. In addition to exceeding the target of 4.79 million visitors, Qatar exceeded its annual target of 8.8 million hotel nights, and has so far recorded nearly 10 million hotel nights sold this year. To date, 56% of visitors have arrived by air, 37% by land, and the remaining 7% by sea. In addition, Qatar’s hospitality sector has grown significantly, …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development has announced the selection of two unique tourism experiences as part of the “Tourism Experiences Training Program” in Ajman. The initiative was launched by the department to enrich the Emirate’s tourism content, support the participation of Emirati talents in the tourism sector, and align with sustainable goals, digital innovation, and the advancement of social and economic development. As part of this initiative, the department has selected the tourism experiences created by Abdullah Al Ali and Mariam Al Hamrani. These experiences are focused on showcasing the hidden gems of Masfout, with the goal of empowering the local community, highlighting the Emirate’s tourist destinations, and enhancing its role in the national tourism sector. Both Abdullah Al Ali and Mariam Al Hamrani are committed to offering fresh, impactful tourism ideas that promote cultural exploration, personal growth, and local engagement, positioning Ajman as a key player in the tourism landscape. In this regard, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development stated: “Through the training programs and tourism initiatives we offer, we aim to motivate the younger generation, engage them in the country’s tourism sector, and invest in local human talents and abilities. This contributes to creating new and innovative job opportunities for them, while instilling a more youthful and dynamic spirit filled with creativity and passion. The tourism experience training program in Ajman is a clear testament to our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening the tourism sector in the Emirate.” For her part, Khadija Mohammed Turki, Tourism Marketing and Promotion Expert at the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, said: “We are pleased to announce the two tourism experiences selected as part …

UN Tourism has recognized the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi (DCT-Abu Dhabi) for its excellence in destination management. Abu Dhabi becomes the sixth Destination Management Organization (DMO) in the world and the first in the Middle East region to receive the UN Tourism QUEST certification, testament to its ongoing dedication to excellence in governance and commitment to sustainability. DCT-Abu Dhabi scored exceptionally high in the three areas of assessment of the certification after receiving 120 hours of capacity building sessions delivered by UN Tourism Academy, which included courses on: Sustainable Tourism; Governance for Sustainable Tourism; Quality and Competitiveness; and Sustainable Tourism Practices for Destination Management. These courses were complemented with eight one-to-one training sessions for DCT–Abu Dhabi officials to advance their understanding of UN Tourism QUEST assessment criteria and indicators. The QUEST certification is an example of UN Tourism’s leading work in the field of tourism standards to improve destination management and governance and highlights the importance and success of public-private-community partnerships, as well as horizontal and vertical cooperation in institutional governance. The Certification is valid for four years with the possibility of renewal.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IHG Hotels & Resorts to further enhance the destination’s offerings and visitor experience. The agreement encompasses joint marketing initiatives, training programmes for hospitality professionals, and the creation of new tourism experiences. Establishing a framework for further collaboration and alignment between the two entities, the agreement will see DET and IHG Hotels & Resorts work together on marketing and promotional campaigns, while the hotel group will also actively highlight Dubai as a premier tourist destination through its own marketing channels and social media platforms. In addition, the two entities will collaborate to create and enhance tourism products that showcase Dubai’s unique attractions, including cultural heritage tours and seasonal offers, which will be integrated into special packages that cater to different markets. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts. It highlights DET’s ongoing commitment to working with regional and global hospitality brands to foster innovation and industry excellence, and is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Through the MoU, employees at IHG Hotels & Resorts will be able to participate in training courses, offered by DET’s Dubai College of Tourism, and hotel staff will also have access to relevant resources and experts. These encompass specialised training sessions, workshops, and certification programmes, designed to equip employees with the latest industry knowledge and best practices. Another major focus …

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) recently hosted its second Discover Jamaica Webinar, captivating over 200 travel trade professionals from the GCC region. Building on the success of its inaugural session, this webinar showcased Jamaica’s unique appeal as a must-visit destination, highlighting its renowned all-inclusive resorts, luxury accommodations, top attractions, annual events, and delectable gastronomy. The session was presented by the JTB’s GCC Trade Representative Office, Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East, with insights from Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager of the JTB. A special feature of this webinar was the participation of Karisma Hotels and Resorts, whose representative spotlighted their signature all-inclusive experiences, emphasizing their world-class luxury offerings. “Expanding our reach in the GCC market is a critical part of Jamaica’s global tourism strategy,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board. “By equipping travel professionals with in-depth knowledge about Jamaica’s premium offerings, we’re fostering partnerships that will drive visitor growth, promote cultural exchange, and position our island as a preferred destination for high-value travelers from the region.” “This series webinar is another step in our journey to firmly establish Jamaica as an emerging travel destination for the GCC market,” said Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager of the Jamaica Tourist Board. “By showcasing our unmatched all-inclusive resorts, signature properties and services, luxury experiences, vibrant culture, and unique attractions, we aim to empower our travel trade partners with the knowledge and tools to inspire their clients to explore the beauty and charm of our island.” Attendees also had the chance to deepen their understanding of Jamaica’s allure, from luxurious resorts to cultural and adventure-filled activities like Dunn’s River Falls and Jamaican gastronomy. The event concluded with a much-anticipated raffle sponsored …