Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

An overall 106 plus partners from the four European destinations with 13 partners from Tourism Ireland, 27 from Germany, 45 from Switzerland and 21 from Austria attended the event to meet with over 110 plus travel trade from the GCC countries. The summit is the most important year on year as GCC’s most preferred summer escapes would be the European destinations and these four nations have equally enjoyed the best summers post covid and expect for this summer to be a record season. Speaking with tourismbreakingnews, Yamina Sofo Director German National Tourist Office GCC shared, “We had nearly 250 participants this year for the Discover Europe Summit, 27 from partners from Germany, we have more than 100 buyers from all six GCC countries. We are so happy that they all came together to Dubai to discuss business, get updates and support each other. Europe is an all year around destination but especially from this region summer is very popular we have a strong nature and culture focus, so that’s where all of us Switzerland, Germany, Ireland and Austria are very strong.” Aisling Mc Dermott, Manager Middle East and Asia, Tourism Ireland reiterated, “this is Tourism Ireland’s second time participating in Discover Europe Travel Summit and this is a fantastic showcase of Europe and this is why Tourism Ireland participates in it. We host 100 buyers from the Middle East for two days, with 13 partners from the island of Ireland along with our suppliers and partners from Germany, Switzerland and Austria. This is a very exciting event for us because we really draw on the attraction of Europe and Ireland as a beautiful destination in Europe.” Matthias Albrecht Director GCC …

CzechTourism in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the UAE will be participating at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) for its 30th edition that is taking place from 1st – 4th May 2023 bringing a delegation of eight Czech partners. Travel from UAE to the Czech Republic has seen a surge in 2022 with a year on year increase of 330.61% in average number of nights over 2022 and 2021. In 2022, Czech Republic welcomed over 84,000 number of overnight stays from travellers of Saudi Arabia for an average length of stay of 6 days. CzechTourism will be meeting and networking with representatives from top tour operators, airlines, media and key stakeholders from the travel industry to discuss cooperation and collaboration opportunities to promote Czechia in the Middle East region. Marek Kroutil – international markets manager, CzechTourism added “We are very excited and looking forward to being back at the global prestigious event – ATM 2023 after three years post the Covid-19 recession and be a part of the travel fair. We are very flattered to see the numbers growing back to the Czechia from this region. Travellers from the Middle East visit the destination for spa, summer holidays with family, MICE groups as well as with our efforts to promote other products like Christmas markets, we have noticed that winter activities are slowly gaining popularity too. I am proud that our spa towns were awarded with the UNESCO as the great spa towns of Europe and gulf travellers consider Czechia as a preferred spa and wellness destination.” CzechTourism in the Middle East is targeting the country in the region as a premium destination targeting families, experiential …

Munich Tourism is gearing up for its 25th year of participating at the Arabian Travel Market, to raise awareness of the region with travel partners and agents from Gulf countries and further develop existing relationships. The GCC features in the top five most important foreign markets for Munich, underlining its importance as one of the most popular sources of travellers. Munich Tourism’s partners at the show include hotels, destination management companies (DMC), and medical tourism. The city’s three five-star hospitality partners, Bayerischer Hof Munich, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, and Louis Hotel Munich, along with apartment hotel Central Hotel Apart will be present. DMCs include Studiosus Incoming, and Emissa Travel along with Breuninger – a recently launched luxury department store in Munich – representing the luxury shopping experience, will evidence the plethora of things to do in the German city. In addition, Munich has also been an important destination for medical tourists from the GCC, and to cater to this audience there will be two suppliers from this segment which are Oberberg Clinics and Seralux. Clemens Baumgärtner Head of the Department of Labor and Economic Development and as such responsible for tourism in Munich, said: “We have been loyal participants of the Arabian Travel Market for over 25 years, and the event is a lynchpin in our annual international plan, particularly as we witness the growing interest of GCC-based travellers to Munich. We aim to strengthen our existing relationship with the region’s travel partners and build new ones at this year’s legacy show.” Baumgärtner added: “We welcome GCC travellers to Munich and explore the city’s wonders and experience its incredible tourism offerings; be it for leisure, business or medical visits, Munich caters …

Experience Abu Dhabi announced its participation in the 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market 2023 (ATM 2023) at the Dubai World Trade Centre from the 1–4 May. Experience Abu Dhabi’s stand will be over 30% bigger than that of 2022, inspired by stunning natural landscapes such as Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, Al Ain Oasis and Saadiyat Beaches – and will engage guests, event participants and members of the media through immersive stand experiences. Revealing Abu Dhabi’s calendar of events and demonstrating the city’s untapped potential, Experience Abu Dhabi will reveal its latest ground-breaking summer campaign films, alongside new and exciting travel products to benefit visitors throughout the season and beyond. Alongside key stakeholders collectively sharing Abu Dhabi with the world, Experience Abu Dhabi will showcase the diversity of experiences that excite, inspire and restore, and highlight the emirate as a leading year-round destination. Representing Abu Dhabi, major Abu Dhabi stakeholders will present updates on events, experiences and attractions, including the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Etihad Arena and the world-class portfolio hotels and resorts across the emirate. DCT Abu Dhabi is also expected to announce and sign several Memorandums of Understanding and announcements of new developments and strategic partnerships for the year ahead. Arabian Travel Market is the market-leading international travel and tourism event. Assigning an industry-relevant theme each year, ATM 2023 will be presented under ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Visit Experience Abu Dhabi stand in hall two, stand number ME2410 and ME2450. Opening hours are: 11am – 6pm on Monday, 10am – 6pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 10am – 5pm on Thursday.  

The Philippines is a tropical paradise with so much to offer tourists. It is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, each with its unique charm and attractions. From world-renowned beaches to bustling cities, there’s something for everyone. Its stunning beaches are world-renowned and are among the most beautiful in the world, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and sea. The white sand beaches of Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao are just a few of the many picturesque destinations that the Philippines has to offer. The event is in continuation of the talks initiated by DOT since September 2022 with the concerned agencies to take up visa concerns for key tourism markets in the hope of finding solutions affecting the flow of entry of international tourists. Beaches: The Philippines is famous for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. Palawan’s El Nido, Boracay, and Siargao are just a few of the many beach destinations that will leave you in awe. Enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping. Cultural Experiences: The Philippines has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many ways to immerse yourself in it. Visit the Spanish colonial-era architecture in Vigan, see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rice Terraces in Banaue, or attend one of the colorful festivals such as the Ati-Atihan in Aklan. Food: Filipino cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Spanish, and Chinese influences, resulting in unique and flavorful dishes. Try adobo, sinigang, and lechon, among others. Sample street food such as balut, isaw, and fishballs, which can be found throughout the country. City Life: The Philippines has a thriving urban scene with cities like Manila, Cebu, and …

Qatar Tourism has launched the Hayya Platform in a new form, inviting tourists who currently need a visa to Qatar to enjoy the country’s famously warm Arabian hospitality and diverse touristic offering. Taking place with immediate effect, the launch of the well-known Hayya Platform – which allowed the entry of over a million visitors during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM tournament – and its application via smart phones, will become the single portal for all tourist and business visas to Qatar. This will unify visa processes for tourists, GCC residents and companions traveling with GCC citizens (whom are issued an ‘Authorisation Electronic Travel’ permit). The latest development reflects Qatar’s keenness to continue its investment in the tourism sector, which forms an important pillar to the economy, and reflects the longer-term strategic vision to position the country as the leading tourism destination in the region. Tourists who require a visa to enter Qatar can apply through the Hayya Platform at www.hayya.qa, or through the application on their smartphones, and visit Doha, the Arab Tourism Capital of 2023. In addition, Hayya holders will enjoy seamless travel and connectivity into Qatar as Hayya will be enabled for e-gate entry at Hamad International Airport. For those entering Qatar via land at the Abu Samra border, the Hayya Platform will provide a pre-registration option for faster entry for vehicles, making the start of a weekend getaway or longer stay in Qatar even smoother and more enjoyable. For GCC nationals, the Platform provides an option to apply for an entry permit for companions. The Hayya Platform also provides further services that help round out a visitor’s stay, including maps, transportation options, offers and current events. …

Qatar Tourism (QT) led a delegation of government and private agencies at the 2023 Seatrade Cruise Global, the world’s annual cruise industry gathering. In addition to QT, Qatar’s pavilion included Mwani, Doha Bus, Al Tawfeeq Travel, and Qatar International Tours. The 2023 Seatrade Cruise Global took place in Fort Lauderdale from March 27-30, 2023, at the Broward County Convention Center. It gathered more than 70 industry speakers who discussed key industry trends from sustainability to technology, and over 500 exhibitors including ports and destinations, ship equipment and shipbuilding, entertainment, environment and health, hospitality, information technology, and more. During the event, Qatar Tourism participated in a panel discussion where it showcased the unique offerings of Doha as a premier cruise destination, highlighting Qatar’s rich culture and history, modern infrastructure, and family-friendly entertainment. In addition, Qatar Tourism met with several major global cruise lines on the side-lines of the event, including Ponant, Silversea, TUI, Costa, AIDA, Windstar, MSC, Swan Hellenic and NCL. Qatar Tourism also attended the ‘Meet the Itinerary Planners’ event to promote Qatar as a top cruise destination and develop partnerships that will bring more cruise passengers to the country. Maryam Saoud, Head of Tourism Product Support Section at Qatar Tourism, said: “Events of global significance like the Seatrade Cruise Global present a valuable opportunity for tourism stakeholders to engage in meetings and share knowledge with prominent industry influencers and senior cruise executives. Such gatherings also offer an excellent platform to stay informed about the latest developments within the cruise industry and allow major international cruise operators to discover Qatar’s world-class tourism infrastructure and the unique features that make it an appealing addition to their cruise programs.” With a goal …

Wego teamed up with VisitBritain to launch an exciting new campaign aimed at attracting more travelers from the GCC to Britain. The ‘Spill the Tea’ awareness co-marketing campaign, which runs until June 2023, seeks to showcase Britain’s unique blend of activities and attractions, culture, and modernity, enticing travelers to explore the country’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. It will be broadcast across a mix of channels ranging from short films and co-branded content across social media including Facebook, Instagram, Youtube to digital display advertising, radio and VOD & AOD platforms. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “Building on the success of the previous campaigns, we’re delighted to partner with VisitBritain for the seventh year. By leveraging Wego’s data driven insights and Britain’s diversified offerings, we were able to create customized travel experiences that resonate with GCC travelers. We look forward to inspiring even more travelers to explore this must-see destination.” Through this collaboration, VisitBritain and Wego will inspire travelers to book a trip to Britain and create unforgettable memories. VisitBritain’s Interim Deputy Director Carol Maddison said: “The GCC is a very important tourism market for Britain and we are delighted to be running this dedicated campaign in partnership with Wego. By tapping into motivations for travel now and telling the story of our vibrant and varied destinations we want to inspire visitors from the GCC to discover more of Great Britain, stay longer and to explore year-round.” The tea-themed campaign includes video commercials and dedicated websites in both Arabic and English and it emphasizes Britain as a welcoming, dynamic, exciting and inclusive destination in the multi-media advertising campaign called …

Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with (ADNEC Group, owner and operator of the largest exhibition venue in the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, in a strategic step towards its future business development strategy. The newly formed ADCEB and ADNEC Group Joint Fund is a continuation of ADCEB’s strategy to harness public-private partnerships to drive increased B2B events and incentive travel in the emirate. The fund will provide additional financial incentives and support to corporate meeting planners and incentive houses, while simultaneously reiterating that Abu Dhabi is a safe destination that is fully open for business tourism. The partnership will combine the joint marketing efforts of ADCEB and ADNEC Group to raise awareness of the emirate’s readiness to host large Meetings, Incentives groups. H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “This partnership with ADNEC Group is a tremendous step in further solidifying our position as a leading global destination for business events of all kinds. With ADCEB’s experience and expertise and ADNEC Group’s impressive portfolio of event, tourism and hospitality assets, together we can create the ultimate destination package that showcases the best of the emirate and attracts ever greater numbers of large-scale and high-profile events to Abu Dhabi.” Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director & Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “We are pleased to partner with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau to launch the joint fund for organisers of international corporate meetings and events, who are interested in holding their events at the Abu …

Colliers in their latest research paper shared about Ras Al Khaimah 2023 and beyond, where the emirate is on its way to expanding opportunities and game changers. In the report it is revealed that the 2030 vision of Ras Al Khaimah’s Tourism Development Authority’s (RAKTDA) is to attract over 3 million visitors and increase the overall attractiveness of the emirate, making tourism one of the most important sectors and focus for Ras Al Khaimah’s (RAK) GDP growth. This paper looks at the emirate’s growing hospitality market, its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and the announcement of the Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort. In order to achieve the emirate’s target of attracting over 3 million visitors by 2030, a number of strategies have been implemented including financial stimulators, multimillion investments in Jebel Jais projects and the introduction of the region’s first integrated resort – Wynn Al Marjan Island. Looking ahead, RAK has already announced approximately 5,000 keys to open in the next 5 years, in addition to the 1,200 keys that will be offered by the Wynn resort following its opening in 2026. The introduction of the Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to bring multiple benefits including job creation, increased visitation and global image enhancement. The region’s first integrated resort may act as a gateway to further develop the emirate’s alternative tourist segment, inviting more investment in eco-concepts with themes of sustainability and conservation. During the COVID-19 period, RAK was able to shift its focus to domestic tourism, thus minimising the impact of the pandemic on hospitality performance. In 2022, with the return of inbound tourism and growing competition from other destinations, occupancy was impacted and post-COVID-19 performance has yet …