Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Visit Qatar has unveiled a new version of its stopover campaign in Qatar, the ‘Day of Memories Lasting Experience’, through which it invites passengers transiting through Doha to convert one holiday into two holidays through a stopover in Qatar. The campaign highlighted some of the most popular attractions and diverse tourism experiences that can be enjoyed in Qatar during a short visit of no more than 24 hours. The campaign aims to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading stopover destination, highlight all the moments worth stopping in Qatar, and prove that one short visit can create the most beautiful and unforgettable memories of a lifetime. The campaign uses the popular classic song “What a Difference a Day Makes”, originally sung by Dina Washington, which emphasizes the profound impact a single day can have on life. The campaign is an invitation for visitors to take advantage of their temporary stopover in Qatar, where they can experience exceptional experiences in Doha and close to the airport such as diving in one of the swimming pools, experiencing Doha’s pristine beaches, or even getting relaxation sessions in the latest malls, instead of spending hours waiting for their second flight inside the airport. Due to the country’s close space, there’s plenty to experience in 24 hours, whether you’re travelling to a distant destination or returning from a business trip. Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, said: “As 100% of HIA’s transit passengers are potential guests, this stopover campaign represents a strategic opportunity to highlight the attractions and leisure activities that Qatar has to offer to stopover passengers. Visitors to Doha have endless options to explore the city’s vibrant art and …

Speaking at a special interview with TravTalkME, Abdulla Yousuf – Director of International Operations DCT Abu Dhabi shared that their target for this year is to reach out to 25 new countries to showcase the many offerings of their destination. He further shared that CIS and Eastern European markets are the new emerging markets that they have seen increasing over the past few years and in terms of the APAC region India and China contribute almost 25% to the market. Going further they would be looking at increasing the number of hotel keys in the emirate and look at attracting visitors to spend more time in the emirate by partaking in various activities. He reiterated that in their various market surveys they have seen different requirements from them, hence they are working to identify these and make sure that they reach out to the correct partners.

Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) unveiled a suite of new digital services aimed at enhancing and supporting the tourism sector in the emirate of Ajman during its participation at GITEX Global 2024. Among the highlights is the launch of the Department’s revamped website and updated digital services system, alongside the AI-powered ‘Plan Your Trip’ service. These innovative offerings reflect the department’s ongoing commitment to delivering smart and proactive government services that leverage the latest advancements in AI technology and data analytics. The aim is to assist visitors in planning tailored trips to Ajman, offering a flexible and personalised experience. The Department also seeks to enhance the experience of visitors, starting with the website and digital services system, and extending to the emirate’s rich tourism offerings. The newly launched ATDD website and digital services system offer a more interactive and user-friendly interface, designed to meet the highest government quality standards. The updated website features an AI-powered smart personal assistant that can handle customer inquiries, service procedures, requirements, and fees, in addition to tourist guidance services such as information about the emirate, tourist sites, museums, and activities. The new website’s smart personal assistant allows users to make direct calls to customers via audio, video, or screen sharing, allowing them to talk and share their screen with the customer happiness and service staff, catering to their requirements in record time without having to visit the department headquarters. Additionally, the website provides access to all government services and tourism information, such as reports, decrees, and resolutions, along with quick services and open data. ATDD launched the ‘Plan Your Trip’ platform, another innovation showcased at GITEX, which is fully AI-based and designed to help visitors customise …

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will once again bring a strong presence to two major shows this month in Dubai – GITEX Global 2024 and Expand North Star – highlighting the innovation in the services it offers to enhance ease of doing business, and the innovative companies that are setting up in Dubai and using the city as a launchpad for global growth. DET’s participation in the events is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. At GITEX Global, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), part of DET, will introduce cutting-edge solutions designed to streamline the investor journey to further improve the ease of doing business in Dubai, a key driver in attracting foreign direct investment and top talent. These initiatives will further strengthen the emirate’s global status as a leading destination for innovation and investment. As part of its participation, DBLC will also honour various partners who have contributed to the success of its initiatives over the past year. Meanwhile, across the city in Dubai Harbour, the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), another entity within DET, will showcase the businesses and services of five of its members, including Transcend Technologies, Jadwelny Portal, Sadeem Energy, Elmadrasah.com and Insurina, as well as its incubation partner Intelak. The participating Dubai SME members represent several sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) in tourism, energy IoT, EdTech, insurance marketplace and cybersecurity. The Hamdan Innovation Incubator (Hi2), an initiative by …

ADNEC Group’s Tourism 365 has achieved a new milestone with the launch of the first-ever weekly charter flight, operated by Air Samarkand, connecting Uzbekistan directly to Al Ain. The flight is part of Tourism 365’s expanded partnership with Uzbekistan-based tour operator EasyBooking, aimed at boosting tourism and fostering greater connectivity between the two destinations. This influx of tourists will provide a significant boost to Al Ain’s tourism industry, reinforcing the emirate’s broader vision of positioning the city as a premier destination for cultural and leisure tourism. Josep-Anton Grases, CEO of Tourism 365, said: “The launch of the first-ever charter flight from Uzbekistan to Al Ain, made possible through our strategic partnership with EasyBooking, represents a key step in expanding Al Ain’s international tourism reach. Together with EasyBooking, we are committed to unlocking new opportunities for travellers to explore Al Ain’s unique cultural heritage and natural wonders, positioning the city as an essential destination within the UAE.” Odil Khasanov, CEO of EasyBooking, said: “We are happy to expand our partnership with Tourism 365 to launch this direct weekly charter flight from Uzbekistan to Al Ain. This collaboration not only strengthens the tourism ties between Uzbekistan and the UAE but also offers our travellers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural richness and heritage of Al Ain. By providing seamless travel experiences and customised tour packages, we are confident this initiative will significantly enhance the travel experience for Uzbek tourists and support the growing demand for travel to the emirate.” Tourism 365 already supports EasyBooking in the operation of charter flights from Uzbekistan to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the newly launched route to Al Ain complements these existing connections. As the …

Qatar Tourism held a special event to showcase the tourism roadmap, in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with a group of prominent partners and officials in the tourism industry in Qatar. The event began with an honorary speech by His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism and Chairman of Visit Qatar, during which he stressed the importance of the tourism industry as a key pillar of Qatar’s strategy to diversify the national economy and support the country’s sustainable development. His Excellency pointed out that Qatar Tourism pursues a modern vision and an advanced strategy through which it seeks to enhance the competitiveness of the tourism sector, encourage investment in the development of the infrastructure it requires, and provide an enabling environment that ensures its prosperity and contribution to supporting sustainable development and diversifying the resources of the national economy, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and its four pillars. He added that Qatar Tourism is working to make room for the private sector and overcome all obstacles that may prevent countries from activating its role in stimulating tourism activity, allowing it to contribute more to achieving our national ambitions for developing the tourism sector and consolidating Qatar’s position as a leading global tourism destination. This was followed by an opening speech by Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, in which he highlighted the vital role played by Visit Qatar in marketing the destination, promoting leisure and business events, and efforts in developing tourist attractions, and diversifying Qatar’s event calendar, with the aim of strengthening …

Visit Qatar hosted a workshop for its local MICE industry partners with 70 representatives of hospitality, destination management companies, hotels and event halls, to discuss ways to collaborate in attracting business events to Qatar.  The workshop aimed to provide participants with the essential tools and insights to effectively position Qatar as a key destination for business events, enhance their bidding strategies for international gatherings, as well as educate international MICE investors about the diverse assets of events in Qatar. The workshop was attended by more than  Attendees also gained valuable insights into the key characteristics of the exhibition and conference markets in China, India and Russia and guidelines for delivering a successful work and a compelling presentation. The workshop programme included panel discussions featuring dignitaries from Qatar’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry, as well as bilateral meetings with industry investors. Visit Qatar’s strategy emphasizes that the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector is a priority pillar in driving growth in the country’s tourism sector. By increasing the number of business events, Qatar aims to strengthen its position as a leading global hub for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry. Thanks to its advanced infrastructure, business-friendly ecosystem and state-of-the-art venues, Qatar has cemented its position as a preferred destination for the MICE sector for its ability to host world-class events.

Onur Saylan – Consul General – Consulate General of Turkiye in Dubai, speaking with TravelTV Middle East shared that they are looking at easing the visa processes for the expats living in the UAE such as Indians, Pakistanis and Filipinos etc.by the end of the year. He reiterated the importance of promoting destinations which are the hidden gems of Turkiye which will be their focus in the upcoming months. “We work with tourists from UAE to provide alternative programs and placements. If we think of Turkiye, they immediately think of Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Trabzon and Cappadocia. It is true that these are some of the most beautiful cities in the world, not only in Turkiye, but there is more in Turkiye. Due to the current situation around Turkiye, there are more strict processes, but we are looking at coming up with easier visa process for expat groups living in UAE, such as Indian, Pakistani and the Philippines. We will establish many new methods to ease this process.  I think by the end of this year, we will find new alternative processes for visa issuance in the UAE.”

Visit Qatar announced the launch of its new global campaign ‘Amaze Yourself’, which marks an important step towards achieving its strategic goal of attracting more than six million visitors annually and establishing Qatar as a must-visit destination by 2030. The campaign invites travellers from families, couples and friends to embark on a trip to Qatar to explore unexpected new and unforgettable experiences. This initiative sets Qatar apart from other tourist destinations by highlighting its unique landmarks and experiences, each designed to celebrate lifelong moments and memories that visitors carry with them. The campaign showcases a wide range of Qatar’s attractions, offering many relaxation and adventure experiences in a warm, safe and inclusive environment, from the natural beauty of the enchanting Banana Island to the vibrant atmosphere of Souq Waqif, and the excitement of driving over the dunes. The campaign, which features a contemporary version of the classic Bobby Hub song Sunny, has been launched in 10 international markets across a variety of media outlets, including television, social media, digital channels, press kits and outdoor advertising. Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: “Qatar is geographically located at the crossroads of East and West, making it an ideal and accessible destination. It is only a 6-8-hour flight from most major cities in the world, with access to more than 177 destinations in the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. All this makes Qatar an ideal choice for visitors looking for a stopover or a short vacation during which they enjoy a family atmosphere, a safe environment and a bright sun throughout the year. The campaign aims to strengthen Qatar’s global profile and promote its unique landmarks and …

As travelers from the GCC seek new and extraordinary vacation destinations, Jamaica stands out as a haven of luxury, privacy, and unforgettable experiences. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality, Jamaica is the ultimate Caribbean destination for discerning travelers. From high-end resorts offering world-class amenities to exclusive cultural and historical experiences, Jamaica invites GCC travelers to discover a new level of luxury in the heart of the Caribbean. Luxury Stays in Jamaica For those seeking the pinnacle of exclusivity and comfort, Jamaica offers a selection of premier resorts tailored for luxury travelers: Round Hill Hotel and Villas is nestled along the coastline in Montego Bay and boasts of private villas with personal pools, beachfront views, and dedicated concierge service. With a history of hosting international celebrities, Round Hill combines understated elegance with modern luxury. Zoëtry Montego Bay is a tranquil sanctuary renowned for its holistic approach to luxury. This boutique resort offers a blend of modern wellness with timeless elegance, featuring private suites with plunge pools, gourmet dining, and rejuvenating spa experiences. With its beachfront setting and commitment to wellness, Zoetry provides a haven for travelers seeking relaxation in an opulent environment. Half Moon, Jamaica’s highest rated resort spans across 400 acres and offers unparalleled luxury with its beachfront suites, private villas, and championship gol f course. Guests can indulge in spa treatments at the award-winning Fern Tree Spa, take part in a variety of water sports, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Unforgettable Cultural Experiences Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Jamaica is a place where travelers get the unique vibe and heritage that the island has to offer: Luxury travelers to Jamaica …