Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Spain tourism was honoured as ‘Best cultural tourism destination’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Spain’s recognition as the ‘Best Cultural Tourism Destination’ at the Arabian Travel Awards is a significant milestone for Spain’s tourism strategy. This award strengthens Spain’s visibility in key Middle Eastern markets and highlights the richness of its cultural heritage. It also supports Spain’s Tourism Board efforts to attract high-value travellers seeking authentic experiences.” The award was received by Carlos Ruiz González, Director, Spain Tourism Office for the GCC

Over 400 participants from across the industry, including representatives of hotels, attractions, DMCs, developers and airlines participated at the third annual city tourism briefing in Al Ain by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). They convened to evaluate the robust growth across Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality sector, foster strategic collaborations, and accelerate progress towards the ambitious goals of the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030. H E Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “In collaboration with our industry partners, we have continued to drive success across every segment: culture, leisure, business, and live entertainment. The City Tourism Briefing provides a vital platform for us to celebrate these milestones with the entire ecosystem, and to align on goals and strengthen the collaboration that will further steer momentum toward the ambitions of Tourism Strategy 2030 and ensure that Abu Dhabi remains a world-leading destination shaped by innovation and excellence.” During the briefing, DCT Abu Dhabi officials provided updates on the sector’s performance this year, revealed plans for 2026, and led presentations on the role of marketing campaigns and cultural heritage in promoting the sector locally and internationally. A significant portion of the briefing focused on enhancing connectivity and infrastructure, highlighting the critical role of robust transport networks in supporting the emirate’s tourism objectives. A panel discussion featured transport leaders Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways; Adel Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia; Nathalie Jongma, Vice President Aviation Development at Abu Dhabi Airports Company; and Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO of Mobility at Etihad Rail. Etihad Airways revealed that in 2026 it will significantly expand its destination network. Celebrating similar success, Abu …

The Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) announced the appointment of YBrs. Encik Mohd Amirul Rizal bin Abdul Rahim as the new Director-General of Tourism Malaysia effective 8 December 2025. This appointment was made by YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in accordance with the powers granted under Section 10 (1) of Act 481: Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board 1992. He replaces YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy who will retire on 6 December 2025. Mohd Amirul Rizal holds a Master’s Degree in Tourism Management from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). He began his career with Tourism Malaysia on 2 September 2002 and has since held various portfolios in the country’s tourism marketing and promotion. He previously served in the Research Division before assuming the position of Director of Tourism Malaysia Terengganu State Office and Director of Tourism Malaysia Seoul, South Korea Overseas Office in 2008. He has also served in the Domestic Promotion and Events Division, International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa), and most recently as Senior Director of Advertising & Digital Division. In addition, he also played an important role as Head of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Secretariat. Apart from his important responsibilities in Tourism Malaysia, he is also active in associations and has been appointed as the President of the Tourism Malaysia Recreation Club, demonstrating balanced leadership in strategic, operational and employee empowerment aspects. With 23 years of experience in various tourism marketing and promotion activities, his appointment is believed to strengthen the development of the country’s tourism industry in efforts to make Malaysia a leading global tourism destination ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

The Jamaica Tourist Board continues with its “Discover Jamaica” webinar series for GCC-based travel professionals. Tune in today 16 December at 13:00 UAE Time. Designed exclusively for travel agents in the Gulf region, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Jamaica as a viable destination, equipping agents with the knowledge they need to confidently sell the island. The webinar will cover essential facts about Jamaica, including its key resort areas – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, Port Antonio, and the South Coast, highlighting their unique selling points, top hotels and resorts, and must-see attractions, from Dunn’s River Falls to the Blue Mountains. This webinar is a valuable resource to help travel agents design unforgettable Caribbean itineraries for their clients. Register in the link below : https://event.webinarjam.com/n7kng/register/6v7qri5xg

The Jamaica Tourist Board continues with its “Discover Jamaica” webinar series for GCC-based travel professionals. Tune in tomorrow 16 December at 13:00 UAE Time. Designed exclusively for travel agents in the Gulf region, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Jamaica as a viable destination, equipping agents with the knowledge they need to confidently sell the island. The webinar will cover essential facts about Jamaica, including its key resort areas – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, Port Antonio, and the South Coast, highlighting their unique selling points, top hotels and resorts, and must-see attractions, from Dunn’s River Falls to the Blue Mountains. This webinar is a valuable resource to help travel agents design unforgettable Caribbean itineraries for their clients. Register in the link below : https://event.webinarjam.com/n7kng/register/6v7qri5xg

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia has announced the appointment of Datuk Manoharan Periasamy as the new Chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), effective 8 December 2025. He takes over from Datuk Dr. Yasmin Mahmood and will lead the board’s strategic direction at a crucial time as the industry aligns its efforts for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. With over 30 years of public service and tourism leadership, Datuk Manoharan brings deep experience across international promotions, advertising, digital strategy, product development and corporate communications. His tenure as Director-General of Tourism Malaysia and his long-standing role driving Malaysia’s tourism growth in South Asia—particularly India, one of the country’s strongest inbound markets—position him well to strengthen global partnerships ahead of VM2026. His appointment is expected to enhance coordination across trade stakeholders and accelerate Malaysia’s promotional activities as the country prepares for a major tourism push in 2026.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched two new e-learning modules for its Experience Abu Dhabi Experts Platform. The Official Abu Dhabi Pass and Ramadan in Abu Dhabi online modules are designed to equip travel trade industry professionals with the insights and tools they need to deliver exceptional travel planning and guest experiences and further reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading year-round destination.  The e-learning platform provides travel trade industry professionals with an extensive range of destination-related information about the emirate and has become one of DCT Abu Dhabi’s most successful trade engagement initiatives. The new Abu Dhabi Pass and Ramadan content has a strong focus on destination insights that ensure agents have the necessary understanding they need to promote the region and what it has to offer. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “These new modules reflect how the Experience Abu Dhabi Experts Platform continues to evolve and how we prioritise providing our partners with practical, hands-on tools that make a real difference to how they sell the destination. Whether it’s helping them package the emirate’s leading attractions through the Abu Dhabi Pass or giving them the cultural insight to guide visitors respectfully during the holy month, this expansion ensures the knowledge they gain translates directly into stronger product design, more memorable experiences, and greater visitor satisfaction.” Issued by DCT Abu Dhabi’s official digital pass for Abu Dhabi offers guests savings of up to 50% across more than 70 of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi. The module provides an overview …

Building on the record 18.72 million international overnight visitors achieved in 2024, Dubai has continued its upward trajectory in 2025, with 15.70 million international visitors welcomed between January and October, a 5% year-on-year increase. Hotel performances have also remained strong, with average occupancy reaching 79.4%, compared to 77% over the same period last year, and the average daily rate rising 6% to AED 531. Revenue per available room stood at AED 421, a 9% YoY growth, underscoring robust demand across all market segments. At the end of October, there were 152,875 available rooms across 820 establishments. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) hosted its second and final City Briefing of 2025 on 9 December, bringing together more than 1,200 stakeholders from across the hospitality, aviation, retail, and F&B sectors, as well as government entities and members of the media, to reflect on the collective progress being made across the destination, and the roadmap for further growth and enhancements. In the presence of His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the latest edition began with a comprehensive presentation from His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, which focused on the city’s achievements and growth strategy for 2026. Held at Global Village, courtesy of Dubai Holding Entertainment, the latest edition of the bi-annual stakeholder engagement platform featured an enhanced interactive format that underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and further consolidating Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. DET and industry leaders participated in presentations, a panel discussion and fireside chat that examined collaborative efforts …

Jamaica Tourist Board was recognised as the ‘Most Promising Destination’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards in Dubai. Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East is the Trade Representative office for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This partnership marks an exciting milestone in Jamaica’s efforts to expand its presence and strengthen relationships within the GCC travel market. Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the GCC travel landscape, make them an ideal partner to achieve Jamaica’s overarching tourism goals and communicate its diverse tourism offerings. Jamaica remains steadfast in preserving its rich culture and heritage, offering visitors immersive experiences through community tourism initiatives, further enriching its diverse offerings. From delving into the Rastafarian way of life to engaging in traditional cooking classes, visitors can actively contribute to preserving, respecting and celebrating the islands native culture.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is showcasing the emirate’s expanding luxury credentials at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes. At the flagship event for the global luxury travel industry taking place this week, DCT Abu Dhabi is connecting with key industry partners to create new growth opportunities, highlighting the destination’s unique blend of high-end hospitality, fine dining, and landmark cultural attractions. Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen and expand its luxury portfolio, with the world’s highest concentration of five-star hotels and 21 new hotel projects currently under development, including upcoming properties from Nobu Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. The emirate’s culinary scene has also gained international recognition, now home to three Michelin-starred restaurants – Hakkasan, Talea, and Erth – and eight Bib Gourmand recipients. The delegation’s presence at ILTM Cannes coincides with the launch of two major cultural institutions in the emirate. The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opened in November, followed by the inauguration of Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, today. These landmark institutions will further enrich Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, which features the world’s highest concentration of cultural experiences. To further empower its luxury travel trade partners, DCT Abu Dhabi continues to enhance its support tools. The ‘Experience Abu Dhabi Experts’ e-learning platform is available in 13 languages and provides partners with in-depth destination knowledge to become certified specialists, while the recently launched reseller portal for the Abu Dhabi Pass offers wholesale rates and a seamless interface for agents to expand their product offerings. DCT Abu Dhabi invites ILTM Cannes attendees to visit its delegation at the Experience Abu Dhabi stand, H161, …