Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism and Saudi Toursim Authority has announced the creation of  NFT (non-fungible token) souvenirs, in a move that reflects the Kingdom’s advancement in digital tourism. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minster of Tourism of Saudi Arabia BoD Chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority presented the personalized digital mementos in a first of its kind initiative to the heads of delegations participating in the 116th session of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Jeddah, as a token of appreciation for their visit to the Kingdom.​ ​Through NFTs, creators can tokenize real-world objects such as art, music, audio recordings, and an endless list of collectibles. With their ownership stored on the blockchain, this innovative technology allows some of the world’s most exciting new artworks to have a unique digital existence. The Ministry’s groundbreaking souvenirs blend the physical world and the metaverse, which is an immersive virtual reality world with a simulated digital environment that uses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), blockchain, as well as digital media elements for social interactions. On the sidelines of the event, a virtual reality art show was held where an artist painted a collection of stunning 3D landscapes inspired by Saudi landmarks that exist within the virtual world. These paintings were then converted into NFTs and gifted to the guests along with a ledger wallet that provides an address on the blockchain to access their exclusively owned artworks. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said the NFT souvenirs embody the leadership’s vision for the future of the Kingdom. “As technology advances, it is important that we remain at the forefront of …

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) confirmed that all preparations are finalized with the Kingdoms tourism facilities to receive the inflow of visitors in the coming period while taking the necessary precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and resume economic and tourism activity. BTEA stated that it has prepared several initiatives and projects aimed at promoting family tourism, as Bahrain is an ideal tourist destination for the GCC families to spend holidays, due to the presence of many tourists and entertainment attractions. The authority affirmed that it expects an increase in the inflow of visitors soon from the various entry points to Bahrain, especially through King Fahd Causeway after raising the level of government health coordination between the various GCC countries to adopt vaccination and recovery certificates to ensure the entry of visitors smoothly. BTEA pointed out that it launched a campaign through social media platforms targeting visitors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The campaign focuses on digital marketing through the BTEA account on Instagram and Twitter (tourismbh)  to showcase all tourism activities in addition to the new tourism facilities in Bahrain that were finalized  during 2020. BTEA stated that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the flow of tourists from GCC countries especially from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The authority prepared symbolic welcome events by illuminating the control tower on the King Fahd Causeway in addition to some major buildings in several streets of the Kingdom in red and green colors, with the campaign slogan displayed on billboards inside some commercial complexes and promotional activities around the Kingdom which includes the Bahrain Bay area from 17 to 23 May. Bahrain Tourism Authority affirmed that it has coordinated …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) and South Al Sharqiyah Governor’s Office signed a pact to develop several tourism projects in the governorate. The signing aligns with OMRAN Group’s endeavors to work in harmony with various stakeholders in order to stimulate the growth of the Sultanate’s tourism sector. The pact was signed by H.E. Yahya bin Badr Al Mawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah and Eng. Mohammed bin Salim Al Busaidi, Chairman of OMRAN Group, in presence of several officials from both parties. Under the pact, OMRAN Group will undertake technical support as well as supervise the execution operations of the multi-phased projects being developed in several Governorate’s destinations, where phase one will see a park development in Al Suwaih with a total area exceeds 65,000 square meters, as well as the development of another park in Al-Ashkharah extending over a total area of roughly 14,000 square meters. The two parks will provide a variety of tourism and entertainment facilities, including dining areas, retail outlets, kids’ playgrounds, and Campgrounds. On this occasion, H.E Dr. Yahya bin Badr Al Mawali, Governor of South Sharqiyah said, “The governorate draws plenty of local and inbound tourists owing to its rich and diverse destinations, which we seek to exploit, jointly with various stakeholders, to further stimulate the governorate’s tourism”. “Our collaboration with OMRAN Group aims at upgrading tourism services and products within those destinations, which in turn will open prospects and promising opportunities for local businesses and SMEs in the governorate”. Al Mawali added. Meanwhile, Eng. Mohammed bin Salim Al Busaidi, Chairman of OMRAN Group said, “This signing comes within the framework of the existing collaboration between OMRAN Group and South Sharqiyah Governor’s Office …

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture visited Korea for two days from June 8th to June 9th to strengthen the bilateral cultural relationship between the Kingdom and Korea. His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture; His Excellency Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, Vice Minister of Culture and CEOs from the Film, Music Commissions visited Korea. Over the two-day visit, the delegation met with key government officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) and Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, and business leaders in cultural powerhouses including CJ ENM and SM Entertainment to boost cultural exchanges between the two countries. During the meeting with the MCST minister Park Bo-gyoon, His Highness lauded ‘Hallyu (K-wave)’ that is sweeping across the globe, and sought opportunities for cooperation in various cultural fields. The visit also included a meeting with the Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, an affiliated organization under the Korea Cultural Heritage Administration, where insightful conversations on the protection, preservation, transmission of cultural heritages, and introduction various cultural heritages of the Kingdom took place. One of the most important milestones during this visit was the collaboration framework agreement signed between Saudi Ministry of Culture, and CJ ENM According to the agreement, the two parties agreed to boost cooperation and cultural exchange in the areas of music, cultural events, film and other cultural sectors. Over the next ten years, the two parties will jointly implement cultural events, make bilateral investments, develop exchange programs, nurture talent in both nations, and collaborate on Saudi-Korean content. Also, a meeting with SM Entertainment was held at SM Entertainment’s headquarters in Seong-su, where in-depth conversations were held on ways for collaborating in the field of …

In the presence of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP), and H.E. Ahmed AlKhateeb, Minister of Tourism, Secretary General of the Board of Directors of Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) signed an MoU with Diriyah Gate Development Authority to promote collaboration in using sustainable polymer materials in the latter’s projects, provide the required technical and logistic support, and collaborate with relevant entities in this field. The MoU was signed by Eng. Mohammad Hitham AlTayyar, Program Director of OSP, and Mr. Jerry Inzerillo, Chief Executive Officer of Diriyah Gate Development Authority. This MoU reflects the interdependence and integration of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs, given that OSP and DGDA are outcomes of this vision. The OSP aims to sustain and grow demand on hydrocarbons, whether as a competitive energy source or raw materials used to produce various important products, while maintaining the highest levels of economic and environmental efficiency. Meanwhile, the DGDA is carrying out projects that rely on sustainability principles and environment protection. It is noteworthy that this MoU aims at building a strategic cooperation between the OSP and DGDA on hydrocarbon-based materials. This includes identifying opportunities that would improve the construction and operation processes in DGDA’s projects and developing plans to assess and implement these opportunities, as well as to develop awareness strategies to highlight common goals. The cooperation also includes providing the required technical information and support for materials evaluation, coordinating between manufacturers, suppliers and relevant entities, and providing the required support when implementing these opportunities. The Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) was launched in 2020 with …

Following a successful debut last summer, the German National Tourism Board’s ‘German.Local.Culture’ campaign returns highlighting more of the many ways to experience the country’s national traditions. As a result of the encouraging news that visitors to Germany no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or negative PCR test, the country’s tourism board is looking forward to a rise in arrivals from the GCC and the opportunity to offer them a variety of cultural experiences and insights into the country’s customs. “Our German.Local.Culture campaign encourages visitors to focus on unique elements of Germany’s culture; experiences you simply cannot get in other countries,” said Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB. “Germany has a rich tapestry of traditions ready for tourists from the GCC to enjoy – from industrial architecture and traditional craftmanship to local festivals.” Below are just a small selection of some of the sights and experiences on offer, with a specific insight for each of the German.Local.Culture campaign’s four pillars: Green: Hiking with a View in Baden-Baden Shining a light on Germany’s sustainable travel options, Baden-Baden is filled with stunning valleys and incredible views. The Panorama Trail is an ideal way to see as much of the city as possible. Venturing through beautiful gardens filled with plentiful flowers, across the Geroldsau waterfall, and through the Rhine Valley, the 45km trail is known for being one of the most breath-taking in all of Germany. Craft: Glass Art in Harz Mountains Glass art in Germany is steeped in history, dating back as far as the 17th Century. Visitors to the country can enjoy one of the few places still …

Public and private leaders have been called on to unite behind the Jeddah Call to Action, a commitment to align with UNWTO’s approach to rethink tourism governance at every level to keep adapting to the challenges faced by tourism as a global driver for recovery. On the back of the 116th session of its Executive Council, held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UNWTO set down a marker for the future of global tourism. With the pandemic having showed the systemic vulnerabilities of the sector, the United Nations specialized agency called for the construction of a new and reimagined system of governance and financing with the aim of building resilience against future shocks while also making tourism more sustainable. Now is the time to think big. Realize tourism’s unique potential to drive recovery, provide opportunity and build resilience, through better and stronger governance and focusing on jobs, training and education In Jeddah, UNWTO continued with its tradition of complementing the important deliberations of its Executive Council with an open discussion on the biggest challenges and opportunities for the sector. The Forum “Tourism Futures – New Governance and Advocacy”, featured two distinct sessions – “Towards a New Tourism Governance” and “Raising Tourism’s Visibility” outside of the sector. “Now is the time to think big”, said the UNWTO Secretary-General welcoming delegates and speakers. Zurab Pololikashvili stressed the need to “realize tourism’s unique potential to drive recovery, provide opportunity and build resilience, through better and stronger governance and focusing on jobs, training and education”. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, commented: “We cannot recover backwards. Now is the time to capitalize on this heightened recognition …

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara has partnered with Discover Qatar to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view one of the largest congregations of whale sharks that can be found on the planet.  A dedicated high-speed catamaran takes guests of Discover Qatar and Banana Island on the newly launched, unique, excursion to view the biggest fish in the ocean. From April to September, the cooler waters off the north-east coast of Qatar provide the perfect location to see large numbers of whale sharks that gather to feed close to the surface. Upon arrival in the area where the sharks are found, the slow-moving gentle giants can be viewed for two hours from the front and back deck of the catamaran, before the cruise back to the shore. A whale shark expert is provided by Discover Qatar, to help educate guests about these majestic creatures through an interactive lecture, with a professional photographer also on board to capture guests’ experiences on camera. During the trip, a continental breakfast and sandwich buffet lunch are served, along with other snacks and a selection of hot and cold drinks. Discover Qatar is collaborating with Banana Island to offer this unique experience for residents and travellers to Qatar. The resort’s luxurious catamarans are spacious and comfortable and are equipped with wall mounted TVs and WiFi, providing guests with exclusive services and exceptional and memorable experiences. The new whale shark excursions depart five times a week from Al Ruwais Port in the north of Qatar and can be booked by visiting www.whalesharksofqatar.com In addition, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara announces the reopening of its surf pool. After a full renovation, the surf pool once again …

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has today launched a new program to equip 100,000 young Saudis with the key hospitality skills needed to pursue careers in the Kingdom’s flourishing tourism industry. Launched by His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia at the 116th session of the World Tourism Organization’s Executive Council in Jeddah, ‘Tourism Trailblazers’ will provide in-depth global experience to the tourism industry’s future leaders. The program aims to train 100,000 Saudis as the ministry’s continous efforts after the launch of a new human capital development strategy in the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism industry, which aims to attract more Saudi nationals to the sector. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia, said: “It is vital that we invest in our youth now. Creating a skilled workforce with the talent and ambition to support and drive the tourism sector regionally and globally is key to realising Vision 2030. This program demonstrates our commitment to empowering young people by providing them with right skills, support and opportunities to shape the future of the tourism industry.” According to His Excellency, the program has three main objectives that aim to nurture, develop and support talent in the industry. It seeks to spread a culture of professionalism, help nascent professionals gain the knowledge and qualifications needed to break into the industry, and support their success through refinement of their skills. The program will help trainees to secure jobs within the sector, including seasonal, part-time, or full-time opportunities across the Kingdom. His Excellency further stressed that this and other initiatives are geared towards delivering on the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 targets, including the creation of one million …

The Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has signed a strategic partnership with the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) to enable employees and key stakeholders to receive a specialised professional certification and benefit from SITE’s educational programme of global incentive travel industry best practices. Providing networking and destination awareness opportunities to key DCT Abu Dhabi stakeholders, the strategic partnership will provide year-round access to SITE’s dedicated incentive travel events and conferences. As the only international association that focusses on incentive travel, SITE allows leading incentive travel professionals from across the globe to connect and learn new practices, as well as discover how to draw upon new strategies to boost the sector further. The partnership was agreed to demonstrate how Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination to host incentive travel schemes and events for corporate groups. As a destination that offers the world in one place, Abu Dhabi provides an incentive trip with a difference – from its culture and entertainment to its amazing landmarks and natural landscapes- all within close proximity to one another. Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, which will help us to establish ourselves as a prime incentive travel destination and play a key role in crafting, co-curating, and delivering purposeful contributions to the SITE association, as well as to Abu Dhabi’s incentive travel market. We look forward to working closely with SITE over the coming year to deliver bigger and more impactful incentive travel events and schemes …