Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

A coalition of key Abu Dhabi entities, including the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Aldar, Miral, twofour54, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, Flash Entertainment and Yas Island, have come together to take Yas Island into the metaverse, as a first phase in placing Abu Dhabi in the virtual world. This pioneering initiative is a first for the UAE in recreating an entire physical destination across multiple world-leading immersive 3D platforms. The result will be a full-featured metaverse ecosystem, allowing visitors from all over the world to access the joys, wonders, and attractions of Yas Island from home. The Yas Island Metaverse is a collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi, Aldar, Miral, twofour54, Abu Dhabi Motorsport, and Flash Entertainment. The virtual experiences conceptualised by these dynamic businesses will enable users to gather, socialise, play, create, and transact. From building and purchasing digital homes, to discovering cultural attractions, to enjoying theme park adventures, special events, premier golf courses, and a world-class motorsport racing circuit, individuals will be able to experience all that Yas Island has to offer in a digital-first journey. Customisable avatars and surprise rewards will be part of every user’s personalised adventure. His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Innovation is central to DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to be at the forefront of what is possible.  With the Yas Island metaverse, we are inviting the world to experience the excitement of Abu Dhabi’s incredible leisure and entertainment destination – virtually –  like never before. As the emirate’s offerings evolve, this project provides a new and compelling perspective which allows the world to discover Abu Dhabi in their own time and space. …

A tourism promotion campaign organized by the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) has kicked off in Europe in a bid to boost tourist numbers and educate Europeans on the Kingdom’s touristic features, Minister of Tourism and JTB Chairman Nayef Al Fayez announced. In a JTB statement, Fayez underlined the significance of the campaign, which will run through October and next November, especially during this time of year when the tourism season begins in areas of mild temperature in the Kingdom, and its effect on the expected number of tourists. The JTB launched the campaign in Britain, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, and Holland to promote Jordan’s new tourism identity: The Kingdom of Time, which showcases Jordan as a tourist destination and expresses its tourism character, aspirations, achievements, and vision, said Managing Director of JTB Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat. The promotion campaign in these countries also highlights Royal Jordanian as the national carrier, he added, noting that it also included advertisements on public transportation vehicles and in shopping centers, bus stops, and metro stations, in addition to billboards in bustling areas such as the Duomo in Milan, Italy, and Manchester Piccadilly station in the United Kingdom.        

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the not-for-profit travel trade association serving government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies within the Asia Pacific region, has announced the programme for its 2022 Annual Summit set to take place from 25-27 October 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Exploring the theme ‘Reconnecting the World Sustainably’, the programme covers critical industry topics such as destination resilience, sustainable travel recovery strategies, supporting women in micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), global hotel industry trends, sustainable gastronomic tourism, the voice of the next generation, and the decarbonization of transport. This is the first time PATA’s Annual Summit takes places in the Middle East. Hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) at the Al Hamra International Conference Center, the three-day event brings together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are invested in driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific.  The PATA association network consists of both public and private entities representing every facet of the travel ecosystem – government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines, MNCs, SMEs, universities, and other travel-related companies with interests in the Asia Pacific region. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) commented: “We are delighted to host the Pacific Asia Travel Association for the first time in the Middle East. As a dynamic and forward-looking Emirate, we are placing all aspects of sustainability (environment, culture, conservation and livability) at the centre of our investment and development strategy. We look forward to driving the sustainability agenda with key opinion leaders from around the world to build a stronger and resilient tourism economy for the future.” Among the distinguished …

The Government of Japan announced new measures to allow UAE nationals to enter Japan without the need for a visa. The measure becomes effective from November 1, 2022 for all UAE nationals that meet the following requirements. Eligibility for the New Visa Waiver Measure: UAE Nationals in possession of valid ordinary passports of the UAE which are ICAO compliant IC Passports Outline of the New Visa Waiver Measure Purpose of visit: Short-term stay (for sightseeing, business, or visit to relatives/friends, etc.) Duration of stay: 30 days Executive Director of JNTO Dubai office, KOBAYASHI Daisuke reiterated, “We are delighted to now welcome UAE nationals visa-free to Japan, and hope many Emirati nationals take advantage of this seamless opportunity from the onset. Following a market survey we conducted last year, 44% of Emirati nationals surveyed who have visited Japan previously, answered that activities in nature were the most satisfying element of their trip. With this in mind I would especially like to suggest November and the beginning of December as the two best months to experience the natural beauty of Japan’s world-famous autumnal foliage. It is also at this time that some ski resorts start opening to the public prior to the peak ski season which is from January to March. From the ski fields of Niseko in Hokkaido in the north, to Hakuba in Nagano in central Japan, Japan is an ideal destination for ski beginners and experts alike, as well as for families with young children, and couples looking for adventure mixed with unique cultural experiences. This winter we are enticing Emirati travellers to come to Japan for the skiing and snowboarding, stay for the hospitality, indulge in our delicious …

German National Tourist Office GCC will be hosting a webinar focusing on medical tourism in Berlin on Wednesday 7th December 2022 at 12 noon, UAE time. Berlin, the capital of Germany has been in the forefront of medical tourism with state of the art hospitals for over 300 years. This webinar will bring to light the many new offerings for the visitors who need expert medical care and attention. Speaking to TTME Yamina Sofo, Director, German National Tourist Office GCC shared that she will start off the webinar with the importance of the GCC market and its impact especially the last summer, then move on to share insights on the current campaigns that focus on sustainable tourism. Sofo stated, “the webinar is two fold, first our focus is on the Feel Good campaign which is to demonstrate our commitment to promote sustainable tourism ensuring that all players and stakeholders are involved and benefitted long term. Sustainable tourism is not a mere PR exercise, but a campaign that will add value to the traveller whilst granting them an opportunity to explore a truly authentic experience. Travellers can explore wide open spaces, natural forests, springs, lakes and rivers across Germany. Secondly, we will be promoting medical tourism with our capital Berlin, Michaela Kehrer, Medical Tourism Manager visitBerlin, will be sharing her expertise on what can be expected when on medical travel.”

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost critical decision-making through Artificial Intelligence (AI). The agreement facilitates access for DCT Abu Dhabi to use SCAD’s AI-based Induction and Foresight Platform, which will contribute to supporting research and future planning to achieve strategic objectives. H.E. Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, and H.E. Badriya Abdullah Obaid, Executive Director of the Foresight and Communication Sector at SCAD, signed the agreement during their organisations’ participation at GITEX Global 2022. H.E. Al Fazari said: “This agreement represents an important step towards the use of AI solutions in our strategic planning, which will allow us to achieve our objectives for the culture and tourism sectors in Abu Dhabi. With this, we are showcasing the power of long-term public and private partnerships in the emirate which focus on digital transformation in line with the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025. We appreciate SCAD’s collaboration on this initiative and look forward to witnessing the results of this successful agreement.” As part of the agreement, SCAD will provide DCT Abu Dhabi with access to the platform, allowing training for the Department’s employees in ways to leverage data for the development of future plans and strategies. SCAD’s Induction and Foresight Platform includes interactive panels, analytical modules and simulations based on statistical data that allow decision-makers to study the impact of various policies on the economic and social sectors, as well as continue integrating resources across government agencies. GITEX Global 2022 is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from …

AVIAREPS successfully relaunched its in-person AVIAREPS Middle East Travel Caravan after a 2-year hiatus following the Covid pandemic. Over 110 key travel industry professionals, media and travel influencers attended the Dubai leg of the event which was held on October 11th, 2022 at the Shangri-la Dubai Hotel. The travel roadshow saw key international travel brands and destinations gather under the one roof to meet with the UAE’s and Saudi Arabia’s key outbound travel agencies and meeting and conferencing professionals, to meet one to one to develop new travel packages, itineraries and events tailored for UAE and Saudi Arabia-based travellers. A total of 27 key international partners joined the 2022 edition of the AVIAREPS Caravan including Qatar Tourism Board, The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Malta Tourism Authority, The Royal Commission for AlUla, Visit California, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and a host of international hospitality brands, airlines and destination management companies. In addition to meeting leading travel agencies, partners also had the opportunity to meet with popular travel influencers from the region, as well as join an intimate panel discussion industry thought leaders, that included representatives from Emirates Holidays, ITL World and Al Rostamani Travel, where they were updated on the latest travel trends and consumer travel requirements from the region. Glenn Johnston, Vice President Middle East & Global Public Affairs, AVIAREPS commented: “As we head towards a post pandemic world outbound international travel from the Gulf Countries continues to demonstrate a remarkably strong and quick return compared to all other major travel regions around the globe. Within this context it is extremely important and timely to hold such an event. By bringing the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s travel professionals …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)  unveiled its new, innovative crowdsourcing platform, which serves as a collaborative, agile, and welcoming tool connecting DCT Abu Dhabi with the world. The unveiling took place as part of the Department’s participation in the 42nd edition of GITEX Global, which runs from 10 – 14 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The new Platform complements DCT Abu Dhabi’s five additional data-led projects on display throughout the event. The crowdsourcing platform will be used to implement a complete corporate innovation ecosystem and engage the worldwide community in solving challenges concerning DCT Abu Dhabi’s mandate whilst facilitating access for participants to share new ideas with the Department. The global activation will also support DCT Abu Dhabi’s brand and digital transformation, enhancing regional recognition and focusing on the Department’s efforts to encourage new talents, projects, designs, and ideas through one unified digital platform. Further, through this platform, DCT Abu Dhabi will tap into the vast knowledge of participants to create a wealth of knowledge of significant value. As a result, the competitive benefit for DCT Abu Dhabi can be found in the unexpected solutions that these unique insights will deliver. Additionally, the platform will allow for faster problem-solving while involving the community and driving the adoption and analysis of valuable data. H.E. Adnan Mohammed Alawadhi, Support Services Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Developing and launching this platform comes in line with the UAE Digital Government’s Strategy 2025, focusing on digital transformation, which is a core priority of DCT Abu Dhabi. We are committed to identifying avenues for faster problem-solving and continually involving the community in projects. In addition …

Malta was one of the prominent partners at the AVIAREPS Middle East Travel Caravan with a contingent of DMCs and hotels which were more suited for the Middle Eastern travellers. The travel roadshow saw key international travel brands and destinations gather under the one roof to meet with the UAE’s and Saudi Arabia’s key outbound travel agencies and meeting and conferencing professionals, to meet one to one to develop new travel packages, itineraries and events tailored for UAE and Saudi Arabia-based travellers. Arthur Grima – Senior Manager Marketing at Malta Tourism Authority shared, “We are in the interesting period of seeing the recovery of tourism from the pandemic, in fact this year we are expecting to have around 2 million passengers from all our markets. Middle East is an emerging market for us and the type of tourists we receive are luxury travellers, interested mainly in more exclusive and boutique, private luxury type of hotels. We shared our diverse culture as various civilisations left their mark on their island, which is a significant attraction for visitors, also ours is the only language which is sematic but written in the Latin alphabet and this is very particular, its not just the language but also the gastronomy which is very varied and one can experience over 7000 years of history. Connectivity to Malta from this region is quite easy with the daily flight on Emirates to Malta. We are trying to make ourselves more known in the region.” Brian Bartolo, Director of Sales and Marketing Radisson Resort and Spa Malta Golden Sands, reiterated, “ We are showcasing one of Malta’s five star properties located on the north side of the island it …

Dubai’s 2022-2023 cruise season will kick off on 29 October when the leading luxury cruise Mein Schiff 6 is set to arrive at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, Mina Rashid. Underscoring Dubai’s status as the region’s leading cruise hub, the emirate is set to welcome 900,000 cruise tourists during the 2022-2023 season, which kicks off with the arrival of the cruise liner TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff 6) at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, Mina Rashid, on 29 October. The 2022-2023 season is scheduled to see 166 ship calls between Mina Rashid and Dubai Harbour, bringing in an estimated 900,000 cruise passengers and crew. Commenting on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Border Security Council, said: “The strong outlook for Dubai’s 2022-2023 cruise season will help accelerate its drive to realise the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the world’s most visited destination and the best city to live and work in. “The cruise industry is an integral part of Dubai’s tourism sector and plays an important role in reinforcing the emirate’s status as a global tourism hub. Dubai’s robust port infrastructure and state-of-the-art terminal facilities can handle some of the world’s largest cruise ships, underpinning the city’s reputation as one of the world’s most advanced cruise destinations and a key gateway for regional and international cruise itineraries. The scheduled increase in cruise liners and passengers visiting the city’s shores this season is driven by Dubai’s exceptional maritime infrastructure and the availability of some of the world’s most outstanding tourist …