Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Discover Europe Travel Summit, the annual two-day event, is set to make a successful return to Dubai 7-8 May, with more than 4,000 pre-scheduled meetings taking place. The summit will bring together a delegation of 97 exhibitors from across Austria, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland, to meet with more than 100 hosted buyers from the GCC. The highly anticipated event enables the European nations the chance to share their attractions and other strengths, as well as create lasting professional relationships. Tourism spokespeople from the four European nations will gather between May 6–9 at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, with the aim of strengthening ties with the Middle East market. Held immediately before the ongoing Arabian Travel Market, the two-day Discover Europe networking event is the perfect pre-cursor to the region’s largest travel exhibition, which will involve discussions and debates on an array of topics, including new technologies and industry trends. “The GCC remains a key market from inbound tourism to Germany,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales & Marketing at the German National Tourist Office, the regional office of the German National Tourist Board. “With our incredible cultural offerings and beautiful nature, we believe we offer GCC residents the opportunity to explore something different. The Discover Europe event is the perfect way for us to introduce that to key partners.” Aisling McDermott, Manager Middle East & Asia of Tourism Ireland added: “We’re really pleased to make our inaugural appearance at the Discover Europe event and are excited to see the fruits of our labour come to the fore. Joining the event was an easy decision for us as we’ve witnessed the success in previous years and it’s …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is set to return to the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) next month by unveiling of two campaigns to the GCC market, which will run throughout 2022. The market-leading, international travel and tourism event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 9-12 and Germany’s presence will feature a strong focus on local culture and the diversity of its various cities. Located in the Europe Hall at stand EU1235, GNTB’s participation will reinforce Germany’s efforts of enhancing sustainable travel and enjoy the support of six delegated partners: Baden-Baden Tourism Board, Breuninger, Frankfurt Tourism Board, Düsseldorf Tourism Board, Hotel Palace Berlin and visitBerlin. Positioning Germany as a leading cultural and environmental destination, the two campaigns span nature, sustainability, and traditional culture. In essence, each highlights Germany’s key objectives of promoting enjoyable, sustainable travel with a focus on diverse local culture accessible throughout the country. “We will be celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our long-standing friendships with the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman next month,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB. “Our relationship with the region has seen monumental growth as travellers from across the GCC have been exploring Germany’s vast itineraries for years. The appetite of GCC nationals to visit Germany’s cultural sites, national parks, and urban destinations remains undiminished, and we look forward to the continuous growth of our campaigns and regional appeal.” Baden-Baden Tourism is set to highlight its latest accomplishment of being awarded UNESCO world heritage status as part of the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’. Despite travel restrictions within the past couple of years, GCC visitors remains a …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), in partnership with RAK Ports, announces the appointment of Zaiton Consultancy to support the Emirate’s cruise tourism. Experts in developing and promoting cruise services, Dubai-headquartered Zaiton Consultancy will be responsible for developing and marketing Ras Al Khaimah’s burgeoning cruise sector.  The announcement comes as the global industry gathers at the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami until April 28, where Zaiton Consultancy is participating as Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s representative. One of the fastest growing sectors in tourism, cruising saw an annual passenger growth rate of 5.4% from 2009 to 2019, with services now close to pre-pandemic levels owing to immediate action and thoughtful planning. In recognition of the importance of cruise tourism, the Authority and RAK Ports have worked together on a number of projects to further develop the Emirate’s offering. This includes the transformation of its old ferry terminal into a modern and efficient boutique cruise passenger terminal and the development of marine transport infrastructure around it. The Authority has also invested in designing bespoke visitor itineraries for arrivals to attract a larger segment of leisure cruise passengers and welcome new audiences from across the world to the destination. Considered as one of the most diverse and fastest growing destinations in the region, a key part of the Authority’s strategy to attract three million visitors a year by 2030 is to ensure accessibility via all means of transport, including luxury cruise ships. These passengers will be welcomed to the Emirate via the dedicated terminal, which is able to accommodate multiple cruise ships of up to 214m in length docking simultaneously. To ensure a continuation of the service levels luxury …

It was announced by the Spain tourism authority in the GCC that they will be exhibiting at this year’s Arabian Travel Market from 9th to 12th May 2022. Spain is a destination which caught the attention well ahead of time to the travelers from GCC, mainly due to the bilateral relationship which exist between the countries, the fact that the country opened fairly early than the rest of Europe and also vaccinated their population just like the UAE ahead of the rest. Daniel Rosado, Director Spain tourism in GCC reiterated, “We will be promoting Spain as a destination which is safe, friendly and offering a vast variety of activities where to enjoy a hassle free holiday. We will present various destinations and also continue to promote our current campaign ´´You deserve Spain ´´In addition to this we will be signing up with an online platform   for a campaign to promote Spain this summer. There will be around 30 partners from across Spain representing various regions, DMCs, Hotels etc.” During the pandemic, Spain has been proactively working to ensure that their destination was top on the minds of the travelers with many B2B sessions online and then when they finally opened borders, ensured that the physical road shows continued. 2021, for Spain was a considerably good year as the visitor numbers form the GCC rose due to ease of restrictions. Rosado shared, “We had relatively good numbers from GCC in 2021 despite the fact that the country opened up only in June. we are positive that the trend continues and with the ease in restrictions for GCC travelers and the seasonal summer flights to Malaga other than the regular Madrid – …

Wego and Tourism Ireland, sign a campaign to get GCC travelers to visit the Island again. Wego is working with leading tourism boards across the world to boost tourism recovery and help travelers select the best destinations for their next holiday. Wego and Tourism Ireland are bringing the best of the island of Ireland to GCC travelers offering them a glimpse of Ireland’s wonderful city breaks. With Eid holidays coming up, travelers can book their holiday to enjoy one of the exciting experiences the island of Ireland has waiting for you. Discover UNESCO City of literature, the culturally rich and invigorating Dublin. Travelers can opt to visit the vibrant galleries and old museums and castles, try exceptional food experiences, learn the story of this incredible city and much more. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “We are excited to partner with Tourism Ireland to promote yet another marvelous country to our users. Wego is seeing a great demand for this country with marvelous city escapes for all types of travelers. We are seeing positive signs of recovery for tourism and through these collaborations, we aim to encourage people to travel more in the new norm.” Another city that is a must see for everyone, is Belfast. People come to Belfast to explore the maritime heritage and, to experience Titanic Belfast, which tells the story of the famous liner which was built in Belfast city. Belfast is also home to an incredible music heritage, wonderful Botanic Gardens, and lots of great places to eat and listen to traditional Irish music. Aisling McDermott, Manager Middle East & Asia for Tourism …

SAUDIA Airlines resumes direct flights to Mauritius 3 times a week. With the resumption of flights Saudis are now able to travel again into this magnificent destination, and enjoy what this paradise island has to offer. From the start Saudis visiting Mauritius will instantly feel welcome, they are treated to a warm attitude by locals, the Mauritian hospitality, rooting from an extraordinary mix of cultures, religion and ethnicities. All the communities live in harmony by nurturing their own culture and heritage, and sharing them with visiting guests. Mauritius has plenty to offer to the Saudi travelers be it families, couples, adventure travelers, or Saudis who wish to see this paradise island and all it has to offer. Here are some of the most unforgettable experiences you will have on your stay in Mauritius. The island is surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches and cliffs that offer, together with the blue lagoon, an extraordinary scene that varies according to the seasons and the time of the day. The coastal landscapes also change according to the region, they are nothing alike. A sight to behold for sure! Mauritius is an island, and water sports is a must. Whatever the age or fitness level, you will surely find an activity that will suit you. Activities such as pedalo, kayak, stand-up paddle, and glass-bottom boat, there are also operators for specific outings such as dolphin viewing or big-game fishing, Submarine ride, the undersea walk, the underwater scooter and the parasailing for those looking for more thrilling activities. Aside from the water activities, Mauritius also has plenty to offer adventurous travelers in both air and land, trekking, quad biking, Safari, horse riding, double zip lines …

Medyaf, the industry nationalisation initiative at Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, has launched the ‘Explore the Tourism Industry in Dubai’ initiative, designed to empower Emirati talent seeking to join the tourism workforce with the fundamental knowledge and skills through an immersive programme of interactive workshops, field trips, vocational experiences and hands-on training. The goal of the Medyaf initiative is to provide students with a better understanding of opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sectors, attracting new talent and supporting their continued professional development, in addition to contributing towards further enhancing the visitor experience. Mariam Al Maeeni, Director of Industry Nationalisation at Dubai College of Tourism, said: “We are delighted to launch the Medyaf ‘Explore the Tourism Industry in Dubai’ initiative, inspired by the constant efforts of our visionary leadership to boost the economy by providing opportunities for Emirati talent to excel across sectors. The initiative is also in line with the important role played by Medyaf in supporting the UAE’s industry nationalisation strategy, which aims to support and bolster Emirati talent and increase the number of UAE nationals entering the tourism sector. Medyaf is a comprehensive public-private collaboration which includes a plethora of immersive workshops, training events, and industry activities contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, in addition to supporting the diversification of the national economy.” As part of the initiative, two workshops were hosted by Medyaf last month; the first was conducted in Al Seef Heritage Hotel and attended by 10 participants, whilst the second was held in Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, and welcomed 11 participants. Both workshops contained theoretical and practical activities in an engaging, interactive environment, and provided …

Dubai is to host the next edition of the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies (IFOS) World Congress, providing its members with the opportunity to finally meet face-to-face at the first in-person edition of their flagship global gathering since 2017. The 22nd edition of the congress will be the first to take place in the Gulf region in cooperation with the GCC ORL Head and Neck Society, Emirates ORL Head and Neck Society, and will be held 17-21 January 2023 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arrangements are being made after the Emirates ORL Society, offered to relocate the event to Dubai from its originally planned host city.   Led by the UAE ORL Society and with support from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Health Authority, the city has shown a strong commitment to providing the IFOS with a platform for the hosting of its flagship congress, maintaining fruitful dialogue with the international organisation in recent years.   As a member of the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, which brings together sector leaders and members of global organisations to position Dubai as a hub for international business events, the UAE ORL Society has been able to leverage support from Dubai Business Events, part of DET and the city’s official convention bureau, to ensure it can present optimised propositions to IFOS.   His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism said: “The decision by IFOS to bring its next congress to Dubai is a testament to the city’s positioning as a world-class business events destination and knowledge hub. It is also a demonstration of the confidence that continues to be shown in Dubai’s handling of …

As the most important month of the Islamic calendar, signifying a period of reflection and spending time with loved ones. Ramadan is also the time to experience the true essence of Arabian hospitality in addition to the diverse attractions Dubai is known for. With a number of events, iftars and activations taking place during Ramadan, the city welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy the abundance of activities taking place during this special time. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has curated a list of some of the best ways to observe the month of Ramadan with family and friends. Family friendly attractions The architecturally impressive Museum of the Future recently opened its doors to the public, welcoming guests to explore, learn and create. The attraction focuses on different elements including the ecosystem, bioengineering, outer space and transportation, in addition to exciting exhibitions offering an insight into the future. An iconic, cultural landmark and centre for future innovations, Museum of the Future is a must-visit attraction. Located along the waterfront of Deira Islands and home to over 400 shops, Souk Al Marfa is among the city’s newest shopping centres. The wholesale market sells everything from carpets and spices to clothing and electronics, with stores and kiosks run by both local and international businesses. Sky Views Dubai at Address Sky View is the city’s newly opened attraction that takes city sightseeing to new heights. Adventure seekers can take on the Edge Walk and Sky Glass experience located on the 52nd and 53rd floors of the iconic twin-towered Address Sky View hotel. Guests can also brave their fears and ride the breath-taking Sky Slide in which you hurtle from floor-to-floor more than …

Germany has long been a popular destination for Eid travellers because of the variety of vacations the country has to offer: From city breaks to naturistic explorations, adventure holidays to sporting experiences. Now this year, with restrictions having eased, the country is gearing up for an influx of visitors once more – including a considerable number from the Gulf region. While Germany has countless attractions, some of the key inspirations for Eid travel include the town of Marburg, which is celebrating its 800th anniversary this spring, so culture vultures have the chance to revel in a tour that spans eight centuries of history and includes important figures such as Saint Elisabeth, Landgrave Philipp, and Emil von Behring. Other events the town has encountered over the years are also highlighted. With the weather warming up, outdoor activities in Germany are also set to enjoy popularity, like the Romantic Road in Möttingen. With a minimum of three-day itineraries encouraged to revel in all the beauty of the 350km route through forests, mountains and villages seeped in half a century of history, the trip is perfect for those looking to soak up both nature and culture. With many mosques throughout Germany open to tourist visits throughout the year, the Blue Mosque in Hamburg is one of the oldest Islamic sites in the country. Renowned for its exceptional structural design, its beautiful shades of turquoise blue accompanied by Arabic calligraphy wrap around several prayer rooms, which together can hold up to 1,500 people. The mosque also features one of the world’s largest carpets – it took three years to complete and required 22 people hand-tying 80 million knots. “Germany’s longstanding ties with various international …