Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

According to the latest figures released by Qatar tourism, during the first seven months they received a total of 2.956 million visitors which is an increase of 26.2 per cent from the same period last year. During the month of July 2024 they welcomed 317,000 visitors. Saudi Arabia maintains its position as the number one source market with 0.86million visitors followed by India with 238,000 visitors and Bahrain with 135,000 visitors. Other top source markets on top are Kuwait, Oman, the US, UK, UAE, Germany and China.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral are bringing the prestigious luxury travel fair LOOP CEE to the Middle East for the first time. Titled LOOP BEYOND BORDERS, the landmark event will be held from 15 to 19 September at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi and Anantara Qasr Al Sarab in Al Dhafra. The high-end platform aims to gather distinguished local hospitality brands, offering them an exclusive opportunity to showcase their products and engage with ultra-luxury buyers, travel partners, and agents from Central and Eastern Europe. Over the course of five days, each exhibitor will have the opportunity to conduct 62 appointments, each lasting for 15 minutes, alongside numerous other opportunities to connect with over 100 top tour operators and agents from 16 central and eastern European countries – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We look forward to hosting the Middle East’s first ever LOOP CEE event in Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a premier destination for luxury travellers seeking the most refined of experiences. LOOP BEYOND BORDERS not only supports Abu Dhabi’s journey to becoming one of the most prominent, must-visit locations in the world, but provides unparalleled networking opportunities and knowledge exchange, strengthening our ties across central and eastern European markets, and fostering long-term collaboration.” Taghrid AlSaeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral said: “We are happy to host the Middle East’s first-ever LOOP CEE event in Abu Dhabi, particularly on Saadiyat Island, …

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced the successful conclusion of the first edition of the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival 2024 at the Exhibitions World Bahrain, where it attracted more than 97,000 visitors from the Kingdom and abroad. Visitors, particularly citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and residents expressed their positive reception of the festival. In its inaugural edition, the festival demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility by welcoming children from various charitable organisations and national initiatives. These included the Royal Fund for Fallen Servicemen, the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled, Al Sanabel Orphan Care Society, and the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society. Dana Osama Al Saad, Deputy CEO for Resources and Projects at the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), announced the successful conclusion of the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival in its first edition. She commended the cooperative efforts of the relevant government authorities and private sector institutions, emphasising the positive impact of these collaborations on the event. Al Saad expressed her appreciation to Al Dana Amphitheatre, Spacetoon, Exhibition World Bahrain, and the National Bank of Bahrain for their joint and constructive efforts, which resulted in an exceptional summer entertainment festival. She emphasised that the event has significantly bolstered tourism across the Kingdom and strengthened the hospitality sector. She also expressed her aspiration to make the festival an annual event in cooperation with all partners, in line with the plans to develop the tourism sector and achieve the goals of the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026. The Bahrain Summer Toy Festival contributed to boosting the tourism movement in the 2024 summer season, resulting in a significant increase in the occupancy rates of hotels and hospitality establishments. It also increased …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) announced a record-breaking financial and operational performance in 2023, achieving a net profit of OMR 31.6 million and a 44.6% revenue growth reaching OMR 70.4 million. This record growth underscores the continued support from the Group’s Board of Directors and Executive Management, as well as the strategic partnership with the stakeholders and partners in the tourism sector, amidst the steady and comprehensive economic growth the country is experiencing, resulting in positive outcomes in the sector. The Group witnessed an 8% growth in the occupancy rate of its resorts and hotels compared to 2022. This rise was reflected in the number of guests, with a total of 774,881 guests, representing an 11.5% increase compared to 2022. These achievements were highlighted during the recent Board of Directors meeting. The board reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to strengthening its role in driving economic diversification and significantly increasing its impact as a leading catalyst for development and investment in the tourism sector. This record performance translates the success of the efforts made and the efficiency of the implemented plans, driven by outstanding operational performance across the board. The high revenue rates from resorts, hotels, existing projects, and new tourism experiences and products contributed significantly, alongside continued efforts to improve spending efficiency and operational performance in its subsidiaries and assets. The total book value of the Group’s assets amounted to approximately 671 million Omani Riyals, and equity exceeded half a billion Omani Riyals, reaching 539 million Omani Riyals, a substantial increase from 379 million Omani Riyals in 2020. The Group continues to develop and enhance financial and operational performance, improve operating expenses, boost the competitive capabilities of all owned assets, …

Dubai maintains its position as business event hub winning 175 international events in H1, 2024 as business events continue to strengthen Dubai’s knowledge economy and contribute to tourism growth. The city winning an impressive 175 bids in the first six months of 2024 to host events through 2024 and beyond, which is an increase of 24% compared to the same period last year, these bid wins are expected to bring more than 92,000 delegates, enhancing the pipeline of attendees for business events over the coming years. The successful bids position the city to host several prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings over the coming years, with an event win pipeline stretching into 2028. Spanning a wide range of sectors and professions, this achievement underscores the importance of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the decade leading up to 2033 and reinforcing its position among the world’s top three cities to visit, live and work in. Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the city’s official convention bureau, worked with stakeholders and industry experts, including Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, to bid for and capture marquee business events. In addition to successful bidding activity, recent months have seen further global recognition for Dubai’s status as a leading business events hub. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai the top city in the Middle East for the number of association meetings hosted in 2023, while Cvent ranked it number one in its ‘Top Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa’. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: …

As the allure of the Maldives often leads travelers to its more famous atolls, there remains a treasure trove of lesser-known atolls that promise unique experiences, pristine nature, and a sense of secluded paradise. Among these hidden gems are the Shaviyani, Haa, and Thaa Atolls. Discover why traveling off the beaten path during the off-peak season to these stunning atolls can be a rewarding adventure. Shaviyani Atoll Shaviyani Atoll, located in the northern part of the Maldives, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and tranquil environment. It’s a haven for those looking to escape the bustling crowds and immerse themselves in the serene surroundings. Top Experiences: Snorkeling and Diving: The atoll boasts vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Popular dive sites include Fushivaru Thila and the Big Wall, where divers can encounter a variety of marine species. Cultural Visits: Travelers can explore local islands to experience traditional Maldivian culture, including visits to local communities and craft shops. Water Sports: The calm lagoons are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing.   Where to Stay: JW Mariott Resort & Spa: Find your respite in stylish overwater and beach villas, featuring  plush bedding, private pools, and decks that offer stunning views of the shimmering Indian Ocean. Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort: A luxury resort offering overwater villas and premium amenities, ideal for those seeking a high-end experience. Haa Atoll Haa Atoll, divided into Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu, is the northernmost atoll of the Maldives. It is rich in history and natural beauty, offering a blend of cultural and marine attractions.   Top Experiences: Historical Sites: The atoll is home to ancient Buddhist ruins and local mosques that offer a …

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has implemented two pioneering initiatives that focused on training human resources in working in luxury coastal resorts and travel agencies according to the best international practices. One of the initiatives targeted 1,059 trainees working in major Red Sea tourism projects such as Red Sea Global, Cruise Saudi, and NEOM. The training, which focused on customer service experiences and safety principles, was conducted as part of the second edition of the Tourism Trailblazers Program. (SPA report) The other initiative entailed increasing the public and private sectors integration through collaboration between the ministry and the authority in selecting elite human resources working in luxury coastal resorts and tourism marine agents organizing luxury cruise trips. These selected individuals participated in a specialized training program on a European cruise liner, accredited by the University of Plymouth, in partnership with Dale Carnegie UK and supervised by Umm Al-Qura University. The initiative aims to equip trainees with the skills and expertise needed in hospitality and guest service, and manage various hospitality-related operations on board cruise ships. These initiatives reflect the Ministry of Tourism’s and SRSA’s commitment to training national talent in the coastal tourism sector and their vital role in making Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast a leading coastal tourism destination. SRSA aims to provide over 210,000 jobs by 2030 and contribute more than SAR85 billion to the GDP that same year.

Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2024, a 9% increase over the 8.55 million tourist arrivals in the first half of 2023, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Following a landmark 2023, when the city hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors, Dubai has continued to sustain its strong tourism momentum. The growth in the first six months of this year puts the city on track for a record performance in 2024. Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and driven by DET’s efforts in collaboration with stakeholders, the rise in international visitation aligns with the ambitious goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Guided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s strategic vision, Dubai’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate its robust growth potential and attractive proposition for global travellers. With its sustained growth, Dubai is setting the standard for cities worldwide, in line with the objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to establish Dubai as one of the world’s top urban economies.” His Highness urged all industry stakeholders to expand partnerships with key markets, explore new opportunities and work to enhance Dubai’s value offering by creating rich and memorable experiences. “The strong tourism growth achieved by Dubai in the first …

A Qatari delegation that includes representatives from the Qatar for Tourism, the Permanent Committee for the Management of Sea Ports and Qatar Ports and the General Authority of Customs, paid an official field visit to the tourist port of Barcelona in the Kingdom of Spain recently, where members of the Qatari delegation met with officials of the administration at the Spanish port and were briefed on the best practices, workflow mechanisms and services provided to visitors arriving on board cruises and the port’s security and safety systems.. The three-day visit is part of efforts to support the cruise tourism sector in Qatar, exchange expertise and experience, and enhance the operations and logistics required by the Qatar’s growing cruise tourism sector. During the visit, the delegation discovered the terminal for ships and cruise ships, where the members of the delegation met with Spanish port officials and were briefed on the regulations in force, the volume of work and the levels of tourism activity witnessed by the port, while part of the visit program was devoted to reviewing the modern security and control measures and systems applied and coordination mechanisms between the various authorities operating in the port such as passports, customs, administration and security, and the procedures followed for ship reservations and how to set priorities. The visit also included a joint workshop held at the port, which brought together members of the Qatari delegation and officials of the Port of Barcelona, during which they were closely acquainted with the entry and exit systems of passengers, as well as the integrated and innovative solutions that are used to overcome the problems that may face tourist flows in the port, which is …

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan, the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers, Amideast/Jordan, and Boeing have launched the “Disabled Soldiers Empowering Tourism” program. Training sessions have begun in Amman and Irbid, marking a significant step in preparing wounded, injured, and sick servicemembers and veterans for careers in Jordan’s tourism and aviation industries. His Royal Highness Prince Mired Bin Ra’ad, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering wounded and injured soldiers: “Under the directive of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, and to act on His Majesty’s vision of achieving equality, social justice, and economic empowerment, this program is launched as a step towards progressing vital development goals. These goals include the rehabilitation, support, and integration of disabled soldiers to enable them to obtain job opportunities and economic prospects in the tourism sector. This aligns with our ongoing efforts at the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers to unify and consolidate efforts to build economic empowerment programs that meet the needs of various sectors and provide inclusive job opportunities.” Over the next months, 50 participants aged 20-45 will continue to engage in a comprehensive upskilling program, investing 220 hours in training. The injured servicemembers and veterans will not only enhance their English language proficiency but also cultivate essential soft and technical skills vital for success in tourism and aviation. With tailored training sessions addressing industry-specific demands, courtesy of active participation from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, participants will be well-equipped for transitioning into civilian careers. The program with Jordan’s Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers builds upon Boeing’s ongoing partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, supporting the recovery and …