Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Tourism Malaysia is participating for the fourth consecutive time at the Gulf Travel Show (GTS) on 22nd and 23rd March 2022 from 10am to 3pm. As a platinum partner, Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 15 booths consisting of tourism boards, tour operators and hotels and resorts such as Tourism Malaysia Dubai, Tourism Malaysia Jeddah, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Selangor, Asian Overland Services, Universal Holidays travel and tours, World Express tours Malaysia, Sunway hotels and resorts, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, New World Petaling Jaya hotel, Dash Box Hotels, Lexis hotels and resorts, Berjaya hotels and resorts and Gembox. Following this year’s participation, Mirza Ghalib, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, Dubai office says that GTS 2022 is a platform that allows industry players to re-establish the travel trade connections for the Middle East market. “Malaysia has successfully completed the COVID-19 vaccination of more than 97 per cent of its adult population and as a result, the country is all set to welcome back international travellers starting on 1st April 2022,” says Mr Mirza. This announcement was made by the government after almost two years of closure due the COVID-19 related pandemic and it is the beginning on the endemic phase. It will be an opportunity to network with travel agents and tour operator partners from the Middle East. Travel products from across the world have signed up to participate. Find out what is trending in the region with the auditorium special sessions with a host of speakers who will share the latest happenings in the region. Focused on business meetings, the digital event will host buyers from across the region. After the success of the first …

As the Tourism and hospitality industry recovers, Namibia is looking to showcase the country’s unique attractions and heritage with a high-level government and tourism delegation visiting the UAE to communicate and engage with partners, media and agents about the travel opportunities offered by Namibia as well as strengthen crucial relationships. Led by Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and Mr. Digu Naobeb, CEO of Namibia Tourism Board, the delegation reinforces the country’s alluring attractions as a must-see tourist destination nestled along the southwestern coast of the African continent with a large land surface, known for clear blue skies and sunshine, unpolluted air, memorable wildlife encounters and the best destination for star gazing. A land of remarkable contrasts, with breathtaking views, desert landscapes, woodlands and waterways, the delegation will highlight the best places to visit and the destination’s positive, social, economic and environmental approach for the tourism industry that meets the needs of travellers from different backgrounds. Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said, “We are delighted to share our new developments for tourism and efforts to help rebuild trust in travel and showcase our country’s appeal to potential visitors around the globe. We are in the UAE to highlight our country’s strengths and offer a short glimpse into our culture and our common interests, as we have a lot to offer in terms of exceptional service and experiences” Digu Naobeb, CEO of Namibia Tourism Board, said, “The pandemic put a reset on where people go and what they do, focusing on wellbeing, seeking space and opportunities to reconnect with nature. We offer the perfect fit for the kind of traveller seeking these experiences and …

VisitOman.om, the Sultanate of Oman’s online travel booking gateway for trade partners, has officially launched its booking engine commercially. As the global travel and tourism sector prepares to return to full strength in 2022, VisitOman.om aims to connect the world with Oman’s beauty by offering a full Omani travel experience through sustainable partnerships. VisitOman.om is the country’s first authorized integrated digital platform designed specifically to serve the international travel industry. The advanced digital platform   offers Business to Business (B2B) partners an innovative solution for inbound travel trade, making it easier to plan, book, and build packages to showcase the full potential of Oman to the world. Shabib Al Maamari, Visit Oman Managing Director, said, “Our goal is to set uniform standards for regulated routes, trip package inclusions, pricing, clear terms and conditions, and well-defined customer service agreements. The platform offers stimulating business opportunities for our network of partners, while delivering on our aim to drive tourism to Oman and support Oman’s position among global travel and tourism markets in line with the National Tourism Strategy 2040.” A win-win proposition for travel trade partners Featuring advanced digital technology, the platform brings all tourism suppliers together for trade partners in key markets around the world to guarantee instant confirmations for all bookings and create a seamless travel experience, building a complete itinerary from the moment guests board the plane to Oman to the moment they leave. Creating a bespoke trip of a lifetime The VisitOman.om team visits operators and suppliers across the country to be able to recommend unique experiences to clients. Whether it is a traditional cooking lesson on a remote mountain, a custom tour or an exclusive experience, the platform …

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) is announcing a partnership with UAE-based dnata Travel to unveil new experiences and tailor-made offers to Mauritius for UAE holiday makers in 2022, with travel to the island nation in demand across the emirates. Experts at dnata Travel – the UAE’s longest-standing travel provider – are revealing that travel bookings to the Indian Ocean island have doubled in 2022 so far, in comparison to booking figures in Q4 2021, when Mauritius fully-reopened for tourism post the pandemic, following a partial re-opening in the summer. As demand for travel continues to increase, representatives from the official tourism authority of the Republic of Mauritius are identifying the UAE as an important growth market for tourism, and revealing plans to attract even more travellers from the emirates this year. Arvind Bundhun, Director at Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, commented: “We have always seen strong demand for travel to Mauritius from the UAE and it remains one of the most important source markets for us globally, while our countries share strong cultural ties. In 2022, we are partnering with dnata Travel to bring our experiences closer to UAE travellers than ever before, as we work to create tailor-made itineraries focused on families, romance, and those seeking grand, All-Inclusive offerings.” Representatives from the MTPA detail the top considerations for travellers booking holidays to Mauritius in 2022 so far, from the UAE and across the world, to be a want for new and immersive experiences, a balance of relaxation and outdoor activities, and sustainable travel options, all-important elements of the country’s tourism offering. Emily Jenkins, General Manager of dnata Travel Leisure, added: “Traveller demand from the UAE to Mauritius continues to …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the appointment of Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer as its Acting Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Al Qaseer will continue the ongoing concerted efforts to achieve Shurooq’s vision of developing world-class projects and bolster efforts to drive national and foreign investments into the emirate. He will also oversee the management and operational execution of all multi-sectoral projects under Shurooq’s portfolio, including its tourist and heritage destinations across the emirate. Al Qaseer made formidable contributions in fulfilling the goals of Shurooq’s plans and projects. He has facilitated the growth of businesses across sectors, in addition to strengthening Sharjah’s status as a key investment, tourist and trade destination in the region. Ahmed Al Qaseer joined Al Qasba Development Office in 2006 as Business Development Manager and was promoted to Director of Business Development in 2008. He was an integral part of the team that transformed Al Qasba into the popular leisure and tourism destination it is today. Following his highly successful track record with Al Qasba, Ahmed Al Qaseer played a key role in the establishment of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in 2009. As Director of Property Management in 2010, he was entrusted with the responsibility of managing Shurooq’s properties as well as its operations, sales, and leasing. The following year, he was promoted as Chief Operating Officer of Shurooq, and in that capacity, was responsible for the operational execution of Shurooq’s portfolio of projects and destinations.

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has honoured members of the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme – including healthcare professionals, scientists, industry experts, academics, business leaders and government officials – who have spearheaded successful bids to bring global business events to Dubai. Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and a division of DET, presented awards to 20 member organisations at the Programme’s annual appreciation ceremony, held on 3 March at Dubai Exhibition Centre, within the Expo 2020 Dubai site. With Dubai continuing to lead the global recovery of the business events sector, the bid wins driven by the Ambassadors are contributing to the growth of the pipeline of conferences, congresses and meetings which will take place in the city over the coming years and provide platforms for the sharing of knowledge, professional development and networking. As the city continued to present a compelling proposition for international associations, societies and other entities for their major events, the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme last year supported in securing 26 conferences and congresses to be hosted in Dubai over the coming years, set to attract over 35,000 industry-specific professionals and experts from around the world. Among the events won in 2021 thanks to the contributions of Ambassadors were: 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (2025), IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (2024), World Science and Technology Education Conference (2023) and Congress of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (2024). Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “In recognition of their commitment and vital contributions towards Dubai’s growing status as an international business events hub, we congratulate and express gratitude …

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority recently signed a memorandum of understanding with a Dubai-based marketing and representation company to promote and market PNG’s tourism industry in the Gulf and Middle East regions. Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture Isi Henry Leonard and the chief executive officer of Across Borders Travel, Fabian Fernandes, signed the MoU in Dubai – UAE. The signing was witnessed by TPA chief executive officer, Eric Mossman Uvovo, and TPA director marketing, Alice Kuaningi. Minister Leonard said Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry has never penetrated the tourism market in the Middle East and that the MoU was a break through, and hopes that a market from the Gulf region can be secured. He said PNG’s participation at the Dubai World Expo2020 would provide the leverage to effectively market PNG as a tourism destination in light of the opening of international borders. Across Borders Travel looks after the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which is a political and economic union of Arab states bordering the Gulf. GCC was established in 1981 and its members include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. Established and registered in 2013, Across Borders Travel is a Preferred Sales Agents(PSA)  for 7 Cruise Companies and 11 Destination Management Companies(DMC’s) around the world. Under the MoU, Across Borders Travel will provide tourism and marketing advice to TPA, and support in providing information about travel and tourism, and any related information throughout the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East and Arab region to TPA.

According to the latest figures released by Switzerland Tourism, UAE residents staying overnight in Switzerland have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Comparing figures between July to December 2021 with the same period in 2019, the number of bed-nights recorded, increased 20.8% from 188,384 to 227,482. The number of UAE arrivals also grew from 75,084 to 85,632, during the same period, 2019 versus 2021. “These are extraordinary figures and underscores the popularity of Switzerland with Emirati nationals as well as residents. From the moment that UAE residents were allowed to travel to Switzerland (28th June 2021) we have seen a significant increase in the volume of visitors and the length of stay has also grown from an average of 2.5 nights per visitor to 2.66,” commented Matthias Albrecht, GCC director for Switzerland Tourism. The substantial increase in numbers is supported by a recent survey conducted by YouGov, which in its 2022 Travel and Tourism Brand and Destination Rankings Report, highlighted Switzerland as the top ranked overseas destination for UAE residents. YouGov’s index gave Switzerland a positive impression score of 31.6 a year-on-year increase of 17.9%, ahead of Singapore (30.9), Canada (28.6) and the Maldives (27.6). In further welcome news for UAE travellers to Switzerland, on the 17 February 2022, the Swiss federal government announced that visitors from the UAE are no longer required to provide an entry form, vaccine certificate, or negative PCR test. “UAE visitors can now enjoy the endless attractions Switzerland has to offer, from natural scenery and outdoor pursuits to delicious local cuisine and immersive cultural experiences. With regulations eased, masks and COVID certificates are not needed when entering shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and other public settings and events,” added …

One of the new emerging outbound destinations for the UAE, Brazil has initiated a new programme at Expo.  Embratur — Brazil’s Tourist Board — and the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, with the support of the Federal government, have recently launched the “Safe Tourism Program”. The initiative aims to develop actions and public policies to improve the security of tourists during their stay in Brazil. To create the program, Embratur and the Ministry of Tourism met throughout 2021, to develop proposals that, when implemented, ensure the safety of both domestic and foreign tourists. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of health and safety, especially when it comes to travelling and tourism. Tourist security is critical as it involves issues related to mobility, public safety, consumer relations, protecting childhood, human rights, gender equality, accessible information, physical integrity of agents, quality food,  and many others. Considering all these points, 59 actions were created, which aim to contribute to the positioning of Brazil as a safe destination. The areas of action include public safety, consumer relations in tourism, tourist transport, civil defense, health surveillance and positive communication. “We are implementing a thoroughly thought-out program that has a clear objective, to improve tourism security in our country. We want to give travelers the confidence to visit our country knowing that we are doing everything we can to give them a once in a lifetime experience. The Federal Government has prioritised tourist safety, and this program is sure to positively impact the already rapidly growing tourism sector,” says the Minister of Tourism, Gilson Machado. “We know more and more UAE tourists are considering visiting Brazil. This initiative intends to make sure that tourists vacationing in …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced the launch of the first Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, a youth basketball league for 450 boys and girls ages 11-14 from 30 schools across Abu Dhabi.  The league will begin play on Saturday, March 5 and run through the first Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League Finals on Saturday, May 21. DCT Abu Dhabi and the NBA held an opening ceremony and draft event that saw each school assigned an NBA team, receive corresponding NBA team-branded jerseys for games and participate in basketball development clinics, skills challenges and contests.  DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera, and 10-time NBA All-Star Clyde Drexler attended the draft event and interacted with the youth players.  As part of the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, yesterday 40 Special Olympics athletes from Abu Dhabi participated in a Special Olympics Unified Clinic. The Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, which is part of the league’s global Jr. NBA programme, will feature boys and girls divisions comprised of 20 teams and 10 teams, respectively, and will expand to include additional schools and leagues in future years.  The league is part of a groundbreaking multiyear partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi that will see Abu Dhabi host the first-ever preseason NBA games in the Arabian Gulf in October 2022.  The partnership also includes a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players, a series of NBA FIT Clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event. Al Mubarak said: …