Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Brgy. Bojo in Aloguinsan, Cebu bags UNWTO best tourism village award The United Nations World Tourism Organization awarded a local suburb the Best Tourism Village Award following successful tourism promotion among local communities. The Philippine Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Tourism Secretary, Berna Romulo-Puyat, expressed her delight at the latest development, commending the “remarkable work” of the local community in Bojo through the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) and the strong support of the municipality of Aloguinsan. “A local destination being inducted into the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Program in its pilot year is a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable tourism development from the national level down to the grassroots. The wealth of our natural resources and unmatched hospitality remains our key strength as we strive for the reopening of the industry to international travellers anchored on the principle of safe and sustainable tourism,” said Puyat. On behalf of the Philippines, Verna Buensuceso, Tourism Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary, and Philippe Jones Lhuiller, Philippine Ambassador to Spain, received the award on December 2. The UNWTO’s pilot initiative recognised 44 villages from 32 countries for their natural and cultural resources, as well as innovative and transformative efforts, and commitment to tourism development in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Similarly, the programme was launched to promote tourism as a tool for rural development, with the goal of valuing and safeguarding rural villages, as well as their accompanying landscapes and knowledge systems, among others. Bojo is known for its river, hills, underwater natural riches, mangroves, birds, and responsible locals, and its main tourism activity is the Bojo River Eco-Cultural Tour, which is managed by the BAETAS. BAETAS provides an eco-cultural river tour that …

Qatar expands its tourism proposition in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Its tourism strategy puts the visitor at the heart of all new programmes and initiatives. As part of the ‘Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030’, the country has added a variety of exciting experiences, including a wave of new luxury hotels, theme parks, shops, and major leisure projects, that have recently opened, or are set to open in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. Over 100 new hotels and serviced apartments are currently under construction which will add to Qatar’s already extensive portfolio of properties. Some of the new properties include a Raffles Hotel and Fairmont Hotel and Resort at Katara Towers, Rosewood Doha and the St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island. The hotels will broaden Qatar’s appeal to high value travellers, offering more choice to its existing 80 five and four star hotels. With the aim of raising the tourism sector to 12% GBP by 2030, Qatar will grow and improve assets and attractions, enhance the end-to-end customer experience, invest in Service Excellence and deploy a tailored marketing strategy to target point-to-point (P2P) and stopover visitors. Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “We are continuing to expand our tourism offering and are excited to introduce guests to the best of Qatari hospitality. In 2019, we saw over two million visitors to Qatar and we hope to see similar growth trends now that we are welcoming visitors back to the country again. “We are now less than one year until the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, so now is the perfect time in visit Qatar. Qatar is an accessible introduction to the Middle East, …

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) revealed that the emirate welcomed 4.88 million visitors between January – October 2021 with international visitation during October alone reaching over one million. Reflecting the rising growth momentum and stability of the industry, strong international visitation was complemented by a robust domestic tourism market, further boosting the hospitality sector resulting in 9.4 million room nights sold between January – October 2021 in comparison to 7 million room nights sold in the same period in 2019. The latest tourism figures were released at the second bi-annual City Briefing of 2021 held by the Department of Economy and Tourism to provide stakeholders with key updates on the tourism sector’s positive growth and insights into current and future strategies and global marketing campaigns. As Dubai continues to lead the global tourism rebound and stimulate international business growth, the forum featured a detailed presentation on domestic and global developments, including an overview of increasing visitor numbers, hotel occupancy, and activities in international markets, which have all reinforced Dubai’s profile as a safe, must-visit destination and the world’s best city to live, work and visit. The meeting was presided by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and was attended by over 1,150 representatives from leading establishments in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors. The forum was part of DET’s regular dialogue with business leaders to encourage collaboration and exchange insights to ensure the industry is seamlessly aligned with tourism growth initiatives and strategies. Held at Ain Dubai, the forum discussed ways to further accelerate growth in the industry, leveraging the latest landmark attractions to open in Dubai. HE Helal Saeed Almarri, …

A delegation from the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna was recently in Dubai, led by Stefano Bonaccini, the President of Emilia-Romagna, with the aim of displaying the region’s expertise and excellence in industry, academia, research, tourism and innovation. The President was accompanied by the Regional Minister of Tourism, Andrea Corsini, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agro-Products, and professional and industrial universities specialized in developing solutions capable of responding to global challenges. The Emilia-Romagna mission is working to transfer its expertise to the UAE and its visitors during Expo 2020 Dubai through representatives from the industrial, scientific, technological, social, tourism and cultural fields. A series of special events and initiatives are being organized at the Italy Pavilion and the M-Eating Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai around these themes. In the same context, the mission’s tasks included several strategic meetings that brought together Bonaccini, accompanied by the Consul General in Dubai, Giuseppe Finochiaro and Ahmed Al Falasi, CEO of Dubai’s new Department of Economy and Tourism. The mission also organized a visit to the Dubai Future Foundation, where President Bonaccini met the Foundation’s CEO, Khalfan Belhoul, and discussed ways of cooperation and partnership. On the 9th of December, Emilia Romagna organized a press conference at Expo 2020 Dubai, in the presence of the regional minister of tourism, travel and tourism pioneers and representatives of various related sectors, in the presence of local and international media. The conference highlighted the Emilia-Romagna industry of excellence in the sectors of industry, agriculture, specialized tourism and higher vocational education, which together highlight Emilia-Romagna’s enormous potential, infrastructure, and economic and tourist attractions. “Expo 2020 Dubai comes after the very hard months of …

German National Tourist Office in UAE for GCC along with Visit Berlin conducted a special press conference sharing the latest campaigns for winter and 2022. Yamina Sofo, Director Marketing and Sales Office Gulf Countries shared that Germany’s diverse mix of cultural, naturistic, and family-focused leisure attractions are proving to be a big hit with GCC tourists, with the European country recording a rise from the region for the first nine months of 2021. Overnight stays in Germany by visitors from the GCC are up 29.6 per cent year-on-year, as of September 2021, with travellers rating overall satisfaction, choice and quality, accommodation, and opening times as the highest rated fulfilment factors in the Quality Monitor survey for the German tourism industry. “Campaigns that have seen success this year and will continue through to 2022 include German.Local.Culture which saw a keen focus on Germany’s wealth of authentic cultural experiences, as well as the FEEL GOOD campaign which highlights the sustainable tourism offerings we have. The new 2022 campaign Embrace German Nature will round up our campaigns and showcases Germany’s recreation and nature in all its facets” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing of the German National Tourist Office. “Our global 2021 campaigns were attractive to our GCC travellers as they tend to search for cultural experiences that offer them an insight into different countries, as well as the increased interest in sustainability and being one with nature.” The country, including Berlin, has this year opened several key attractions, adding to its attraction for GCC visitors, a travel segment which is likely to continue a steady upward trajectory for the German capital. Humboldt Fort has recently opened its doors as an …

As the Philippines prepares to open its borders to the GCC countries an insightful webinar took place with two experts sharing their valuable information with stakeholders in the Philippines about selling the destination in the new normal era. At the inception, Verna C Buensuceso – Undersecretary Tourism Development Department of Tourism Philippines shared that as the borders will open to the four destinations in the GCC namely, KSA, UAE, Oman and Kuwait a two part webinar series will be conducted in order to navigate the new normal in the Middle East and understand the market trends and provide information to the stakeholders to keep themselves updated with regard to the way forward in this very important market for the Philippines. She further reiterated that their requirement at present was to make Philippines a top of the mind outbound destination for the GCC travelers as they seek new destinations especially at this point of time. The first session focused on how to sell the Philippines to the GCC which had two of the most senior experts in the industry in the GCC in UAE and KSA in particular. Nasir Jamal Khan – CEO – Al Naboodah Travel and Tarique Khatri Executive Vice President Center of Excellence Seera Group. Moderator of the Session San Jeet Market Representative of Philippine Tourism in the Middle East shared that during the pre- pandemic era, Philippines received a substantial number of visitors from the GCC and the aim at present is to reposition Philippines to attract more numbers from this market as it has all the offerings and requirements. One of the first questions raised by San Jeet Moderator of the session to Nasir Jamal Khan …

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved testing and quarantine protocols on December 2, 2021, for arriving international passengers from countries/territories/jurisdictions that are not listed as Red List countries/territories/jurisdictions in all ports of entry in the Philippines. The new standards have been implemented on December 3, 2021. Individuals who have been fully vaccinated must have a negative RT-PCR test completed within 72 hours of departing from their country of origin. They will be subjected to facility-based quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, with an RT-PCR test performed on the fifth day, with the date of arrival being the first day. Regardless of the result, they will be subjected to home quarantine until the 14th day after their arrival. Individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated will be required to do a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departing from their country of origin. They will be subjected to facility-based quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, with an RT-PCR test conducted on the seventh day, with the date of arrival being the first day. Regardless of the result, they will be subjected to home quarantine until the 14th day after their arrival. The Department of Transportation has been directed to ensure that only passengers who pass a negative RT-PCR test before flying are allowed to board. Minors’ testing and quarantine protocols, on the other hand, must follow the parent/testing guardian’s and quarantine protocol, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status or country of origin. International travellers who have already arrived and are undergoing quarantine must follow the testing and quarantine protocols in effect at the time of their arrival. Filipinos from countries/territories/jurisdictions on the Red …

GCC travellers looking to gain authentic winter experiences should look no further than Germany’s expansive seasonal activations and incredible roster of family-friendly offerings. The south German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are popular for its charming snow-capped mountaintops and alpine ski trails, and while the temperatures often average 0°C, the exciting sporting activities available will warm skiers up in no time. Ski lovers can enjoy an array of Bavarian Alpine resorts with options for beginners, families, and sporting pros. The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, only an hour outside Munich, features an array of outdoor activities perfect for winter strolls amid mountainous views, crystal clear lakes, and fresh pine forests. For those looking for a more calming scene, cable car trips in Baden-Württemberg offer incredible views of the magnificent Black Forest dotting the mountain range. “Germany’s luscious winter landscapes are the perfect backdrop for long walks, bike rides, and exciting sports such as skiing and snowboarding. We welcome GCC travellers to wrap up warm and explore the bountiful countryside vistas afforded by the cooler temperatures,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing of the German National Tourist Office. Tourists who would rather view winter landscapes from the warm indoors, the German.Spa.Tradition. campaign which highlights Germany’s traditional health resorts and spas from across the nation, offers a plethora of opportunities to enjoy health and wellness retreats amid stunning natural wonders. Visitors can engage the mind, body, and soul across the country’s traditional wellness spas. The campaign focuses in five essential themes: Breathe, Renew, Enjoy, Feel, and Taste. For an authentic German experience and the chance to grab some holiday gifts or shop for loved ones, traditional festive shops are perfect for presents …

Part of the charm of Filipino hospitality is making sure that visitors have their fill of the best food that their home can offer. The first thing a Filipino will ask their guest is, “have you eaten?” Wherever you go in the country, the dishes offered will vary since each region has something unique to offer. The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) highlights the country’s food traditions through different programs that encourage new dining discoveries. Launched in July 2021, the Halal Culinary Heritage Series showcases food in Mindanao through a video series posted on the DOT’s social media platforms. “Food is a vital part of a tourism experience. It gives us a glimpse of a place’s culture and heritage. Through the development of Halal Culinary Tourism, we encourage the culinary Muslim traditions in the Philippines,” says Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat. The Mindanao Halal Culinary Tourism is a project of the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Besides promoting the heritage of Mindanao and its culture, the project aims to document culinary practices of the region through food mapping. Halal-certified food – Halal food takes on many forms throughout the Philippines. In Manila, there are restaurants and eateries that offer Halal-certified food, ranging from the stalls located at the area known as Muslim Town near the Golden Mosque in Quiapo. It offers several culinary delights. For Halal-certified Filipino fare in the Makati district, the El Prado dining outlet of Berjaya Hotel Makati is the best bet for travellers. Eat like a local – It is not an understatement that Filipinos love to eat. Travellers to get a Filipino picnic feel should pack a coffee break in a handcrafted rattan …

Pleased to share this latest IATF Resolution 150-A, s. 2021 stipulating that effective 1 December 2021, fully vaccinated nationals of non-visa required countries under Executive Order No. 408 (s.1960), as amended, shall be allowed to enter the Philippines until 15 December 2021, subject to the following conditions: A. Holders of passports valid for at least six (6) months at the time of arrival, and with a return or outbound ticket to their country of origin or next country of destination. B. Prior to arrival in the Philippines, the foreign national should have stayed exclusively in Green List countries/territories/jurisdictions for fourteen (14) days. C. Must have the following proofs of vaccination against COVID-19 recognized under existing IATF regulations: – World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis; VaxCertPH; or – National/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted – VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF. A negative RT-PCR test shall be required to be taken within seventy-two hours (72hrs) prior to departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, no facility-based quarantine and no on-arrival RT-PCR test will be further required but the passenger is enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the fourteenth (14th) day with the first day being the date of arrival. The testing and quarantine protocols of minors shall follow the testing and quarantine protocol of the parent/guardian traveling with them, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status, and country of origin.