Tag Archives: development

The United Nations has taken a major step in recognizing tourism’s role in sustainable development by adopting a new tourism employment indicator as part of the official Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Indicator Framework. Endorsed at the 56th session of the UN Statistical Commission, this landmark decision means that—for the first time—global data on tourism employment will be systematically monitored within the SDG monitoring process. It also increases the number of official tourism SDG indicators from two to three, raising recognition of the sector’s global contribution to economic and social progress. What gets measured, gets done. As part of Goal 8, we strive for sustainable tourism that creates jobs. The new tourism employment indicator goes beyond GDP to enhance our understanding of tourism’s potential for social progress UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “What gets measured, gets done. As part of Goal 8, we strive for sustainable tourism that creates jobs. The new tourism employment indicator goes beyond GDP to enhance our understanding of tourism’s potential for social progress. Policymakers will be better equipped to identify gaps, address inequalities, and maximize tourism’s social and economic benefits—ensuring no one is left behind.” UN Tourism’s most recent survey of Member States’ priorities revealed a strong preference for the Organization to work towards ensuring tourism contributes to the achievement of the SDGs. The new indicator, with UN Tourism as its custodian, delivers the evidence to advance on this priority. The indicator responds to a critical policy issue in many countries. Together with the existing SDG indicator on tourism’s GDP, the new indicator offers a broader perspective on tourism’s sustainability that better considers social progress. With this recognition, tourism employment will now be officially integrated into the …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development has announced the selection of two unique tourism experiences as part of the “Tourism Experiences Training Program” in Ajman. The initiative was launched by the department to enrich the Emirate’s tourism content, support the participation of Emirati talents in the tourism sector, and align with sustainable goals, digital innovation, and the advancement of social and economic development. As part of this initiative, the department has selected the tourism experiences created by Abdullah Al Ali and Mariam Al Hamrani. These experiences are focused on showcasing the hidden gems of Masfout, with the goal of empowering the local community, highlighting the Emirate’s tourist destinations, and enhancing its role in the national tourism sector. Both Abdullah Al Ali and Mariam Al Hamrani are committed to offering fresh, impactful tourism ideas that promote cultural exploration, personal growth, and local engagement, positioning Ajman as a key player in the tourism landscape. In this regard, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development stated: “Through the training programs and tourism initiatives we offer, we aim to motivate the younger generation, engage them in the country’s tourism sector, and invest in local human talents and abilities. This contributes to creating new and innovative job opportunities for them, while instilling a more youthful and dynamic spirit filled with creativity and passion. The tourism experience training program in Ajman is a clear testament to our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening the tourism sector in the Emirate.” For her part, Khadija Mohammed Turki, Tourism Marketing and Promotion Expert at the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, said: “We are pleased to announce the two tourism experiences selected as part …

New Murabba Development Company (NMDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) to spearhead the transformation of Riyadh. The agreement will see the two entities work closely together to create New Murabba: the world’s largest , modern downtown, serving as a model for future urban development and contributing towards Riyadh city’s evolution, in line with Vision 2030. NMDC’s strategic partnership with TFD marks a pivotal moment in realization of New Murabba’s bold ambition to create the most advanced, transformative, downtown experience in the world. It aims to fulfil Saudi Arabia’s potential as a leading investment destination — a place where people live, work, and play. A go-to tourism and hospitality hotspot distinguished by a thriving tech ecosystem, an enabling business environment and a diverse and welcoming society. The MoU was signed by New Murabba Development Company CEO, Michael Dyke and TDF CEO, Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri. As part of the agreement, TDF will provide direct financing opportunities — in collaboration with its network of partners and contracted investors, which solidifies NMDC’s access to TDF’s expertise, networks and investment capabilities. The agreement is poised to unlock New Murabba’s immense potential, placing Riyadh it at the forefront of global destinations and showcasing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovative, sustainable urban development, cultural richness, and unparalleled visitor experiences on the world stage. Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri, CEO, TDF, said: “We are pleased to have partnered with the New Murabba Development Company to bring this bold undertaking to life: an innovative undertaking that will enhance Riyadh’s status on the global stage as one of the commercial and financial capitals of the world. This is a future-focused …

Rotana announced at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS), its growing pipeline as it looks to expand its operations with 30 planned openings in the next three years. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains a key focus for the hospitality brand as it signed four “Edge by Rotana” and one “Rayhaan by Rotana” properties in Riyadh earlier this year. The new hotels will add an impressive 618 keys to Rotana’s expansive portfolio in the Kingdom. In line with Rotana’s ambitious goal to triple the number of rooms it currently runs in the Kingdom to 6,000 over the next four years, the group added an “Edge by Rotana” property in Al Baha to its portfolio in 2023. Across the region, Rotana is gearing up to open several new properties during the last quarter of 2023, leveraging the buoyant hospitality trade. For the remainder of 2023, Rotana will see the opening of Riviera Rayhaan by Rotana in Doha, Qatar and Bomonti Arjaan by Rotana in Istanbul Türkiye. Commenting on the announcement, Makram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President of Development at Rotana, said: “We are excited to be participating in the Future Hospitality Summit again this year, offering a fantastic opportunity for Rotana to showcase its latest developments and connect with industry peers. Leveraging our keen understanding of the market, we look forward to further developing our brand presence across the region as well as entering new markets globally, always delivering on our brand promise of ‘Treasured Time’ to guests across the world.”