Tag Archives: GCC

German National Tourist Office – Gulf Countries retained its title of ‘Most Active in Promoting Sustainable and Accessible Travel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Winning the Arabian Travel Awards recognition as “Most Active in Promoting Sustainable and Accessible Travel” is more than a trophy for GNTO in the GCC — it’s a strong signal that the market values responsibility and inclusivity, and that our work with German partners is resonating. It motivates us to keep raising the standard: making sustainable choices easier to understand, easier to book, and more relevant to GCC travellers — from Gen Z explorers to families and multi-generational groups. Going forward, we will deepen cooperation with destinations and industry to spotlight eco-certified and low-impact experiences, promote rail-first itineraries, and continuously improve accessible, practical travel information. Our goal is simple: help visitors experience Germany in a way that feels memorable, comfortable, and genuinely future-minded. – Yamina Sofo, Director Marketing German National Tourist Office Gulf Countries.” Yamina Sofo, Director – Marketing, German National Tourist Office – Gulf Countries.

As demand for luxury travel to Oman and the wider GCC continues to accelerate, dnata Representation Services – part of the dnata Travel Group – brought its exclusive luxury travel roadshow, Opulence by Ahlan Arabia, to the Sultanate for the first time. The milestone edition united more than 100 global travel professionals in a complete takeover of Salalah’s Alila Hinu Bay resort, between 13–16 January 2026. With destination leaders and luxury hospitality partners in attendance, the agenda explored the latest travel trends and opportunities for growth, elevated by a spectacular natural setting that defines the region’s luxury appeal. Central to the programme of the event’s second edition was the headline panel, ‘Rewriting the Travel Script: The Next Era of Travel & Tourism,’ featuring John Bevan, CEO of the dnata Travel Group, joined by senior representatives from WhereIsThis, Atlantis Resorts, and the Oman Convention Bureau. Insights from the discussion highlighted the concierge’s shift from a reactive role to one that anticipates guest needs before they arise. Speakers also explored how AI powered personalisation is enabling real time, seamless, and tailored experiences. The panel further identified storytelling, sustainability, and destination stewardship as key forces redefining the future of luxury travel. The event featured 28 curated exhibitors and 55 senior buyers from across the GCC and beyond, alongside professionals from across the dnata Travel Group and its partners, creating a dynamic platform for 1,680 pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings. Moving beyond traditional formats, Opulence introduced a ‘Beyond the Ballroom’ concept, with meetings and networking spread across the resort’s scenic spaces, complemented by immersive cultural experiences. Guests enjoyed a cultural evening hosted by Experience Oman at the Frankincense Museum within the Al Balid Archaeological Site, offering a deep …

Shaza Hotels concluded its GCC Roadshow following a series of high-level engagements across key regional markets. The initiative brought together leading travel trade partners, key bookers, destination stakeholders, and industry decision-makers, reinforcing Shaza’s commitment to advancing strategic alliances and strengthening its footprint across the Gulf. The region-wide activation offered an exclusive platform for partners and stakeholders to engage in substantive discussions, explore new business opportunities, and reaffirm their shared commitment to long-term collaboration. Hosted in Doha, Muscat, and Bahrain, the roadshow showcased the group’s distinguished portfolio and provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of Shaza’s latest developments, enhanced guest experiences, and forward-looking strategic direction. Each event underscored Shaza’s hallmark combination of cultural authenticity, contemporary refinement, and gracious hospitality—qualities that continue to define the brand’s positioning across the region. Commenting on the success of the roadshow, Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President of Business Development & Growth for Shaza Hotels and Mysk by Shaza, said,”Our GCC Roadshow proved to be an invaluable platform to reconnect with our long-standing business partners to reinforce our commitment to each other. The enthusiastic response across the region underscores the strength of our relationships and the growing interest in our brands. As we continue to expand, these engagements help us align with market needs, share our vision, and explore opportunities for future collaboration. The GCC remains a cornerstone of our strategy, and we are committed to fostering growth through meaningful partnerships and exceptional hospitality.” Shaza Hotels continues to build its presence across the region with thoughtfully designed properties that combine authentic cultural storytelling with elevated modern comforts. Earlier this month, under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia (MoT) and TOURISE 2025, Shaza Hotels signed …

Almosafer has expanded its strategic partnership with VisitBritain to further promote Britain as a top destination for Saudi travellers. The partnership, formalized during the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, reinforces the ongoing collaboration between the two entities, aligning with growing demand and stronger travel links between Saudi Arabia and Britain. VisitBritain’s research shows strong interest among GCC travellers in exploring destinations beyond London, from Britain’s idyllic coast and countryside to its vibrant cities, cultural and sporting events, royal heritage, film and TV locations, and luxury experiences. This partnership with Almosafer is set to showcase the nations and regions of Britain and to develop a new portfolio of high-value packages featuring signature experiences found only in Great Britain. Oxford Economics data shows that Britain remains one of the top 10 destinations for Saudi travellers and continues to see robust year-round demand. Through this partnership, Almosafer will highlight the most exciting and trending destinations across Britain with bespoke offers, targeted campaigns, and travel experiences designed to showcase the country’s culture, heritage, and modern appeal to Saudi audiences. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO, Almosafer, said: “Our continued collaboration with VisitBritain underscores our shared commitment to enriching travel experiences for Saudi travellers. The United Kingdom remains a timeless favourite, offering a unique blend of heritage, diversity, and contemporary experiences. Together with VisitBritain, we look forward to deepening engagement with Saudi travellers and showcasing the best of Britain through our platforms and tailored offerings.” Gary Robson, VisitBritain Director for Europe, Middle East & India, said: “We’re delighted to strengthen our partnership with Almosafer to inspire more visitors from Saudi Arabia to choose Britain. Saudi travellers are among our highest-spending international visitors, and this collaboration is a …

The Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) announced a focused strategy to deepen its engagement with the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) B2B tourism sector. This initiative is aimed at positioning Georgia as a premier, high-value partner for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) operators, travel agencies, and investors, capitalizing on the nation’s rapid tourism growth and strategic development plans to create significant new partnership opportunities. “We are building a foundation for long-term growth by forging strategic alliances with the GCC travel trade and investors to jointly develop high-quality, innovative tourism products that cater to the evolving demand for authentic and immersive experiences. Georgia’s dynamic tourism landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for partnerships and collaborations as we continue to nurture the country’s growing reputation as a preferred international travel destination,” said Mrs. Maia Omiadze, Head of Administration at the GNTA. The GCC outbound travel market, projected to more than double to USD 158.8 billion by 2034, represents a pivotal growth segment. Georgia has successfully captured this demand, with arrivals from key GCC markets experiencing triple-digit growth in recent years. This aligns with the country’s broader tourism success, which saw over 2.9 million international visitors in H1 2025 and a record USD 826 million in Q1 revenue, contributing 7.2% to the national GDP. This proven demand presents lucrative opportunities for B2B collaboration in high-yield sectors. As a core component of this strategy, GNTA is launching a targeted promotional and educational campaign across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait throughout Q4 2025. The program includes destination webinars and in-person events, offering GCC tour operators, OTAs, and MICE agencies exclusive access to Georgian suppliers, in-depth market knowledge, and co-marketing frameworks.

The workshop discussed the concepts and methodological frameworks for measuring tourism in line with international standards, along with mechanisms for linking statistical data and administrative records related to visitors and tourism expenditure. It also highlighted the importance of integrating national data sources to assess both the direct and indirect impact of tourism on GDP and employment. The event brought together experts and specialists from national statistical offices and tourism authorities across GCC member states, in addition to representatives from regional and international organisations. The regional workshop on ‘Measuring the Contribution of Tourism to the Economy’, hosted by the Gulf Cooperation Council Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat) concluded under the patronage of Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Omani Minister of Heritage and Tourism, underscored the importance of adopting comprehensive methodologies to measure tourism’s total contribution to the economy. Such an approach provides a more accurate and holistic picture of the sector’s true role in supporting GCC economies and assists in formulating effective, evidence-based policies founded on reliable statistical data. Al Mahrouqi stated that the workshop comes at a particularly significant time, as the tourism sector in the region is witnessing rapid growth and qualitative transformation in infrastructure, services, and investment. He noted that Oman and other GCC countries attach great importance to tourism as a central pillar of economic diversification, recognising its role in job creation, stimulating productive and service sectors, and enhancing sustainable development. However, he stressed that achieving this potential requires accurate and reliable statistical systems capable of measuring the true value of tourism’s contribution to GDP and to the national economy as a whole. He added that this workshop, organised by GCC-Stat, serves as a platform for experience sharing, capacity building, …