Tag Archives: GCC

Germany has witnessed a considerable surge in tourism from GCC countries, recording a remarkable 40.9 per cent increase in overnight stays during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period 12 months prior. Further, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) revealed a huge 593 per cent rise in visits by Gulf nationals in H1 2023 compared to the same period in 2021, underscoring the enormous post-pandemic recovery the country has undertaken. And while overall figures are still 10.3 per cent lower than the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, a 40.9 per cent increase from 2022 is stark evidence of the country’s enduring appeal. Additionally, with GCC providing 478,715 overnight stays in H1 2023, compared to 338,000 in H1 2022 and just 81,000 in H1 2021, the GCC region has established itself as the third-largest Asian source market for inbound tourism to Germany. Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), said: “The GCC stands out as one of the top Asian source markets, showcasing a strong increase in travel interest due to recent successful campaigns by GNTB. Both longstanding and first-time travellers are increasingly eager to explore everything that Germany has to offer.” To sustain this positive momentum, GNTB recently reintroduced its ‘Simply Feel Good’ campaign last month, providing valuable tips on eco-friendly initiatives to reduce carbon footprints during travels. This campaign aligns with the demands of conscientious travellers, emphasising Germany’s commitment to environmentally conscious travel experiences. In tandem, the ‘Embrace German Nature’ campaign, running across the GCC since March, has heightened awareness of Germany’s diverse natural wonders. From protected landscapes and cycling trails to rejuvenating spas and much more, the campaign resonated with GCC travellers seeking …

At the recently concluded TravelTech ME with TravTalkME as media partner the travel experts from various travel agencies, tourism boards, travel technology and metasearch companies etc shared some very important aspects in terms of the future of the travel and tourism sectors. Daniel Rosado, Director Spain Tourism GCC shared, “during travel tech we had the chance to discuss and learn about the new trends, challenges and solutions on the travel sector related to technology, where experts from different companies enlighten the attendees. But also, amongst the topics we discussed some other issues on a more general approach in order to give the frame and set the tone of the current situation of the region where these technologies are applied. We highlighted the importance of tourism in the region, with UAE and Saudi leading the way. We analysed the latest data and figures trying to understand where the near future will take us. Regarding the outbound market we also saw that its growing at a steady pace and travel to countries such as Spain has experienced an impressive growth.”

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the 17th edition of Al Dhafra Festival is set to take place from 21 October 2023 to 8 February 2024 as part of the camel mazayna season in Abu Dhabi. The event will be held under the organisation of the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi in cooperation with Emirates Heritage Club. The festival comes as a continuation of the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to support heritage preservation projects, promote and develop heritage festivals, enable camel owners to sustain the practice of breeding and caring for camels, and support falconry and purebred Arabian horses contests and other heritage competitions. These efforts have transformed Abu Dhabi into a unique model in the field of heritage festivals organisation. The festival highlights the role of camels in the culture and heritage of the UAE and the GCC countries through camel mazayna competitions held in Abu Dhabi for purebred breeds in the categories of Asayel, Majahim, Asayel hybrids and Wadh. The upcoming edition will include Sweihan mazayna, Razeen mazayna, Madinat Zayed mazayna and the concluding festival: Al Dhafra Festival. The 17th edition of Al Dhafra Festival is the largest since its inception in 2008, with organising committee assigning a total of 361 rounds for all the participating camel breeds – an increase of 35 rounds compared to the previous edition. Al Dhafra Festival aims to unify the standards, terms and conditions, and intensify efforts to achieve success in the mazayna competitions, expand participation of camel owners in the competitions, preserve the purebred camel breeds, boost camel trade, contribute to …

Statistics echo this sentiment, with ‘bleisure’ tourism accounting for 30-35% of the global business tourism market and boasting a staggering worth of $500 billion (Dh2 trillion) in 2022. The upward trajectory is set to keep rising, with a projected growth rate of 20% over the ensuing decade. As the corporate travel industry regains its stride post challenges, the concept of ‘bleisure’ tourism, a blend of business and leisure travel, is quickly positioning itself as not only popular but also economically prudent, reveals Musafir Business, the leading all-in-one corporate travel management platform in the region by musafir.com. Sachin Gadoya, CEO and Co-Founder of musafir.com and Musafir Business, offers insights, “Following the pandemic, the sphere of ‘bleisure’ travel is witnessing a significant upswing in the region, with nearly 20% of corporate travelers thoughtfully weaving leisure experiences into their business journeys. Projections indicate that this number is destined to rise further by 15% in the times ahead.” This dynamic shift is evident as individuals extending their business trips by 1-2 days for leisure, and vice versa, becomes increasingly common. Forecasts predict these trips will span more destinations, boasting longer durations. Larger international companies are quick to adopt this trend, while smaller-scale and local firms, which are not multinational corporations, may take more time to embrace it. The average ticket price for corporate travel within the GCC ranges from AED 3,500 to 4,000, and this trend is expected to continue through 2024. Amid the scorching summer heat, corporate travel primarily entails outbound trips from the UAE. Prominent business travel destinations like Europe, the USA, and South East Asia proficiently address the diverse demands of corporate globetrotters, with ticket prices ranging between AED 5,500 to …

Japan National Tourism Organization announced the remarkable resurgence of inbound tourism to Japan from GCC. The first half of this year saw 13,537 GCC nationals visiting Japan. Remarkably close to the 2019 figure of 13,582, this signifies a strong revival of interest in Japan among GCC travelers. Moreover, countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain have outperformed their 2019 visitor numbers, showcasing the robust recovery of inbound tourism from these markets.* June 2023 witnessed a significant milestone, with Japan welcoming 2,073,300 international visitors, equivalent to 72.0% of the June 2019 figure. This marked the first time since January 2020 that Japan surpassed two million visitors in a single month, signaling a promising rebound for the country’s tourism industry. The cumulative number of international visitors to Japan during the first half of 2023 reached an impressive 10,712,000, surpassing ten million visitors. This accomplishment reflects the resilient revival of Japan’s tourism sector, highlighting the country’s enduring allure for global travelers. Mr. KOBAYASHI Daisuke, Executive Director of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Dubai office, expressed his satisfaction with the recovery of tourism from the GCC countries. He attributes the rebound to the recent introduction of visa waiver arrangements and online visa applications in some GCC countries, coupled with the total lifting of COVID-related border control measures in April. Furthermore, close collaboration with airlines and travel agencies in the region has further promoted Japan as a preferred leisure destination. KOBAYASHI Daisuke, Executive Director of JNTO Dubai Office, “As summer unfolds, Mr. KOBAYASHI Daisuke invites all visitors to Japan to partake in the exciting festivals and outdoor events that await them. For an unforgettable summer festival experience, he recommends visiting the Tohoku region in …

TURESPAÑA revealed that the number of tourists from the GCC market has increased by 15% year over year in the first quarter of 2023. The tourism authority aims to attract even more GCC travellers this summer and across the year, as it highlights a diversified offering of lesser-known locations across the country, to appeal to visitors seeking new and unique travel experiences. dnata travel has partnered with TURESPAÑA to deliver unparalleled opportunities for travellers across the GCC countries. The collaboration will provide customers with access to an extensive portfolio of travel products and services across Spain at a time of high demand. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: “We have seen a significant increase in bookings to Spain by GCC travellers across and beyond the UAE. The Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza are trending, offering travellers world-class resorts alongside beautiful beaches. The Canary Islands have also become increasingly popular, providing ideal destinations for nature lovers with hiking trails that wind through ancient forests and volcanic landscapes. The north of Spain, also known as ‘Green Spain’ where incredible nature meets unforgettable gastronomy, is also gaining traction and curiosity from this region.” Daniel Rosado, Director at TURESPAÑA, added: “The UAE has always been one of the top tourism markets for Spain, and we expect 2023 to be the best year ever for tourism from across the GCC. There has been a significant increase in air connectivity in recent years, while our countries have been fostering cultural exchanges and collaborations. These initiatives include art exhibitions, music festivals, and educational programs, which help promote tourism and mutual understanding.” TURESPAÑA and dnata Travel’s recommended itinerary for one week …

Emirates has launched an on-demand regional charter service, offering flexibility, convenience, privacy and comfort for customers who want to make short trips in the GCC from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Operated by the airline’s Phenom 100 twin-engine aircraft, customers can fly to a wide range of GCC destinations both within and outside of the Emirates network, with quick turnarounds to points in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and within the UAE*. The aircraft seats up to four passengers*, and travellers on the short flights will be offered a well-stocked hamper of light bites and refreshments. Each passenger can check in one medium-sized bag weighing up to 15 kilograms, in addition to a carry-on handbag. Customers are encouraged to consult with their assigned booking representative or travel agent if they have any special requests. The services offer discerning travellers with busy schedules privacy and a high level of flexibility, with a hassle-free ground experience. In Dubai, customers can expect Emirates Chauffeur Drive Services to transport them to DWC, and VIP treatment upon arrival with a dedicated representative who will support them throughout the airport journey, ensuring minimal pre-flight wait times. At their destination, customers benefit from fast on-ground escorted arrival and quick VIP clearance at customs and immigration provided by private terminal service partners. They will also have access to the private terminal lounge upon arrival. ** Customers wishing to book the regional charter services can contact eejet@emirates.com or their preferred travel agent. *Subject to prevailing operating conditions ** If VIP terminal is equipped with lounge

Nationals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan will soon only be required to pay £10 to apply for an ETA, which will allow them to visit the UK multiple times over a two-year period. This is compared to Gulf nationals currently paying £30 per visit to the UK under the current Electronic Visa Wavier (EVW) scheme and Jordanian nationals £100 for a visit visa. The scheme is set to launch for Qatari nationals in October 2023, and for the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan in February 2024 ahead of a worldwide expansion throughout 2024. Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said: “Visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan make a huge contribution to the UK’s tourism industry and the new ETA scheme will make it easier and cheaper for them to travel to the UK. The cost of an ETA will be one of the best value in the world compared to similar international schemes. This small additional cost to visitors will enable us to bolster the security of the UK border and keep our communities safe.” Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Lord Ahmad said: “I’m delighted that our partners across the Gulf and Jordan will be the first to benefit from the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme. This scheme is further proof of the strong partnership between the UK and countries across the region. By cutting costs and visa requirements, the ETA scheme will ensure visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan can enjoy travelling with ease to the UK, boosting business and tourism links between our countries.” These details were disclosed by the Home Office, …

​Within the framework of Kuwait Airways’ relentless endeavours to provide the best services to its valued customers, and with the advent of the summer travel season of 2023, along with the growth of passenger traffic, KAC announced the signing of an agreement with the Turkish healthcare group, Acibadem Hospitals, to provide discounts on medical services and to examine emergency cases for its Premium Class customers of Royal, First, and Business classes in the city of Istanbul from 1st July 2023. In this regard, the Head of the Medical Center at Kuwait Airways, Dr Mohammad Al-Qenai stated, “Kuwait Airways continues its unremitting efforts to provide various diverse services to its valued customers, as the company signed an agreement with Acibadem Hospitals, one of the largest providers of health care services and treatment regionally. This service will be provided to Kuwait Airways’ customers from the start of the summer travel season of 2023, witnessing the growth of travel and passenger traffic. This is a continuation of many services provided by Kuwait Airways to its valued customers, from the start of the current year and with a chain of hospitals with which agreements will be signed shortly and in addition to such services in Bangkok, Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah.” Al-Qenai explained, “Kuwait Airways is currently studying the expansion of similar agreements with health care providers in numerous cities around the world, especially in Europe such as London, Manchester, Paris, Geneva and other important cities in Europe.” Al-Qenai pointed out that this step comes within the company’s objective to meet the requirements of Kuwait Airways’ passengers of the Premium classes and to provide them with various solutions and services. Moreover, this is in line …

Wego teamed up with VisitBritain to launch an exciting new campaign aimed at attracting more travelers from the GCC to Britain. The ‘Spill the Tea’ awareness co-marketing campaign, which runs until June 2023, seeks to showcase Britain’s unique blend of activities and attractions, culture, and modernity, enticing travelers to explore the country’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. It will be broadcast across a mix of channels ranging from short films and co-branded content across social media including Facebook, Instagram, Youtube to digital display advertising, radio and VOD & AOD platforms. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “Building on the success of the previous campaigns, we’re delighted to partner with VisitBritain for the seventh year. By leveraging Wego’s data driven insights and Britain’s diversified offerings, we were able to create customized travel experiences that resonate with GCC travelers. We look forward to inspiring even more travelers to explore this must-see destination.” Through this collaboration, VisitBritain and Wego will inspire travelers to book a trip to Britain and create unforgettable memories. VisitBritain’s Interim Deputy Director Carol Maddison said: “The GCC is a very important tourism market for Britain and we are delighted to be running this dedicated campaign in partnership with Wego. By tapping into motivations for travel now and telling the story of our vibrant and varied destinations we want to inspire visitors from the GCC to discover more of Great Britain, stay longer and to explore year-round.” The tea-themed campaign includes video commercials and dedicated websites in both Arabic and English and it emphasizes Britain as a welcoming, dynamic, exciting and inclusive destination in the multi-media advertising campaign called …