The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) is all set to host the emirate’s first-ever e-Games Championship from November 21 to 24 2024 at the Ajman Police Sports and Shooting Club. The move comes as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to embrace technological advancements and ensure the engagement of younger generations – a vital demographic within the community. The championship will bring together leading professional gamers and enthusiasts aged eight or above for three days of gaming competitions, interactive networking, and knowledge-sharing activities, showcasing Ajman as a growing hub for e-sports and digital innovation. The event reflects the ATDD’s dedication to promoting innovative initiatives aimed at ensuring youth participation across diverse age groups. It offers a creative platform for participants to exhibit their skills and talents, and drive youth participation in programs that are in line with their passion and the latest digital advancements. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, said: “At ATDD, we are delighted to organise the debutant e-Games Championship in Ajman. This move reflects our goal to offer a dynamic platform that boosts youth engagement, who are key drivers of our mission to shape a prosperous and innovative future for the emirate. We aim to provide young people of all age groups with novel and innovative opportunities that cater to their interests and help them achieve their long-term goals by creating an atmosphere that fosters creativity and development. This championship also demonstrates our steadfast dedication to enhance Ajman’s standing as a vibrant hub for entertainment and technology events and support its tourism sector.” The championship will feature a wide range of competitions appropriate for all age groups, including FIFA25, Tekken, Street Fighter, Assetto …
Read More »GCC visitors contribute €2.6 Billion to Germany’s tourism economy in 2023, marking a 24% increase
In 2023, GCC travellers contributed €2.6 billion to Germany’s economy, marking a 24% increase over the previous year—a testament to Germany’s appeal and deepening ties with the region. Germany has reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as one of its leading tourism markets following a high-profile media and trade event co-hosted by the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and visitBerlin. The event showcased exciting developments in Germany’s travel sector, including new flight routes, digital innovations, and a personalised approach to GCC tourists, who comprise Germany’s third-largest overseas tourism market. Germany has recently expanded its direct flight options from the GCC region to accommodate the growing number of tourists, reinforcing its commitment to accessible and convenient travel for GCC visitors. Condor introduced direct flights between Berlin and Dubai, while Eurowings, Germany’s prominent low-cost carrier, launched flights from Berlin to Dubai and Jeddah, alongside new routes from Cologne-Bonn airport and Stuttgart. This enhanced connectivity aims to streamline the travel experience for visitors from the Gulf, fostering seamless access to Germany’s diverse regions, historic sites, and cultural landmarks. Burkhard Kieker, CEO of VisitBerlin, said: “Berlin is more accessible than ever for GCC travellers, thanks to enhanced flight connectivity to the region. These connections allow visitors from the GCC to explore Berlin’s rich cultural heritage, diverse neighbourhoods, and renowned medical facilities. Our goal is to offer seamless, enriching travel experiences tailored to the unique preferences of GCC tourists, strengthening our bond with the region.” In 2025, Berlin will celebrate key anniversaries, including the 200th anniversary of its renowned Museum Island and the reopening of historic sites such as Peacock Island’s Lustschloss. With its blend of modern attractions and heritage …
Read More »Ajman Tourism Development Department signs two strategic MoUs with Coral Touristik GmbH and Vtours
The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Coral Touristik GmbH, a leading tourism services provider, and Vtours, a renowned tour operator, on the sidelines of the department’s participation in the World Travel Market. The new agreements demonstrate the Department’s commitment to expanding its strategic alliances with foreign travel and tourism firms in order to share best practices and methods in the areas of hotel reservations, tourism services, and exchange of expertise and knowledge. The move is set to elevate the Emirate of Ajman’s position on the global tourism and hospitality map. The MoUs were signed in the presence of His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Tourism Development Department, and Ms. Sabine Jordan-Glaab, CEO of Vtours, and Mr. Koray Cavdir, Chief Operating Officer – Central Europe at Coral Touristik GmbH. Commenting on the partnerships, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi said: “We at the Ajman Tourism Development Department are pleased to work with Coral Touristik GmbH and Vtours as part of our efforts to deepen strategic alliances with leading tourism businesses, contributing to the Emirate of Ajman’s standing as a popular tourist destination. We are confident that these agreements will play a pivotal role in developing pathways of communication and facilitating exchange of expertise, thus enhancing our capacity to offer exceptional travel experiences and propelling the Ajman’s tourism industry to new heights.” Among the provisions of the agreements are cooperation in developing promotional plans and strategies, exchange of data and insights, as well as the exploration of new techniques and methods that will improve tourism experiences. The partnerships will also enable the provision of advisory services in support of the department’s objectives …
Read More »Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau announces new visa support for Indian destination weddings
In a bid to establish Abu Dhabi as a premier wedding destination, the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) announced an initiative to extend visa support to Indian nationals hosting destination weddings across the Emirate. Unveiled during the ongoing Arabian Travel Market 2024 and taking place from May 2024 onwards, the new visa initiative contributes to Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to boost visitor numbers to 39.3 million by 2030. The Destination Wedding segment is among the newest verticals to join ADCEB as part of an overarching objective to attract domestic and international visitors and increase the sector’s contribution to the GDP to AED 90 billion as per the 2030 strategy. India is recognised as one of the largest markets for destination weddings globally, making it a key target market for Abu Dhabi. By extending visa support to Indian weddings, in the form of absorbing costs, ADCEB’s Destination Wedding segment aims to position Abu Dhabi as a world-leading destination for weddings and celebrations of all kind. It provides an avenue to amplify the Emirate’s unique cultural and entertainment offerings, cultural attractions and natural landscapes for international audiences. Weddings are also a key revenue stream for the hospitality sector, driving venue and hotel room occupancy, and the service industry sectors such as wedding planning, photography, catering, personal services and more. The Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau plays a crucial role in organising business events, destination weddings & celebrations in the Emirate. It brings together experts and stakeholders to secure convention business and coordinate strategies for bid development to promote Abu Dhabi as a leading business tourism & celebrations hub.
Read More »Qatar Tourism launches third edition of Qatar Now: The guide is divided into two parts and showcases Qatar’s vibrant traditions and modern vision
Qatar Tourism has released the third edition of Qatar Now, a bi-annual edition that aims to enhance the visitor experience, encourage them to explore the destination, and give them a holistic view of the destination. This edition of the Qatar Now guide is divided into two parts , each focusing on a distinct aspect of Qatar. The first section of the guideline is titled “Vibrant Traditions,” where readers are taken on a captivating journey to learnabout Through it they learn about Qatar’s ancient heritage, and explore the customs and traditions of its people. The second section of the guide, titled ‘Modern Vision’, presents a diverse mix of content on innovation, mega projects and the workforce that have contributed to the evolution of Qatari society towards modernity. On this occasion, Mr. BeerWHold Trainkel, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, said: “The Qatar Guide now captures the depth of Qatari culture and highlights the destination’s tourism offerings to travellers from around the world. This edition of the guide is designed to reflect Qatar’s unique blend of authenticity and modernity, and highlights the innovative steps Qatar is taking to continue its progress.” The third edition of Qatar Now features a collection of inspiring stories by prominent local figures, offering a glimpse into the lives and experiences of Qataris who have made significant contributions to Qatar’s cultural and artistic scene. Prominent among these are Mr. Nasser Al-Attiyah, Qatar Tourism Brand Ambassador, Mr. Khalifa Haroun and Mr. Mubarak Al-Malik, who have left a distinctive mark on the creative scene in the country. The Qatar Guide is now an inspiration for families of young people coming to Qatar from around the world to design their trips, …
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