Tag Archives: tourism

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed three usufruct contracts valued at over RO 56 million to develop major tourism projects aimed at boosting Oman’s hospitality and adventure tourism sectors. The contracts cover the development of integrated tourism complexes in the Wilayats of Khasab and Nakhl, and the transformation of Wadi Al Shab in Sur into a premier adventure tourism destination. The agreements were signed under the patronage of H.E. Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. The first project focuses on the enhancement of Wadi Al Shab, a prominent natural attraction in the Wilayat of Sur, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. The initiative includes the construction of an adventure park featuring zip lines, mountain climbing trails, suspension bridges, swimming areas for both adults and children, as well as restaurants and cafés. The project is designed to attract both local and international tourists year-round while promoting environmental sustainability. The second contract was signed with Khasab Development and Investment Company for the establishment of the “Sandan – Khasab Pearl” integrated tourism complex. Spanning 43,658 square meters in the Wilayat of Khasab, the project will feature a 4-star hotel with 200 rooms and 450 residential units available for ownership by Omanis and foreign nationals. The third project, “Hamyan Village,” will be developed by Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company on a 201,031 square meter plot in Halban, Wilayat of Nakhl, South Al Batinah Governorate. Represented by Saud Hamad Al Ta’ei, the company will build a 4-star hotel with 156 rooms, 535 residential units including apartments and villas, and a variety of amenities such as a market, restaurants, water park, and other recreational services.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Greenview have launched a Global ESG Policy Tracker that enables Travel & Tourism businesses to stay ahead of rapidly evolving ESG-related regulation and policy around the world. Developed in collaboration with Greenview, a global leader in sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data solutions for the hospitality and Travel & Tourism industries, the WTTC-Greenview Global ESG Policy Tracker offers an online interactive dashboard, alongside comprehensive coverage of regional, national-level and state-level ESG policies. Users also benefit from clear regional and thematic policy summaries, quarterly updates to ensure the latest information is always at hand, and access to a dedicated advisory group to shape future developments of the Policy Tracker. The tracker is designed to support Travel & Tourism businesses to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and integrate sustainability considerations into core business decisions. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “ESG requirements are becoming more complex and more urgent by the day, and this partnership provides an essential tool to help companies not only comply with policy, but also lead the way in responsible, future-focused Travel & Tourism. The ESG Tracker offers timely, clear and actionable insights – helping them benchmark progress, anticipate change, and deliver on their commitments.” Eric Ricaurte, Founder & CEO of Greenview, added: “We are proud to partner with WTTC on this important initiative. Our expertise in ESG policy research and content management allows us to bring high-value, practical intelligence to hospitality leaders across the globe. “Together, we’re building a resource that will drive meaningful change and support long-term resilience across the sector.” The tracker marks a major milestone in the sector’s journey towards more sustainable and transparent operations and builds on …

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, through its agency Tourism Malaysia announced that Malaysia welcomed 194,440 tourists from Middle East region in 2024. Tourism Malaysia also launched “Visit Malaysia”  (VM2026) latest video which highlights surreal experiences in Malaysia. The Malaysian delegation is led by The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, who is accompanied by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. The delegation consists of 82 different organizations, which include five (5) state tourism boards, 34 tour operators, 35 hotels and resorts, five Tourism Products, two tourism associations alongside one airline. The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said: “Our multipronged VM2026 strategy provides a comprehensive framework to boost Malaysia’s visibility, enhance destination accessibility and elevate our tourism offerings.” The VM2026 logo, a symbol of Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, serves as a visual representation of the country’s readiness to welcome tourists from around the world. Adopted as the campaign’s official icon, the Malayan Sun Bear, a proud and endangered species, reflects Malaysia’s deep commitment to wildlife conservation. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the mascot is intended to resonate with audiences of all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and joy while enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming and family-friendly destination. Official VM2026 theme song, titled “Surreal Experiences” captures the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with the enchanting experiences Malaysia has to offer. Malaysia is eager to welcome 45 million international visitors and to achieve RM270 billion (USD60.8 billion) in tourism receipts by 2025. …

Saudi Arabia has set new records in tourism recording its highest surplus in the travel account of the balance of payments in 2024 estimated at SAR 49.8 billion—a growth of approximately 7.8% compared to 2023. This impressive performance was driven by a 13.8% increase in inbound visitor spending compared to 2023, with total inbound visitor spending reaching an estimated SAR 153.6 billion in 2024, according to balance of payments preliminary data issued by the Saudi Central Bank. The Ministry of Tourism explained that the significant growth in the travel account surplus in 2024 reflects the efforts of the Ministry and other entities of the Saudi Tourism Ecosystem to strengthen the tourism industry and its contribution to national economic growth. It also underlines the successful measures taken to elevate the sector to global leadership by implementing best practices in tourism development, enhancing tourism services and products, and promoting strong collaboration with all government entities to support the development of the tourism sector—while advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hyatt hotels in Dubai to showcase the city to new global audiences. Through innovative marketing initiatives, exclusive events, and tailored visitor experiences, this collaboration aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Fathi Khogaly, Area Vice President for the Hyatt hotels in Dubai, the agreement underscores both parties’ commitment to driving tourism growth and elevating the city’s profile on the world stage. Under the terms of the MoU, the Hyatt hotels in Dubai will actively participate in various DET-led initiatives, including hosting familiarisation (FAM) trips, study programmes, and high-profile events designed to attract international visitors. Additionally, they will support DET’s promotional campaigns, such as flash sales, exhibitions, and roadshows, while receiving reciprocal marketing assistance for upcoming projects such as the launch of the new Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark, which is set to open this year. Special emphasis will be placed on leveraging key opinion leaders (KOLs) and creating engaging content to amplify reach and impact. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “This collaboration with Hyatt Hotels Dubai aligns with the aspirations of our visionary leadership to position Dubai as the best city to visit, live and work in. Driving forward the ambitious D33 Agenda, with the support of all stakeholders and partners, it is also a testament to our shared vision of diversifying and …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced a new collaboration to train 5000 Saudi nationals in the next six months in travel, tourism and hospitality. As Oracle technologies are integral to hotels and resorts at RSG destinations, the program will also help students increase their chances of securing employment across RSG’s growing portfolio of luxury tourism destinations. The new initiative compliments Oracle’s goal to train 50,000 people in the Kingdom. The program also highlights RSG’s commitment to empower local communities and nurture Saudi talent through its regenerative approach. The training program will educate and upskill local people through Oracle’s Mostaqbali learning platform, delivered through Oracle University. This is a free educational initiative which helps Saudi nationals gain the IT skills needed for the most in-demand, technologically enabled jobs. This initiative forms part of our commitment to support the growth and development of young Saudi talent across the Kingdom and help them achieve their potential. Sultan Moraished, Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence shared, “The program builds upon our existing training initiatives through which young Saudis have been offered employment with RSG and our partners. By equipping young Saudis with technical skills through a program run by a global technology leader, we believe that we can create a strong pool of qualified candidates for the hospitality sector within the Kingdom, aligning with the overarching objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.” “Oracle is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by empowering local talent with the skills needed for the Kingdom’s rapidly growing digital economy,” said Reham AlMusa, vice president – Business Applications, Public Sector, and managing director – Saudi Arabia, Oracle. “Our collaboration with RSG will help create a strong local talent pipeline …

SPARK in partnership with EYouth and with support from Google.org, has launched the Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub in Egypt – a pioneering platform designed to equip 25,000 individuals across the MENA region with essential skills for the tourism industry. The launch event, held at the Triumph Plaza Hotel in Cairo, welcomed over 100 stakeholders, including representatives from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism, industry leaders, and digital learning experts. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s national priorities to enhance workforce competitiveness and drive tourism sector growth. With the tourism sector rapidly evolving, Maharat for Tourism offers free, high-quality training tailored for both aspiring and experienced professionals. The platform provides interactive courses on digital skills, business management, and customer service, ensuring users stay competitive in a dynamic job market. By bridging the skills gap and building a digitally empowered workforce, this initiative directly contributes to Egypt’s economic resilience and job creation in one of its most vital industries. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism is an active supporter of the platform, recognising its role in modernising workforce training and driving long-term industry sustainability. “We are proud to launch the Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub, which will provide thousands of individuals with the opportunity to develop essential skills for success in the tourism sector,” said Dina Almasaeid, SPARK’s Regional Programme Director “The support from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism further emphasises the industry-wide commitment to fostering talent and innovation.” Join the Movement The Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub is now live and available in both English and Arabic, offering tourism professionals and job seekers the opportunity to advance their careers in the industry. To learn more and enroll in courses, visit: https://maharat.spark.ngo/.

The Madinah Region Development Authority announced a strategic partnership with Almosafer to enhance tourism in Madinah. Unveiled during the Saudi Tourism Forum 2025, this collaboration aims to position Madinah as a premier destination for visitors from within the Kingdom and beyond. The partnership leverages Almosafer’s extensive travel services and diverse marketing capabilities to accelerate tourism growth in Madinah while delivering enriching and varied experiences for visitors. Almosafer’s market expertise and digital solutions will provide a seamless cultural and entertainment experience at competitive prices through its comprehensive portfolio for corporate, governmental, and individual clients. This initiative aligns with efforts to elevate Madinah’s tourism offerings and attract a broader audience locally and internationally. Commenting on the partnership, Mr Bandar Naqro, General Manager of Strategic and Corporate Communications at the Madinah Region Development Authority, said: “The unique historical and cultural heritage of Madinah makes it one of the most visited cities in the Kingdom, especially with the development of numerous archaeological sites and the activation of diverse tourism destinations. Our partnership with Almosafer will strengthen the city’s offerings and marketing initiatives, contributing to increased visitor numbers and enriched experiences, thereby achieving the objectives of Vision 2030.” Muzzammil Ahussein, CEO of Almosafer, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with Al Madinah Region Development Authority to help evolve and further promote one of the Kingdom’s most culturally rich heritage sites. Almosafer’s on-ground expertise, innovative technological solutions, and extensive reach enable us to offer a bespoke holistic experience for travellers from across the world. We look forward to further positioning Madinah as a wholesome tourist destination that provides an immersive cultural experience that is bound to be an unforgettable core memory for visitors. Saudi Arabia’s rich …

In a significant step towards fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurship in Oman’s tourism sector, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) is launching the first edition of its Hackathon, taking place currently until 21 December 2024, the event brought together developers, designers, and young entrepreneurs to develop creative solutions addressing challenges in the tourism sector and other key areas, including energy, environment, logistics and other sectors. The hackathon will be held in strategic partnership with the Oman Across Ages Museum and Al Dakhliya Governorate. It will also collaborate with several Oman Investment Authority entities and be executed by Al Jabr, a regional leader in startup development and institutional innovation in the MENA region. The OMRAN Hackathon serves as a dynamic platform for technological and creative talent to collaborate in a competitive environment, crafting innovative ideas in fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, health, and environmental sustainability. Participants will work to transform these ideas into prototypes or actionable projects. The event launch will be celebrated on the 14th of December at the Oman Across Ages Museum. This will be followed by an innovation sprint at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar on 19 and 20 December, featuring two days of intensive brainstorming and mentorship. The Hackathon concludes with a ceremony on 21 December, also at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort, where teams will present their final projects to a panel of esteemed judges and compete for recognition and prizes. Developers, designers, university students specialising in technology, tourism, and business, as well as entrepreneurs from the tourism and technology sectors, are encouraged to participate. Out of over 100 registered teams, only 30 will be selected, ensuring a showcase of the …

Amsa Hospitality Academy announced a new partnership with King Khalid University for the launch of a joint training program. Launched in November, an inaugural cohort of 20 university graduates has begun vocational training at the soon-to-open Mercure Khamis Mushait, the first internationally branded hotel in the Aseer Province city of Khamis Mushait. The agreement, signed by Dr. Reham Mashat, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at King Khalid University, and Mohammad Mandili, Chief People Officer at Amsa Hospitality, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between academia and the private industry. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing graduates with hands-on experience. Amsa Hospitality Academy, the vocational training arm of the eponymous Riyadh-based hospitality company, made its debut earlier this year. It was developed in partnership with Luxury Hotelschool Paris, a globally recognized institution known for its pedagogical excellence and collaborations with leading hotel brands. The training materials, certified and reviewed by Luxury Hotelschool Paris, help aspiring Saudi hoteliers develop the skills needed to excel in the hospitality industry. Muin Serhan, Chief Executive Officer of Amsa Hospitality, commented, “We are delighted to pilot our training program with such a prestigious institution as King Khalid University. This partnership demonstrates how the public and private sectors can work together to nurture Saudi talent and contribute to the goals of Vision 2030.” Through its collaborations with various institutions, Amsa Hospitality Academy aims to train over 400 individuals by the summer of 2025.