Tag Archives: World Travel Market

Seera Group unveiled the Kingdom’s first-of-its-kind integrated Destination Management Company (DMC), under the brand name, ‘Discover Saudi,’ at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. Set to catalyse international inbound tourism as well as domestic tourism, Discover Saudi, a SAR500 million investment by Seera Group supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to transform tourism as one of the key economic growth sectors. It will complement the goal of welcoming over 100 million annual overnight visitors and increasing the share of tourism to the Kingdom’s GDP to 10 per cent by 2030. The brand identity and strategic outlook of Discover Saudi were unveiled on the sidelines of WTM by Abdullah Al-Dawood, Board Member and Group CEO of Seera Group, he said, “The launch of Discover Saudi is part of our SAR1 billion investment in driving tourism development in the Kingdom with a distinctive value proposition. This marks our strong commitment to supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 announced by our leadership. Discover Saudi will have a multiplier effect on the economy; not only will we create a robust infrastructure to support destination tourism services, but also work with Saudi travel operators and government agencies, creating additional value to the economy and promoting job creation for Saudis.” With its focus on developing the Kingdom’s tourism ecosystem, driven by the US$300 billion capex allocated for tourism development until 2030, Discover Saudi addresses a clear white space in the industry today, with only 2 per cent of inbound trips being for leisure. In addition to offering curated experiences for international and domestic travellers, the new DMC will also focus on offering Hajj & Umrah pilgrims who are keen to explore Saudi as …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled the exhibit that showcases Abu Dhabi’s best offerings to visitors at World Travel Market (WTM) participation in London. The show saw a hive of activity that took place on the DCT Abu Dhabi stand, including a visit from His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, as well as numerous stakeholder meetings occurring throughout the day. In the evening, DCT Abu Dhabi representatives and a number of stakeholders attended the inaugural UAE Ambassadors dinner at the Bulgari Hotel London, to forge closer relationship amongst the emirates. The annual DCT Abu Dhabi on-stand breakfast was also held on Tuesday morning, with many trade and media representatives in attendance. The exhibition involves 36 of DCT Abu Dhabi’s key partners, such as Etihad Airways and Experience Hub, showcasing the diverse portfolio of attractions the city has to offer across the culture, entertainment and luxury sectors. Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi said, “WTM is a great opportunity for us to promote Abu Dhabi as a premium tourism destination to travel trade stakeholders across the globe.” Abu Dhabi stakeholders participating in the event includes Etihad Airways, Experience Hub, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, Park Hyatt, The Ritz Carlton, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, The Westin Abu Dhabi and Yas Marina Circuit.

The Health Tourism Department announced its participation at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2019 in London as part of its continuing efforts to promote Dubai’s leading position as a globally recognised destination for health and wellness treatments. Dubai has maintained a steady growth in health tourism and continues to enhance the experience for patients and wellness tourists. According to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the emirate attracted 3,37,011 medical tourists in 2018 alone, who spent a combined value of AED 1.163 billion on treatments in the top leading specialties: Orthopedics, sports medicine, dermatology and skin care, dentistry and fertility treatments. The Health Tourism Department is promoting its 70 plus Dubai Health Experience (DXH) group members’ healthcare facilities in the key source markets including GCC, Europe, Africa, Russia and China. Dubai integrates tourism activities, health & healing relaxation services in the safest and most secure environment. The Health Tourism Department has created the first tourism portal DXH.ae in the Middle East, which enables tourists or travel partners to find relevant and latest information on their entire health holiday. Linda Abdullah, Consultant at Health Tourism Department, Dubai Health Authority said, “Our participation in the latest edition of WTM forms part of our strategic efforts to further raise awareness on Dubai’s capabilities as a health destination in the travel and tourism sector. The combination of tourism, health and wellness offerings is set to increase the contribution of tourism sector to the economy. Further enhancing patient safety & experience and availability of international talent for the delivery of world-class health services are among the key pillars of Dubai’s health tourism strategy. This will help Dubai attract even more health tourists in the coming years.”

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is at the World Travel Market (WTM) London for the 17th consecutive year as part of its intensified campaign to promote Sharjah’s diverse and unique tourist offerings on the world stage. During the event, SCTDA will showcase a range of attractions that make Sharjah one of the region’s favorite family destinations on the world map today. In cooperation with its partners from the public and private sectors, SCTDA will also promote tourism programmes and initiatives designed to attract tourists to the emirate, cultural and eco-tourism products, a wide range of sports, recreational and artistic activities, and adventure packages capable of delivering an enhanced tourist experience. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said, “WTM 2019 will allow us to raise awareness about Sharjah’s growing tourism sector. It will enable the Authority to help put Sharjah on the world tourism map and entice more tourists worldwide, including travellers from the UK, Ireland, and other parts of Europe, thus bringing us closer to our goal of attracting 10 million visitors by 2021.”   H.E. Al Midfa concluded, “Our participation at the WTM is part of our response to the directive of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to make Sharjah a global touristic destination. During the event, we will have an opportunity to see the latest trends in the global tourism sector, showcase Sharjah’s beauty and offerings such as events, festivals, and exhibitions, meet and exchange experiences with decision-makers, and learn about the latest practices in tourism, hospitality, and travel.”

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) showcased a selection of its eight luxurious boutique-style projects and eco-destinations and share the latest updates on Sharjah’s booming tourism sector at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2019, to be held from November 4 – 6, in London, UK. The ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand, operated and managed by Mysk by Shaza, will be one of Shurooq’s key highlights for WTM 2019 visitors and industry experts visiting the Sharjah Pavilion led by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). All three destinations under the brand are now fully operational, and WTM London is an opportunity for global travel buyers and hospitality professionals to take a closer look at each one’s unique offerings. The boutique hotels and eco-retreats promoted under the ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand includes Kingfisher Lodge, a 5-star nature retreat and fully-equipped tented lodge that opens out to the pristine mangrove ecosystem at Al Qurm Nature Reserve in Kalba; Al Faya Lodge, a luxury stay built using sustainable and robust materials, set amidst the dramatic desert landscape of Mleiha; and Al Badayer Oasis, a castle-style desert resort featuring luxurious rooms and traditional tents overlooking the sweeping sand dunes of central Sharjah.  Through these three projects, Shurooq seeks to showcase its vision for developing ecotourism projects that are inspired by the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage and designed in a contemporary, stylish setting. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer, Shurooq, said, “At WTM 2019 in London, Shurooq aims to highlight its emphasis on sustainable tourism development, promote responsible tourism, and underscore the potential of ecotourism in the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. By focusing on sustainable tourism projects, we are doubling our efforts …

The iconic Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai, distinctly recognized as one of the Top 50 Hotels in the Middle East, announces its participation in this year’s edition of World Travel Market in London from November 4–6 at stand ME300 under Dubai Tourism. The 5-star hotel aims to share travel insights, strengthen existing partnerships, and grow its connection within the industry. “World Travel Market London is celebrating four decades of success. Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai will showcase our enhanced product line-up perfect for leisure and business travellers alike. The city of Dubai has seamlessly perfected a year-round of activities from Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Food Festival, Ramadan/Eid Activities, GITEX and much-awaited Dubai Expo 2020 and beyond. This amazing city offers a multitude of experiences and activities that should be in a traveller’s destination list,” said Ian Rydin, General Manager. Representing the hotel during the event, Hazem Aouad, Director of Sales and Marketing said, “We are excited to attend the WTM London 2019 edition and showcase the superb products, services, and facilities that Movenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate can offer to our partners and guests.“

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is set to promote Sharjah’s unique tourism attractions during its participation at the ongoing World Travel Market (WTM) London, which will conclude on November 7, 2018 at ExCel London. SCTDA is participating at WTM London for the 16th consecutive year, bringing its distinctive tourism product offerings to the UK market featuring Sharjah’s family, culture, soft adventure and eco-tourism destinations. The initiative is in line with SCTDA’s commitment to meet the targets set within the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 to attract 10 million visitors in the emirate by 2021. HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, said that the Authority’s participation at the global event for the 16th year reflects its continuous efforts to achieve its strategic goals and objectives aimed at targeting major global tourism markets. The authority continuously works towards attracting a greater number of visitors from the UK and Ireland with unique offerings while showcasing a wide range of outstanding experiences and continuing to increase our international network in line with Sharjah’s tourism goals. The exhibition is an important addition to our ongoing efforts to provide the most important experiences and tourist products and provide new experiences to our visitors while capitalising on Sharjah’s diverse heritage. SCTDA’s programmes will showcase Sharjah’s unique tourism environment, which is naturally rich in biodiversity and the various tourism developments taking place in the emirate. Al Midfa further emphasised the importance of international exhibitions in promoting Sharjah’s tourism hotspots to the international market and attracting tourists and investors to the emirate, saying “We have seen the growing appeal of Sharjah as a destination for ‘business and leisure’ travellers as business executives learn to optimise long weekends …

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture – Ghana appointed Grand Aurum Marketing (GAM) as International Strategic Advisor to help position Ghana as a viable preferred destination in Africa. This was announced during the World Travel Market WTM 2017 in London. Grand Aurum Marketing/Marta Consulting, is an acclaimed international tourism development consultancy, built upon a team with over 30 years of tourism and destination development experience. Catherine Afeku, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Ghana, said “Ghana is a country on the go. We are positioning tourism as one of the key sectors of the economy. Working with Grand Arum provides an opportunity to reach out to several key markets for destination marketing, tourism investment promotion and product development.” Ghassan Aridi, Chairman, Grand Aurum Marketing, said, “We are pleased to receive this appointment as Ghana is an exciting destination gaining popularity year on year. Ghana has a lot to offer, from lush forests and waterfalls to a beautiful sea shore and wonderful people.”

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has revealed that Mantis Collection, the owner of some of the world’s finest boutique hotels and eco escapes, will be managing all hospitality facilities under its ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand. The joint venture was officiated and announced at the World Travel Market (WTM) London held from November 6-8. The partnership reflected the commitment between the two institutions that are equally dedicated to the spirit of conservation and preservation of local culture and heritage. Mantis’ excellence in the field has been continuously recognised by leading international hospitality awards such as the ‘2017 LUX Best Global Luxury Hotel Group and Excellence Award for Eco-Tourism’; the World’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotels Collection 2016 and ‘Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand 2017’  by the World Travel Awards; among several others. Mantis was selected by Shurooq because of its expertise and experience in delivering and managing boutique sustainable hospitality facilities worldwide. The authority believes that the quality of hospitality and stay options in Sharjah will take a quantum leap forward with the Sharjah Collection.

The World Travel Market (WTM) London, a much awaited travel event of the year, brought together the travel fraternity from all over the globe. Key exhibitors from the region this year include Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority, Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, Ajman Tourism Development Department, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Oman Ministry of Tourism and Jordan Tourism Board. This year’s event will give ample opportunities to a range of new travel experiences and disruptive travel services as well. It will introduce some of the key components that industry specialists need to adapt so as to work towards enhancing the experiences of the many new-age travellers and millennials. More than 80 conference seminars will take place throughout the three days covering all the key sectors pertinent to the Middle East, including aviation, hotels, wedding and honeymoon, gastronomy, sports tourism, responsible tourism, digital influencers, social media and travel technology. Among other highlights is the 300-seater WTM Inspire Theatre, a taste of ILTM joined by a new Wellness & Spa section on the exhibition floor, WTM Speed Networking, and the UNWTO and WTM Ministers’ Summit.