Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Events Investment Fund (EIF) launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, under the National Development Fund (NDF)  announced the development of the Riyadh Shooting Range & Entertainment Complex, its first landmark project at an investment exceeding SAR 491 million (over US$ 131 million). The announcement was made at the inaugural TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, the world’s premier platform for shaping the future of global tourism. Situated just 40 minutes from Riyadh, the state-of-the-art Riyadh Shooting Range & Entertainment Complex is located within Qiddiya City, the new global destination built entirely around the Power of Play. Located on a 457,000 sqm site, it will feature a world-class Shooting Sport venue that complies with International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) standards. It will host international and national events and provide both professional and amateur shooting training facilities, with professional and commercial ranges for pistol, rifle, and shotgun disciplines. The venue is designed with the capability to host national and international shooting events, including Asian Games, World Cups, Grand Prix and Olympic events, and is fully supported by the Saudi Shooting Federation (SSF). The Entertainment Complex will also comprise a wide range of experiences for corporate events and families, including paintball, airsoft, laser tag, and virtual shooting. The facility is anticipated to create more than 2,300 jobs and attract over 400,000 visitors annually. EIF’s Chief Executive Officer, Wahdan Suliman Alkadi said: “The Riyadh Shooting Range marks a major milestone in the journey of the Events Investment Fund and is our first landmark project, built to Qiddiya City’s international standards. This development reflects our commitment to creating world-class venues that enhance …

The 12th Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF) officially commenced under the theme ” New Waves of Tourism Spectrum.” His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA in his opening speech emphasized that the tourism and travel sector is one of the most influential economic industries globally. Quoting the UN Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer report, he highlighted a 5% growth in global tourism during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, despite existing challenges. Additionally, he noted that international tourist arrivals reached approximately 690 million between January and June 2025, representing an increase of 33 million from the previous year. Organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) and in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department, alongside a host of prominent figures, officials, and representatives from government and private entities in the tourism sector, as well as members of the media. The event began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a visual presentation outlining the forum’s objectives and key session themes. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, then delivered the opening speech, welcoming the forum’s participants and attendees. The event features global experts, creative industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss and explore the latest trends in global tourism and how modern technologies can be harnessed to improve visitor experience and promote sustainability in the industry. Al Midfa stated that Sharjah continues to advance in digital transformation and sustainable innovation within the tourism sector, aided by visionary leadership that prioritized infrastructure development and the …

The Jamaica Tourist Board continues with its “Discover Jamaica” webinar series for GCC-based travel professionals. Tune in today  19 November at 13:00 UAE Time. Designed exclusively for travel agents in the Gulf region, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Jamaica as a viable destination, equipping agents with the knowledge they need to confidently sell the island. The webinar will cover essential facts about Jamaica, including its key resort areas – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, Port Antonio, and the South Coast, highlighting their unique selling points, top hotels and resorts, and must-see attractions, from Dunn’s River Falls to the Blue Mountains. This webinar is a valuable resource to help travel agents design unforgettable Caribbean itineraries for their clients.

The Jamaica Tourist Board continues with its “Discover Jamaica” webinar series for GCC-based travel professionals. The next session will take place on the 19 November at 13:00 UAE Time. Designed exclusively for travel agents in the Gulf region, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Jamaica as a viable destination, equipping agents with the knowledge they need to confidently sell the island. The webinar will cover essential facts about Jamaica, including its key resort areas – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, Port Antonio, and the South Coast, highlighting their unique selling points, top hotels and resorts, and must-see attractions, from Dunn’s River Falls to the Blue Mountains. This webinar is a valuable resource to help travel agents design unforgettable Caribbean itineraries for their clients.

The Forum will be held on 19 November 2025 under the theme “New Waves of Tourism Spectrum”, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. This year’s forum will bring together senior government officials, global experts, and leaders in the tourism, travel, and technology sectors to discuss key issues and innovative solutions shaping the future of tourism. The event is organized in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). This year’s forum will focus on the pivotal role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in transforming the tourism sector, while striking a balance between leveraging these technologies and preserving authenticity in innovation. Attendees will gain valuable insights from leading experts worldwide on the impact of digital platforms on consumer behavior and the importance of data-driven decision-making in enhancing visitor and traveler experiences. The sessions will also feature case studies and research highlighting how AI technologies can improve visitor services. Additionally, discussions will emphasize the importance of investing in strategic partnerships between government entities, private sector organizations, and technology companies to foster innovation and ensure sustainable tourism practices that support the sector’s growth. The forum will also explore the importance of investing in tourism innovation and its role in supporting the growth and expansion of startups. Leading experts will share their perspectives on the challenges faced by startups in the tourism and travel sector, as well as opportunities to drive innovation and achieve success. Discussions will focus on key factors that startups need to expand, including access to funding and support, building strategic partnerships, and leveraging modern technologies. The forum will also highlight the …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced that it is updating the Abu Dhabi Hotel Classification Manual to reflect travel trends and deepen relationships with stakeholders by providing guidance on quality standards. The manual establishes clear standards in categories from housekeeping to soundproofing to safety, and is used to determine a hotel or resort’s star rating from one to five stars. First produced in 2007, featuring mandatory minimum criteria and rating criteria, the manual was updated in 2018 to add a guest experience index, mystery shopping and product designators. The new edition is designed to build on this work and add further refinements, creating a global benchmark for hospitality excellence and guest experience. HE Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The updated Hotel Classification Manual will deliver on Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 by positioning Abu Dhabi as a thought leader in global hospitality regulation and enhancing the emirate’s alignment with international benchmarks while showcasing unique service excellence elements. It provides granular detail and guidance that chart a clear path for hotels as we meet the strategy’s goal of increasing visitors by more than half between 2023 and 2030.” The updated manual will have changes in three main areas. It will reflect current global best practices, expand category definitions to widen coverage to more hotels and resorts, and introduce accolades to recognise hotels that exceed expectations in specific areas. Visitors, hotels and investors will all benefit from the update: visitors through elevated and more consistent hotel experiences, hotels through new opportunities to differentiate their offering via specialised classifications, and investors through streamlined infrastructure requirements that reinforce Abu Dhabi’s …

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and its partners concluded a high-impact showcase at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025. STA harnessed rising interest from the global travel trade, signing nine new MoUs and strategic agreements with industry leaders and global brands, and held more than 500 meetings with key industry players. In addition, twenty-seven MoUs and agreements were facilitated between Saudi partners and international organizations to accelerate growth, boost global awareness, and enhance international connectivity. STA captivating the global travel trade with Saudi’s Unreal Calendar of world-class events and entertainment and its iconic destinations – from the ancient wonders of AlUla and the pristine Saudi Red Sea, to the cultural energy of Jeddah and the dynamic spirit of Riyadh. Saudi’s presence at WTM demonstrated its commitment to building meaningful global partnerships, unlocking new investment opportunities, and delivering world-class tourism experiences, driving the next chapter of tourism growth. Over three days, 71 Saudi partners connected with the international travel and tourism trade at the immersive “Saudi Land” pavilion, presenting a broad selection of bookable products, new travel packages, and flagship experiences such as luxury openings at Shura Island and the launch of Six Flags Qiddiya City. A highlight of WTM 2025 was the inaugural DMO Awards at Saudi Land, designed to honor destination management organizations for their excellence and authenticity demonstrated during the event. Diriyah received the ‘Best Authenticity’ Award for its outstanding incorporation of authentic Saudi elements. Qiddiya was honored with the ‘Best Operational Excellence’ Award in recognition of its exceptional service delivery, strong product knowledge, and effective use of digital tools. Finally, Al Madinah earned the ‘Best of Show’ Award for delivering the most exceptional overall performance, combining authenticity, operational …

Unveiled at World Travel Market (WTM) London, this renewed collaboration through Amadeus Digital Media aims to significantly boost visitor numbers to Abu Dhabi, targeting over 60% growth through Amadeus’ platforms compared to the previous year. The new initiative will leverage cutting-edge AI-powered programmatic campaigns to target travellers who are actively seeking their next destination. A key focus is to engage new consumers who may not have previously considered Abu Dhabi as a travel destination, thereby expanding the emirate’s global appeal. By increasing exposure to a wider consumer base and driving booking conversions, this collaboration is expected to bring substantial benefits to Abu Dhabi’s key industry stakeholders, such as hoteliers and travel agents. HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our long-standing partnership with Amadeus has been instrumental in showcasing Abu Dhabi’s diverse offering to a global audience. This expanded collaboration is pivotal to our journey to achieve the ambitious goals set out in our Tourism Strategy 2030. By harnessing Amadeus’ advanced technology and extensive reach, we are not only aiming for escalated growth in visitor numbers but also strategically building destination awareness in new and emerging markets.” Campaigns stemming from the renewed partnership will strategically target diverse consumer segments, ensuring that Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, thrilling adventures, family-friendly attractions, and stunning coastal landscapes are prominently featured worldwide. Jan Tissera, President, International, Global Accounts and Destinations, Hospitality, Amadeus, added: “Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi exemplifies our shared commitment to transforming travel through data-driven insights and innovative technology. By combining Amadeus technology and market intelligence with DCT Abu Dhabi’s visionary approach, visitor outreach can be refined to create meaningful, personalized journeys that truly …

Visit Qatar and Experience Oman announced a new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening regional tourism cooperation and promoting multi-destination travel between the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman. The announcement was made during Visit Qatar’s participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, one of the world’s leading trade and tourism exhibitions. Under this new strategic partnership, Visit Qatar and Experience Oman will develop integrated tourism packages and joint promotional initiatives aimed at encouraging visitors from key international markets, particularly from Asia and Europe, to explore both destinations in a single trip. Italy, Spain and China will prepare pilot markets for the implementation of the concept of joint cooperation. The announcement was made in the presence of Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, and Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism. Experience Oman was represented by H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, and  Shabib Al Maamari, CEO of Visit Oman. The partnership will also include joint promotional tours, unified participation in major international tourism events and exhibitions, as well as cooperation with major travel and tourism companies to develop and market joint packages for the two destinations that combine the cultural, heritage and luxury experiences of Qatar and Oman. The partnership reflects the two municipalities’ shared commitment to strengthening regional tourism links, increasing visitor numbers, and highlighting the Gulf region as a unified and world-class destination. By enhancing co-marketing opportunities and improving tourism connectivity, Visit Qatar and Experience Oman are positioning the region as a destination of choice for global travellers seeking unique experiences.

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 …