Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

Celestyal marked its maiden call in Dubai this week entering the emirate’s waters with a dhow escort, the line’s newest ship, Celestyal Journey, hosted a plaque exchange ceremony and a star-studded party to kick off the ship’s first week-long ‘Desert Days’ itinerary, which includes sailing roundtrip from Dubai and calling at Bahrain, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The result of a collaboration between Greek company Celestyal and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that aims to share the region’s extraordinary offerings with the wider world, Celestyal Journey will homeport from the city for the next three years, with passengers already able to book trips. Celestyal’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season sails until March 2025.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted the inaugural Retrofit Summit, bringing together key stakeholders from the hospitality industry, financial institutions and government agencies, alongside industry experts. The Summit addressed the need for retrofitting existing hotels and venues in the emirate to enhance their energy efficiency. The event also served as a platform for industry leaders to exchange best practices, explore innovative retrofitting technologies, and discuss the growing role of sustainability in hotel operations. HE Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Retrofit Summit is an important milestone in supporting the emirate’s journey towards a more energy efficient future, in line with the ambitions of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy. As Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector continues to evolve, this Summit accelerates the adoption of solutions that reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. By fostering industry-wide collaboration and drawing from data-driven insights, we are paving the way for the transition to energy-efficient hotels and venues, while advancing our mission to protect and preserve Abu Dhabi for future generations.” The hosting of the Retrofit Summit stemmed from an extensive Energy Audit Assessment project launched by DCT Abu Dhabi last year, which assessed energy consumption across all hotels and five venues in the emirate, offering tailored recommendations for energy efficiency improvements. Each establishment received a detailed report outlining actionable steps to enhance their sustainability, underscoring DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to support the green evolution of its hospitality sector. Representatives from over 20 organisations and six exhibitors participated in the event, sharing success stories from initiatives that have already delivered notable sustainability gains in Abu Dhabi. The Summit featured speeches …

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, the Sharjah World Championship Week begins tomorrow (Friday) in the emirate’s picturesque Khalid Lagoon. The finals of the world’s premier single-seater powerboat racing event will see 19 drivers competing for top spots to claim the “UIM F1H2O” World Championship title at the coveted Sharjah Grand Prix. In a press conference held today (Thursday), the event’s host, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) unveiled the exciting details of the Sharjah leg of the international championship, which is being organised by the authority. The press conference was held in the presence of HE Khaled Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA; Humaid Khalfan Al Kindi, a Board Member of Sharjah International Marine Sports Club; Nicolo Di San Germano, UIM F1 H2O promoter; racers; and media representatives. The final rounds of the Sharjah Grand Prix, set to take place Saturday and Sunday (December 7 – 8), will witness an exhilarating contest between elite world-class drivers. The UIM F1H2O World Championship includes a series of international races for single-seater powerboats. From the United Arab Emirates, several teams are competing for the championship title this year, including the Sharjah Team from the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, which features Canadian Rusty Wyatt, ranked second, and Finnish driver Filip Roms. The Abu Dhabi Team is also participating with racers Rashed Al Qemzi and Thani Al Qamzi from the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club. Additionally, the Victory Team from the Dubai International Marine Club is competing with racers Ahmad Al Fahim and Erik Stark.   H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of …

Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) kicked off a promotional tour covering Denmark, Sweden and Norway, under the leadership of His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Department. The tour, which will run until December 7, 2025, is part of the ongoing efforts to promote Ajman internationally and showcase its numerous tourism sites, events and offerings, while highlighting key factors that make the emirate a unique travel destination. The promotional tour, which also includes visits to the cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo, aims to explore various possibilities for future collaborations with representatives of their tourism sector. Through these visits, ATDD seeks to forge constructive agreements and partnerships that will improve cooperation with Scandinavian nations and encourage their citizens to travel to Ajman and explore its tourist destinations and new tourism initiatives, as well as experience the richness of its natural attractions and cultural and historical sites. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi said: “The promotional tour aligns with our objective to boost Ajman’s tourism sector by highlighting the emirate’s resources and unique experiences it provides to visitors from all over the world. Through this visit, we aim to strengthen our partnership with Scandinavian tourism companies, improve the flow of tourists from European markets to the emirate and solidify Ajman’s position on the regional and global tourism map”. Furthermore, the tour supports ATDD’s efforts to improve Ajman’s appeal in the tourism sector. It provides vast possibilities for developing tourism services, enhancing tourist experiences and hosting collaborative promotional events with target countries. Raising the number of tourists and visitors from Scandinavia is crucial for Ajman, as it can boost the tourism industry’s revenue and visitor numbers, both of which contribute to the …

Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar participated in the reception of the Celestial Journey as the ship docked on Qatari shores as part of its first tour of the Arabian Gulf region. The arrival of Celestial Journey is one of the highlights of Qatar’s 2024/2025 cruise season, which is set to see 95 cruises, including 33 return flights, 11 flights from Doha and 5 vessels visiting Doha Port for the first time. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, Mr. Abdulrahman Saad Al Baker, Director of Doha Port, along with representatives of local and international media. The ceremony included a review of the ship’s current and future flight schedule, in addition to a review of joint cooperation between strategic partners in Qatar to start the ship’s trips so that Doha Port will be the main station for its trips during the next three seasons. Speaking at the launch of the first cruise ship, Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, said: “The arrival of the Celestal Journey to Doha Port marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Celesteal, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading tourism destination in the Arabian Gulf region. This collaboration also highlights Qatar’s growing appeal as a destination offering unique cultural and travel experiences, and we are proud to collaborate with Mwani Qatar to deliver seamless operations and an enriching guest experience that reflects the hospitality and diverse tourism offerings Qatar has to offer.” Mr. Abdulrahman Saad Al Baker, Director of Doha Port, expressed his delight at the launch of the inaugural voyage of the Celestial Journey, where Doha Port will be the main port …

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Saudi Railway Polytechnic (SRP) have announced a new agreement to boost the capabilities of young Saudis looking to launch a career in AlUla and the Kingdom’s rapidly growing rail sector. Officially signed by representatives of The Royal Commission for AlUla and The Saudi Railway Polytechnic in November in Riyadh, the partnership aims to strengthen the long-term and sustainable development of young Saudi talent. The first stage of the agreement is planned to provide vocational training programmes in railway maintenance and operation that will build sector-specific subjects such as rolling stock and infrastructure through hands-on training. The comprehensive regeneration of AlUla is powering the development of new mobility options across the county, including new rail and tram services such as the Experiential Tram that will link key heritage, tourist, and residential sites once complete. Building the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of AlUla’s workforce is critical to achieving RCU’s transformational and development goals, as well as the long-term ambitions of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. The history of railways in Saudi Arabia stretches back to 1947 with the construction of the first line, which was followed by the inauguration of a railway linking Dammam with the capital Riyadh. The launch of the Haramain High Speed train Railway between Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City in 2018 was a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s rail sector, providing greatly improved speed, safety, and comfort for passengers. In 2021, SAR was created after the annulment of the previous national train operator, the Saudi Railways Organisation. Mohammed Alshkrah, The Human Capability Development VP at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “The ongoing regeneration of AlUla supports the …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority announces “Sharjah Championship Week” which is one of the most important events in the Sharjah tourism calendar as it draws spectators from across the world. The final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship will be held at Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon, with the participation of 19 drivers representing 9 teams, competing for the top three positions in the largest and most prominent championship of its kind in the world.  This takes place during the “Sharjah World Championships Week,” which attracts a selection of world champions in powerboat racing. Organized by “Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority,” the event will take place from 6th to 8th December and it will determine the world champions for the 2024 season for both drivers and teams. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, Sharjah is hosting the “Sharjah World Championship Week,” the final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship, “Grand Prix of Sharjah,” in its 23rd edition. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, highlighted the importance of the final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship as a significant global achievement for the UAE in general, and Sharjah emirate in particular, in the field of marine sports. He added, ” We are delighted to welcome world champions and fans of this thrilling sport to such a prestigious event. Hosting this championship reflects our commitment to supporting international sports while providing a prominent platform for world champions to compete on UAE soil. We are fully prepared to host …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) concluded its Annual Overseas Conference, a significant event bringing together representatives from DCT Abu Dhabi’s international offices and key global tourism partners from Abu Dhabi. The conference served as a platform for collaboration, strategy alignment, and information-sharing aimed at driving Abu Dhabi’s tourism growth across various international markets. The Annual Overseas Conference provided a dynamic platform for key tourism stakeholders in the emirate to engage with DCT Abu Dhabi’s overseas representatives from key international markets, including the UK, India, Germany, and the GCC, with a focus on optimising Abu Dhabi’s global presence. DCT Abu Dhabi shared strategic insights into the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030 and presenting new initiatives and offerings which will support long-term tourism growth. Attendees participated in market-specific networking sessions, fostering tailored collaborations that address the unique needs of each target region. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Annual Overseas Conference enables DCT Abu Dhabi to strengthen relationships with our valued partners, align on strategic objectives, and explore new avenues for enhancing Abu Dhabi’s appeal globally. Through these interactions, we are committed to delivering compelling experiences and ensuring Abu Dhabi remains a top destination for travellers worldwide.” This event underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to meaningful partnerships and accelerating tourism industry growth, aligning with the emirate’s goals to position Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for culture and leisure.

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in collaboration with Sea Going Green, American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Manbat, a platform founded by Arada to facilitate stronger ties between Emirati farmers and consumers. The signing took place during Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2024 (SITTF) to consolidate support and efforts for the Carbon Reduction Initiative, and to highlight the importance and impact of sustainable development on UAE and global sustainability goals. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA; Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer of Arada; Aleksandra (Ally) Dragozet, Founder & CEO of Sea Going Green, and Dr Steven Griffiths, Vice Chancellor for Research in AUS signed the MoU during SITTF that took place in Sharjah Expo Centre. The Carbon Reduction Initiative aims to pilot innovative food waste recovery and composting solutions within the tourism and hospitality sector, integrating cutting-edge technologies like blockchain-based carbon credit tracking to achieve measurable carbon reductions and support Sharjah’s sustainability goals. These announcements mark a pivotal advancement in SCTDA’s sustainability strategy, underscoring Sharjah’s leadership in sustainable tourism. The collaboration with esteemed partners enhances the credibility and scalability of these initiatives, ensuring that key messages emphasize SCTDA’s innovation, partnerships, and alignment with UAE and global sustainability goals.

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) recently hosted its first-ever Discover Jamaica Webinar for travel trade professionals in the GCC region, marking a significant step in promoting Jamaica as a premier destination to this key market. The event, held in collaboration with JTB’s GCC trade representative office, Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East, attracted an impressive registration of over 400 travel trade professionals from across the region. The webinar featured insights from Torrance Lewis, Jamaica Tourist Board’s District Sales Manager, alongside expert presenters from Buzz Travel Marketing. Participants were introduced to Jamaica’s world-class tourism offerings, highlighting the island’s luxurious resorts, vibrant culture, adventure experiences, and authentic culinary delights. “Together with our team on the ground, engaging with the GCC travel trade through this webinar highlights our commitment to building meaningful connections in the region. By showcasing Jamaica’s luxurious accommodations, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures, we aim to position our island as a top-tier destination for GCC travelers seeking unforgettable experiences,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism of Jamaica Tourist Board. “The Discover Jamaica Webinar demonstrates our dedicated efforts to establish Jamaica’s presence in the GCC travel market. It provided an ideal platform to present the diverse tourism offerings of the island, that is tailored to the GCC audience with its appreciation of extraordinary travel experiences, exclusivity, and rich culture,” said Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager of the Jamaica Tourist Board. To close the event, a raffle was drawn among attendees, with the grand prize valued at AED 19,000. The package for two included stays at the prestigious Round Hill Hotel and Villas and Half Moon Resort, access to VIP Attractions Lounge in Montego Bay Airport, meet-and-greet services, a catamaran cruise, and …