Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will be taking part in the inaugural edition of ITB India. This first edition of ITB India, which will take place from 7th to 9th April, has been organised to connect stakeholders to the Indian travel market through a three-day, business-to-business, virtual event. DCT Abu Dhabi will be presenting a virtual exclusive session as part of the event, where HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi, will be discussing Abu Dhabi’s roadmap for the future of travel and tourism. Addressing the UAE capital’s continuous efforts to overcome the challenges which have been brought on by the pandemic, he will focus on the importance of collaboration within the industry and highlights the emirate’s long-term vision to deliver appealing yet distinctive tourism and cultural destination that is ready to welcome the world. Showcasing the ambitious Go Safe campaign, which has standardised health and safety protocols across the emirate, he will also discuss other pioneering initiatives, real-time trends, and upcoming projects and attractions that will create memorable experiences for travellers in Abu Dhabi. “We are delighted to participate in the inaugural ITB India. India is a key source market for us and we value the trust that Indian travellers have in us as a destination,” said HE Al Shaiba. “Through our ongoing initiatives to maintain high standards of safety and hygiene, including the Go Safe initiative and a countrywide efficient vaccination drive, we aim to make Abu Dhabi the preferred travel destination for Indian travellers. “Abu Dhabi boasts a wide range of tourism and MICE offerings, catering to all types of travellers. We …

Close to 300 Indian travel agents tuned in to CruiseWorld India 2021 organised by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Northstar Travel.  Helmed by Genting Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, STB and leading cruise agents, the session instilled confidence in Singapore”s cruise recovery and the steps taken by the Singapore cruise industry in the safe resumption of cruising even as Singapore has not opened for international cruise travel. Singapore has pioneered the world’s first Cruise Safe certification programme with stringent hygiene and safety measures throughout the passenger journey. The results have been very encouraging.  More than 90 sailings had taken place and 120,000 Singapore residents had experienced seacation with cruise to nowhere itinerary.

The Tourism Office of Spain – Mumbai will conduct a webinar ‘Returning to Sevilla’ on 8th April at 3pm IST for travel trade professionals to showcase MICE experiences in Sevilla by representatives from the Congress and Convention Bureau Sevilla. The city of Sevilla that leaves its mark on every visitor. Perhaps its because of the grandeur of its monuments or maybe the scent of jasmine in its squares, or it could be the rhythm of flamenco dancing or the Spanish guitar music in its streets, or the grand celebration of its festivals. Participants stand a chance to win Amazon vouchers on attending all webinars. To register, contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Opening in 2022, Amaala will be an ultra-luxury resort destination spanning three sites – a first for the region. Its pristine natural environment and temperate climate will provide a magnificent backdrop to premium facilities, diverse offerings and engaging experiences. Hidden in plain sight on Saudi Arabia’s north western coast, Amaala will be a place of self-transformation inspired by the arts, wellness and the purity of the Red Sea.

CruiseWorld India 2021 is slated on 6th April 2021. “With this virtual event, STB India aims to re-engage with our partner-friends in the cruise holiday business. Themed “Charting our Pathway to Cruise Recovery”, the event will highlight the safe, gradual resumption of cruise operations in Singapore and provide destination updates,” shares GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East and South Asia, Singapore Tourism Board.

Sulaiman Bin Suip, Director, Tourism Malaysia, North & East India, has said that as they continue to gear themselves for opening borders, they have been conducting activities in the market. “Our participation in the Gulf Travel Show itself is part of our plan for gearing up towards border opening. I hope the travel fraternity will be participating in the show will continue to engage with us and we will try as much was we can to engage with them to ensure that our destination and products are. Also, we will tell them that we are taking all necessary measures to ensure a safe destination for their clients and travellers,” he added.

Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board, has said that their government may soon open land borders with India so that the number of tourists visiting can grow. “There are immigration points between India and Nepal near Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gorakhpur, Lucknow and Bihar. I have suggested to the industry in India that they make land transport packages to Nepal,” he said.

Updating the trade on its preparedness for the future, Dr Dhananjay Regmi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said that Nepal is all set to welcome international tourists. “We are looking at changing the perception of Nepal. It’s not just a pilgrimage site, but it has a lot more to offer including lower hill treks, nightlife & adventure activities as well.”

UAE cabinet chaired by HH Sheikh Mohammed, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced that UAE has approved a multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities of all countries to strengthen the UAE’s status as a global economic capital. The cabinet also adopted a new remote work visa that enables employees from all over the world to live and work remotely for one year from the UAE even if their companies are based in another country. The first-of-its-kind visa is aimed at establishing the UAE as a major ‘global tourism destination’.

Razaidi Abd Rahim, Director, Tourism Malaysia, South India and Sri Lanka, shares that they are looking forward to participate in the Gulf Travel Show 2021 which will be held from March 31-April 1. “It marks our inaugural participation, and not only refreshing and widening our contact base, but most importantly, strengthening brand Malaysia Truly Asia,” he says.