Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Expedia Group, one of the world’s leading online travel agencies, have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership, formalised at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025. This multi-year agreement, signed by HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi and Jennifer Andre, VP of Business Development, Expedia Group Advertising, will  implement targeted consumer advertising campaigns and initiatives across 15 key source markets across Expedia Group brand sites and apps, including Expedia, Vrbo and Hotels.com. The partnership aims to significantly boost awareness and inspire global traveller interest in Abu Dhabi’s diverse and unique tourism offerings. Building on the success of the Sunshine Pass campaign launched by DCT Abu Dhabi and Expedia earlier this year at Arabian Travel Market, this expanded collaboration will intensify promotional efforts, and further position Abu Dhabi as a premier year-round destination, encouraging deeper exploration of its rich cultural heritage, activities, and attractions. HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Strategic partnerships with global travel leaders like Expedia Group are fundamental to our long-term vision for sustained tourism growth across diverse markets. This expanded collaboration will significantly strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global promotion, highlighting our unique cultural and tourism attractions. We are committed to showcasing Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a year-round destination, creating lasting value for our tourism sector and welcoming every type of visitor.” By ensuring prominent visibility across Expedia Group’s expansive network of brands, this partnership will maximise Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a vibrant, world-class destination for holidaymakers. Planned initiatives will strategically target visitors for the upcoming winter sun holiday period and …

South Africa revealed its most exquisite stories through a journey unlike any other — an Ultra-Luxury Familiarisation Trip curated by Chalo Southern Africa, powered by Albatros Travel Africa. Designed exclusively for top Indian travel trade professionals, this 10-day odyssey under The Privileged Concierge program redefined how luxury can educate, inspire, and connect. The itinerary was nothing short of cinematic. It began at Jumeirah Thanda Safari Lodge, nestled within the 16,500-hectare Zululand reserve, where Zulu heritage met modern luxury. Each villa came with a private butler, plunge pool, and panoramic savannah views. Game drives revealed the Big Five, while evenings were spent under starry skies, indulging in Jumeirah’s unmatched hospitality. From the wilderness, the group moved to Johannesburg, where history awaited at Sanctuary Mandela, the original residence of Nelson Mandela, now a refined nine-room boutique hotel by the Motsamayi Group. Each suite tells a powerful story — of struggle, forgiveness, and leadership. For the participants, it wasn’t just a stay, it was a moment of reflection. During their stay, Chalo Southern Africa and Albatros Travel Africa hosted a special sit-down dinner at the property, attended by Mr. Gcobani “GodsWill” Mancotywa, Regional General Manager – Asia, Australasia & Middle East, South African Tourism. The evening unfolded into a warm, insightful conversation about the growing significance of the Indian market for South Africa’s tourism future — highlighting a shared ambition for deeper trade and cultural ties. The group was also treated to a surprise stay at Honeyguide Conservation Lodge, a newly launched property by Albatros Travel Africa within the spectacular Entabeni Private Game Reserve. The experience combined nature, comfort, and conservation — with tailor-made cuisine, genuine hospitality, and stunning views of the Waterberg mountains. It …

Receiving the ‘Luxury Destination of the Year’ award for VisitBritain at the India Travel Awards 2025, Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said, “It’s amazing because Indian tourists spent over 800 million pounds in 2024, setting a new record. We are incredibly proud of the scale of Indian tourism to the UK, and we are honoured to receive this award tonight on behalf of VisitBritain.”

In Mumbai to meet the new Country Manager for India, Ritu Verma, and interact with the trade, Gary Robson, Director (Europe, Middle East & India), VisitBritain, says, “Indian visitors will spend nearly £1 billion while visiting the UK this year. The India-UK connectivity is strong and growing with 166 direct flights a week without including the recent Indigo’s Delhi-Manchester route.”

His Excellency Josel F Ignacio, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to India, speaking after the resumption of direct flights between New Delhi and Manila, said that the country has been trying to recover its pre-pandemic tourism numbers. “With visa-free entry for Indian tourists and Air India reviving this route, we are confident of surpassing pre-COVID arrivals and welcoming more Indian friends to our shores.” In 2019, the Philippines welcomed 130,000 Indian tourists annually, a number that was steadily rising before the pandemic. “We were optimistic that the number would double in the coming years, but COVID happened. From 57,000 arrivals two years ago, we grew to about 78,000 last year, showing significant recovery,” he noted. His Excellency Ignacio expressed optimism about faster growth ahead. “Now we feel the increase will not just be incremental. We will reach the pre-COVID number sooner because of two enabling factors. First, the Philippines grant of 14-day visa-free entry to Indian tourists. And secondly, thanks to Air India for reviving the New Delhi–Manila route. With these two elements, we are confident we will be welcoming more Indian friends to our shores.”

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has hosted the Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow across New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai from 8-12 September 2025. These events, part of a series of roadshow events hosted by DCT Abu Dhabi, provided local travel trade partners with a comprehensive overview of Abu Dhabi’s dynamic tourism offerings, upcoming attractions, and strategic partnerships. The three-city roadshow showcased the growth opportunities Abu Dhabi presents to Indian travellers, while facilitating meetings between representatives from Abu Dhabi’s hotels, attractions, airlines, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and India’s top travel agencies and tour operators. India is Abu Dhabi’s top source market for inbound tourism. In 2024, the emirate welcomed over 360,000 Indian hotel guests, a 43% increase from the previous year, and is projected to welcome over 400,000 visitors in 2025. Indian travellers have shown strong interest in Abu Dhabi as a destination, with the growth in visitors being driven by an extensive calendar of live events, cultural experiences, increased flight connectivity from major Indian cities, and a diverse range of travel products that appeal to Indian families, luxury seekers, MICE travellers, and trade partners. This represents an exciting opportunity for India’s travel industry professionals to engage with a growing market. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The roadshows in India marked a significant step forward in our collaborative work with our valued partners to create memorable experiences for visitors travelling from India to Abu Dhabi. It also allowed India’s travel trade representatives to explore the innovative ideas and shared value that DCT Abu Dhabi has strived to create within the industry, a value that we believe benefits everyone and …

Zimbabwe took a bold stride during the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, as the event was hosted for the very first time in Mutare, Manicaland Province, after 17 years in Bulawayo. The milestone was amplified by the inaugural Air Zimbabwe flight from Harare to Mutare, welcomed in grand style at Grand Reef Aerodrome by Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Felix Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, alongside senior officials from Air Zimbabwe, and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe. This landmark flight signaled a new era of accessibility for the Eastern Highlands. As part of its strategic drive to captivate the Indian market, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in India, invited nine leading Indian travel buyers for an immersive journey from the Eastern Highlands to Victoria Falls. The Embassy continues to play a pivotal role in marketing Zimbabwe as an authentic and multi-dimensional destination, ensuring that the country’s rich cultural, natural, and adventure offerings are effectively communicated to Indian travelers. The journey began in Nyanga, where the timeless charm of Montclair Resort & Casino set the tone with warm hospitality and breathtaking vistas. At Aberfoyle Lodge, the group experienced a retreat — with misty mornings, waterfall nearby, and organic meals tailored to Indian palates, all wrapped in a Victorian-era ambiance. Highlights of the Eastern Highlands included: Scaling Mount Nyangani – conquering Zimbabwe’s tallest peak (2,593m) for sweeping views above the clouds Adrenaline at Mutarazi Falls – ziplining across Africa’s second-highest waterfall, an unforgettable heart-racing feat Classic hospitality – from the …

Tourism India Alliance (TIA) successfully concluded its Malaysia Mega Destination Showcase FAM trip, bringing together a strong delegation of 40 leading travel agents and tour operators from across India. The FAM cum study tour was organized in association with Malaysia Tourism, Langkawi Development Board, Malaysia Airlines, Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Association (MITTA), and Malaysia Airlines, with the objective of showcasing Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthening bilateral tourism ties between India and Malaysia. Over the course of the program, delegates explored the unique attractions of Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur and Genting along with some of Malaysia’s emerging destinations. The showcase highlighted the country’s vibrant culture, pristine natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and strong positioning as a preferred destination for both leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel. Participants had the opportunity to engage in exclusive property visits, cultural experiences, and B2B networking sessions with Malaysian DMCs, hoteliers, and tourism stakeholders, aimed at creating stronger collaborations and future business opportunities. Speaking on the occasion, Mukesh Jain, EVP – Tourism India Alliance (TIA), said: “This Mega Destination Showcase has been an eye-opener for our delegates, many of whom were visiting Malaysia for the first time. The warmth, hospitality, and excellent support extended by Malaysia Tourism, Langkawi Development Board, MITTA, and Tourland DMC made this program truly memorable. We believe this initiative will significantly contribute to enhancing Malaysia’s visibility and appeal among Indian travellers, particularly in the leisure and MICE segments.” “We are grateful to Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General – Tourism Malaysia, Dato Aruldass Arulandu, President – MITTA and Mr Amit Mehta, Regional Manager – South Asia, Middle East & Africa at Malaysia Airlines for their unconditional and generous support that …

The 68th TAAI Convention was inaugurated at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI, in his address said, “At this convention, we will not only explore business techniques and innovations, but also how our actions can amplify the good that sustains both communities and commerce.”

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the National Tourism Organization of Nepal, is pleased to inform you all that peace, stability, and normalcy have been fully restored across the country following recent political developments. With the formation of Interim Government under the premiership of the first female Prime Minister of Nepal Rt. Hon’ble Sushila Karki, daily life has resumed smoothly, businesses and offices are open, and citizens are returning to their livelihoods with renewed optimism after partially imposed curfews and restrictions on travel. A spirit of hope—particularly among youth—reflects growing confidence in good governance and socio-economic prosperity. Interim Government has assured timely elections, further strengthening public trust and stability. For travelers, these changes bring positive assurance. Public transportation, domestic and international flights, and all major tourist destinations are operating normally. Hotels, restaurants, and travel services are open and welcoming guests in safe and comfortable environment. Tourism in Nepal has a remarkable history of resilience. Despite past crises, including natural disasters and political challenges, Nepal’s tourism industry has consistently bounced back, showcasing the enduring spirit of its people, support of international tourism fraternity, and the timeless allure of its landscapes and heritage. Globally, destinations that have faced similar political upheavals have demonstrated tourism’s ability to recover swiftly, and Nepal is no exception. NTB is confident that tourism sector will once again rebound, stronger than ever, as visitors return to experience the unparalleled beauty of the Himalaya, vibrant cultural traditions, and sacred sites. Nepal is now safe, peaceful, and ready to host visitors from around the world. For the latest travel updates and advisories, please visit NTB’s official website at www.nfb.gov.np or contact our offices directly.