Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

In line with the updated international entry guidelines recently announced by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that Abu Dhabi is set to welcome all fully vaccinated tourists and residents travelling from all countries around the world, as well as unvaccinated visitors from ‘Green List’ countries, with no quarantine measures. Vaccines must be approved by the World Health organisation (WHO). This will take effect starting 5 September 2021. HE Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said: “Abu Dhabi has implemented world-class COVID-19 safety procedures and an accelerated vaccination programme, which has seen a 90 percent vaccination rate in the UAE capital. These precautionary measures have enabled us to protect our citizens, residents and visitors. We look forward to welcoming back international travellers from around the world, to experience the wide and unique offerings our beautiful emirate has to offer.” Registering International vaccinations or exemption documents In order to support seamless entry for international travellers and enable visitors to safely enjoy the the UAE capital’s diverse experiences through the Abu Dhabi Green Pass, DCT Abu Dhabi has outlined a simple process to enable tourists to register their international vaccination certificate or vaccination exemption document for verification 5 days before their travel date, via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) Smart app or via ica.gov.ae website. Applicants will receive an SMS confirmation that will include a link to the Alhosn app, which must be downloaded prior to travel. The Alhosn app displays users’ vaccination status and PCR test results, which are required to activate the Abu …

The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi will be organising a webinar titled, ‘Rediscover MICE in Abu Dhabi’ on Tuesday 7th September, 2021 at 3pm IST. One of the panelists on the webinar is Roula Jouny, Executive Director, Tourism 365. Speaking about their focus, she said, “Post COVID, we see a huge potential to develop the MICE business to Abu Dhabi from India following the strategic partnership between the two countries, the frequency of the accessibility of the destination through both airlines Etihad and Emirates as well as the important commercial exchange between the two countries.”

As of 26th June 2021, Indian travellers fully vaccinated with Covishield can enter Switzerland without having to undergo quarantine. The Embassy of Switzerland and VFS Global have started accepting applications for all types of Schengen Swiss visas. Switzerland Tourism, in partnership with the Visa Section of the Embassy of Switzerland, will conduct a special webinar for the travel trade highlighting the latest news and information about the visa process and travel procedure for Indian travellers today at 3pm IST. To register, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

AVIAREPS India has won the Integrated Sales Marketing and Public Relations mandate for Utah Office of Tourism in India for next five years. The aim is to position the tourism offerings of Utah in India. Rachel Bremer, Tourism Global Markets Director, Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, said, “The Utah Office of Tourism’s mission is to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship. We do this through marketing, stewardship, and development. Guided by this mission, we are facing the challenge of responsibly rebuilding Utah’s visitor economy and international visitation. Our partnership with AVIAREPS will help us to not only rebuild but, to expand in India; to forge strategic partnerships that will increase our market share. Utah beckons the road-tripper, the slow traveller, the family, and the experiential traveller, those that will enjoy the viewpoints along our scenic byways, hiking in our national parks, and exploring our urban core along the Wasatch Mountains. We look forward to working with AVIAREPS to expand our product development, execute campaigns, increase Utah’s brand awareness, and work with the industry collectively.”   Speaking on the company’s diverse and expanding product portfolio, Ellona Pereira, Head, AVIAREPS India, said, “We are elated to represent the Utah Office of Tourism in India for the next five years and our immediate priority is to localize their global strategy by providing end to end solutions. In fact, some of the tourism offerings that the Utah State has to offer are apt for the Indian outbound tourists who post the pandemic, are seeking places of tranquillity, craving wide open spaces and inspiring views, as nature breaks continue to be more appealing and on-trend these days. Our team of experts will work towards the development and implementation …

Austrian authorities have announced that Indian travellers with proof of full vaccination, will not be required to register for pre-travel clearance, and will not be required to undergo self-isolation. Exemption will also be made for travellers who have stayed in a safe country for 10 days prior to their arrival in Austria.They will also need to carry fully-vaccinated proof or proof of past infection. However, travellers who provide proof of past infection or show a negative test report, will need to register digitally in advance to obtain pre-travel clearance. They will also be required to self-isolate for 10 days, but can end their quarantine period early if they have a test after the 5th day of isolation.

Experience AlUla will conduct another exciting webinar for the Indian travel trade to educate and give an update on the various leisure offerings, MICE facilities, hotels and suppliers in AlUla. It will be held today at 3pm IST where attendees will stand a chance to win exciting prizes. To register, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Swiss Government, and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has announced that children travelling with fully vaccinated adults will not be required to quarantine from 4th August 2021. Only children between 16 and 18 will need an RT-PCR report before boarding the plane and upon arrival. Switzerland started welcoming fully vaccinated tourists across its border starting 23rd June 2021.

UAE authorities recognised and approved vaccinations done in India. Anil Punjabi, Chairman (East), Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI) has revealed, “UAE’s National Emergency & Crisis Management Authority has informed that passengers who have taken both doses of either Covishield or Covaxin in India to fly back if they have residency permits. The only requirement is that they should have completed the vaccination at least 14 days prior to travel.” Adding that the move will help hundreds of people who were stranded in India since March.

Experience AlUla will conduct another exciting webinar for the Indian travel trade to educate and give an update on the various leisure offerings, MICE facilities, hotels and suppliers in AlUla. It will be held on Wednesday, August 18 at 3pm IST where attendees will stand a chance to win exciting prizes. To register, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532 or register here directly https://event.webinarjam.com/register/270/lxq25trq

VisitBritain along with British Educational Travel Association will conduct a Youth Travel Workshop 2021 from 19-20 October 2021. This virtual event is aimed at youth, student and educational travel professionals who are buying and selling products, programmes, itineraries and services, specifically aimed at the inbound UK youth, student and educational travel market. Registrations are open now. The event will be split into two half-day sessions.