Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

While remaining confined to their homes for months, all people can do is dream about travelling to different exciting destinations across the globe. The outbreak of the pandemic has transformed the outlook of the people and way they look at travel. Considering the need of the hour, putting safety measures in place, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment hub, has geared up to welcome tourists with Safe Travel Protocols. The harmonization, coordination and digitalization of COVID-19 travel-related risk reduction measures, including testing, tracing and travel health certificates, are essential foundations to promote safe travel. Safety Measures Undertaken For Safe Travel Over the past year, Yas Island has introduced comprehensive measures on health and safety protocol following UAE authorities’ guidance to ensure visitors feel confident to return to the destination like nowhere else. To ensure that the guests feel safe and secure while travelling to Yas Island, the authorities at Yas Island have undertaken extraordinary safety measures to make sure that island sanitization, physical distancing, and capacity guidelines are up to global standards. Thermal scanners at entry points will monitor guest temperatures and the island will take extra precautions high-traffic areas and frequent touch points with increased cleaning and disinfection practices. Yas Island awarded coveted WTTC ‘Safe Travels’ stamp In recognition of its advanced safety efforts, Yas Island has received the coveted WTTC ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, marking it the first destination in Abu Dhabi to receive the international honor, providing additional reassurance to visitors looking forward to experiencing Yas Island and its many offerings – all safe in the knowledge that the island is maintaining the highest standards of public health and safety. Vaccination Drive Demonstrating its commitment to …

The UAE has extended the suspension imposed on entry of passengers flying from India into the country until May 14 on account of the situation. It had announced the suspension from midnight on April 25 until May 4. The only exceptions to the ban on entry are UAE nationals, diplomats and persons holding golden residency visas.

Los Angeles is starting its comeback, safely reopening museums, indoor dining, theme parks and outdoor live events including spectator sports, with appropriate capacity controls and safety protocols. Now, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is inspiring lovers of LA to start their comeback, whenever they are ready, with the launch of an advertising campaign. Los Angeles Tourism has developed new advertising that presents the concept of LA being a movie; specifically, a comeback story. A double entendre, the comeback story is a nod to the challenges the destination has faced over the past year, while acknowledging the overflowing optimism for the future – with the campaign’s creative aiming to inspire visitors to come back to LA. Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism, says, “Our focus groups around the world have taught us that visitors view a trip to Los Angeles as a transformative experience. LA’s more than 300 days of healing sunshine, spirit-lifting champion sports teams, inspiring cultural attractions, electric new hotels and restaurants, and endless outdoor experiences are the balm travelers seek.”          

Speaking on the sidelines of Virtual Gulf Travel Show 2021, Manoharan Periasamy, senior director of International Promotion Asia & Africa Division, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board said, “Tourism Malaysia has pan-India presence, however, Gujarat remains one of our main markets for tourism. For this, our Mumbai-based office is touching base with international tourism operators in Ahmedabad.” Of the 5 lakh tourists visiting Malaysia every year, before the pandemic, a major chunk was from Gujarat.

The UAE has affirmed that it stands in full solidarity with India amidst the challenging health situation in the country. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s leisure and entertainment hub, lit up in solidarity with the people of India as the country faces a record surge in Covid-19 cases. In light of the current situation, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island displayed the flag of India on its grid shell light canopy last night, as Yas Island extended a message of hope and unity.

After a gap of two years, Spain Tourism has restarted its Spain Specialist Programme (SSP), its e-learning platform designed by Turespaña to familiarise tourism professionals with Spanish culture, the regions of Spain, and its tourist attractions. All the SSP courses are free of charge and the travel trade can take it at their own convenience. Its online campus is available at http://campus.spain.travel/en-in/.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have announced a ‘Destination Tracker’ in preparation for the restart of international travel. The UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker is a new free online tool for governments to provide information on COVID-19 requirements for travel and the measures in place at the destination. The tool is available through the websites of both organizations.

The much-awaited virtual show MICE Engage 2021 organised by JTB India will take place today from 10am IST onwards. The event will see key travel service providers exhibiting at the show who will meet decision-makers from top corporate companies in India. For more information, contact Kritika Kunden at kritika_k.in@jtbap.com or Deepali Gupta at deepali_g.in@jtbap.com.

AVIAREPS, the India representative for Budget Rent A Car, will conduct its first-ever presentation for the Indian travel trade on Tuesday, 27 April at 11 am IST. Khushbu Vora, its Account Manager, will highlight Budget’s offerings to the trade and stand a chance to win exciting prizes. To sign up, contact Jaspreet Kaur on 9650196532 or jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.

The Tourism Office of Spain – Mumbai will conduct its next webinar ‘I Travel Because Its My Turn’ for the travel trade today at 3pm IST. This interactive session will be conducted by representatives from the AVE Cities Network and will also include a product update by BLS International. Participants stand a chance to win Amazon vouchers on attending all the webinars. To register, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.