Category Archives: Exhibitions

Ajman Tourism exhibits its sustainable and secure tourism initiatives at the Arabian Travel Market

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) along with its partners in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors had showcased pioneering and secure tourism projects focused on sustainability at the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 edition at Dubai World Trade Center.

These projects align with the sustainable tourism guidelines envisioned in Ajman Tourism Vision 2030 – which will see the emirate emerge as a major international tourist destination in the world with a focus on sustainable and eco-tourism projects.

Numbeo.com, a global research portal, has named Ajman the fourth safest city in the world for 2023, surpassing many of its regional counterparts. This accolade will undoubtedly enhance its appeal as a tourist destination, particularly for international travellers who prioritize safety when selecting their leisure travel destinations.

Speaking about the participation at ATM, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General, Ajman Department of Tourism Development, said, “Our participation at ATM comes in support of our partners from the travel, tourism, hospitality and government sectors who will collectively promote the destination Ajman – the best-kept secret of the UAE’s tourism industry.”

He also added, “Our participation at the Arabian Travel Market comes at the backdrop of continuous growth in the tourism industry which is a major contributor to the emirate’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as well as the recently announced Public-Private Partnership law that came into effect from January 2023 that will boost investment in tourism projects in the coming years, when we will see the development of new hotel resorts, sustainable tourism development projects.”.

Ajman’s tourism industry has been on a steady growth trajectory, due to the emirate’s expanding array of attractions such as natural beaches, mangroves, a rising number of hotels, resorts, eateries, traditional markets, entertainment venues, and newly emerging tourism projects that cater to both domestic and foreign visitors.

The emirate of Ajman, hosts 44 hotel establishments ranging from 1-star to 5-star hotels, resorts and luxury hotel apartments with 3,997 hotel rooms and 250 tourism establishments that serve a growing number of regional and international tourists.

Following a stellar growth in 2022, Ajman hotels and serviced apartments recorded a 3 percent growth in hotel revenues in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022 – mostly due to higher demand that is pushing the Average Daily Room (ADR) Rate, making investment in hotels and tourism industry more profitable.

Young Adult (19-35) continues to occupy the biggest share of age profile followed by Middle Aged (36-55) both contributing to around 70 percent of the total arrivals. Although business tourism is picking up, leisure remains the main purpose of visit to Ajman representing 70 percent of the total arrivals.

It is also very encouraging that the number of non-UAE residents (international arrivals) increased by 26 percent in 2022 compared to 2021 which shows that Ajman has set itself on the international tourism map and demand on Ajman is increasing.

However, UAE continues to be the main source markets in Ajman – mainly staycations, corporate business and MICE business while Russian Federation, India, UK and Germany are their top 10 international feeder markets.

The number of non-UAE residents (international arrivals) increased by 26 percent in 2022 compared to 2021 which shows that Ajman has set itself on the international tourism map and demand on Ajman is increasing.

Goa Tourism held a series of successful B2B meetings on the first day at ATM Dubai

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa successfully concluded the first day at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai. The delegation, led by Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, included Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Minister of Tourism; Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism, and Pradeep Binnar, Asst. Director of Tourism. The Goa pavilion showcasing the unique attractions of Goa was inaugurated by H.E. Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

On the first day, the delegation engaged in a series of productive B2B meetings with various dignitaries, partners and potential partners to discuss upcoming tourism projects and explore business opportunities.

Goa Tourism held several meetings during the event, including a meeting with Fly Dubai to discuss airline connectivity and cooperation initiatives between Goa and Dubai.

The delegation also met with Miral Destinations, the people behind the iconic Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, to discuss tourism opportunities and knowledge sharing on the development and management of branded theme parks.

Besides this, the delegation also had meetings with the most senior executive officials from Qatar Airways and Gulf Air.

According to the release, “These meetings are of particular importance for Goa as they are both major airlines in the Gulf region that have a significant impact on tourism. Qatar Airways and Gulf Air are crucial for Goa’s tourism industry due to the strategic location and connectivity they provide. Qatar Airways is one of the world’s top-rated airlines, operating daily flights from Goa to Doha, which connects Goa to several other international destinations, making it an attractive destination for tourists worldwide. Similarly, Gulf carriers such as Gulf Air provide seamless connectivity to Goa from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.”

Goa’s international tourism industry relies on air connectivity, and the Middle East airlines play a vital role in boosting tourism in the state. They provide a gateway for tourists from the Middle East, Europe, and other regions, making it easier for them to reach Goa. This creates a significant opportunity for the state’s tourism industry to attract a vast number of visitors from these regions, contributing to the state’s economy.

Moreover, Qatar Airways and Gulf Airlines collaboration with the Goa Tourism Department can promote the state’s tourism offering through various marketing campaigns and tacticals, such as attractive tour packages and discounted airfare. This collaboration can increase the visibility of Goa’s tourism offerings, such as its picturesque beaches, rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and adventure sports activities, among tourists.

In essence, collaboration with these airlines and the Goa Tourism Department can further boost FTAs in the state and contribute to its economic growth.

Ministry of Tourism launches “Visit India Year 2023” campaign at ATM in Dubai, UAE

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is participating in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, being held from 01st to 04th May 2023 in Dubai, UAE. The Arabian Travel Market is one of the leading global events for the travel and tourism industry, attracting visitors and exhibitors from around the world. India’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2023 is a significant step towards promoting India as a preferred travel destination among the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets. With its diverse culture, heritage, cuisine, and natural beauty, Adventure, MICE, luxury, wildlife, wellness, India is a popular destination for travellers seeking unique and authentic experiences.

Ministry of Tourism, is showcasing “Incredible India” and launched Visit India Year 2023 campaign at the event, highlighting India’s diverse tourism offerings and the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices. The India Pavilion is showcasing India’s rich cultural and natural heritage, including its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and spiritual destinations.

The event also provides an opportunity for the Ministry to strengthen ties with the Middle East and North Africa tourism industry, including travel agents, tour operators, airlines, and media representatives. The delegation will participate in various networking events, B2B meetings, and media interactions to promote India as a tourism destination and establish partnerships with industry stakeholders.

India’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2023 underscores the country’s commitment to promoting tourism as a driver of economic growth and employment generation. Government of India remains committed to enhancing India’s tourism infrastructure and promoting India as a world-class tourism destination.

The India pavilion was inaugurated on 1st May at the Arabian Travel Mart 2023 Dubai by the Indian Ambassador to UAE, H.E. Sunjay Sudhir in presence of Gyan Bhushan, Sr. Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, GOI, K. Lakshminaryanan Kannan, Tourism Minister of Puducherry, Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of State Government of Goa and Arun Srivastava, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GOI.

A strong participation from India at Arabian Travel Mart 2023 Dubai, consisting of more than 65 State Tourism Departments/UTs, Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Hotel Chains, Airlines etc. is expected to boost inbound travel to India from the Middle East region. ATM provides a much needed opportunity for Indian Tourism industry stakeholders to connect with global travel trade and promote India.

Thailand Week Trade Fair & Festival 2023 in New Delhi aims to boost trade, business

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), by Thai Trade Center New Delhi, in association with the Royal Thai Embassy and Tourism Authority in New Delhi, organised Thailand Week Trade Fair & Festival 2023, from 16th – 19th March 2023, at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi.

Speaking on this, Phusit Ratanakul, Director-General Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, said, “India and Thailand have been collaborating with each other on trade and development, the collaboration has been strengthened to the next level after both countries entered the “New Normal” era where we can resume our businesses in the regular manner. One indicator is the bilateral trade volume between two countries, which reached a new high record at 17.70 billion dollars in 2022. This partly contributes to the great effort of India and Thailand, especially the well-developed policy of the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand (Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit), and DITP practical changes in strategies, mindsets and working methods.”

The Thailand Week Trade Fair & Festival 2023 provides Indian consumers with opportunities to indulge themselves with Thailand’s amazing cultures and experience the high quality of Thai products. Meanwhile, local importers and distributors can source profitable Thai products and seek lucrative trade opportunities with Thai exporters, which can lead to sustainable partnerships and strong competitiveness for both sides.

“The Thailand Week Trade Fair & Festival 2023” aims to boost trade, business, and people-to-people contact between Thailand and India. We have worked closely with Indian distribution networks and retailers to understand the consumer’s needs and trends. As a result, a wide variety of more than 150 Thai products from 31 exhibitors are showcased at the Thailand Week Trade Fair & Festival 2023, ranging from Food & Beverages, Fashion & Lifestyles, Health & Beauty, and household decorations products, baby products, toys for children, pet products, services like restaurants and spas to meet demands of the growing Indian market,” Saithong Soiphet, Director of Thai Trade Center New Delhi, said.

Goa Tourism strengthens ties with travel trade at ITB Berlin 2023

The Department of Tourism (DOT), Government of Goa, recently participated in the Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB) Berlin 2023, the world’s largest travel trade show held in Berlin, Germany, from 7th to 9th March. The Department had a clear objective at the trade fair to showcase the diversity of tourism options beyond the beaches and promote the state’s unique culture, heritage, and natural beauty.

The Goa Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2023 received encouraging response and was inaugurated by Arvind Singh, Secretary of Tourism, Government of India, and the Ambassador of India to Germany, His Excellency Harish Parvathaneni. Under the theme of ‘Mastering Transformation,’ the Goa Pavilion showcased its exuberant culture and promoted its responsible tourism ethos to the global travel industry. The pavilion served as an excellent platform for promoting Goa’s tourism offerings.

At the event, representatives from Goa Tourism engaged in a series of productive B2B meetings with travel agents and tour operators from Germany. The delegation also spoke with members of the press to promote Goa’s wide range of tourism offerings and upcoming events. Among the topics discussed was the recent addition of the new airport at Mopa, which is expected to enhance connectivity to the region. Additionally, the delegation highlighted the importance of the upcoming G20 meetings and the Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier. Throughout the event, the travel trade showed particular interest in visa facilities, safety, accessibility, and new tourism offerings. In response, the delegation made a strong effort to promote Goa beyond its beaches, focusing on hinterland and eco tourism, waterfalls, etc.

Goa Tourism put a significant effort into showcasing its diverse offerings beyond the beaches, including hinterland and eco-tourism, waterfalls, bird watching, monsoons, culture, and cuisine. The ITB Berlin 2023 was an excellent opportunity for Goa Tourism to strengthen existing relationships and establish new ones within the travel industry.

12th edition of “Great India Travel Bazar” to be held in Jaipur from April 23-25

The 12th edition of Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) will be organised from April 23- 25, 2023 under the joint aegis of Rajasthan Tourism Department, Ministry of Tourism and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI). GITB will be inaugurated on April 23rd, while exhibition and B2B meetings will commence from April 24th and continue till 25th April at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC Campus), Sitapura, Jaipur.

In this connection, a preview meeting was organised recently at ‘Khasa Kothi’ premises. The meeting was presided by Gayatri Rathod (IAS), Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Govt. of Rajasthan. Director of the Department, Dr. Rashmi Sharma (IAS), the officers of the Tourism Department and officials from FICCI were present in the meeting.

Speaking on this, Rathod, said, “All the foreign delegates participating in GITB would be brought from Delhi to Jaipur by the ‘Palace on Wheels’. The year 2023 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Millet, and as such a series of millet food products along with Rajasthan’s traditional food will be made available for the foreign delegates during the inaugural session of GITB”.

FICCI President, Deepak Deva who was also present at the meeting said, “More than 230 delegates will be participating at the 12th edition of GITB this year and the number is likely to increase further by mid of April. Foreign delegates from several countries including Australia, Germany, France and Spain will be part of the event.” While concluding the meeting, President of FICCI Rajasthan Chapter, Randhir Vikras Singh thanked everyone for their support and cooperation.