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    Val Thorens in Les 3 Vallées Set to Open Early Due to Excellent Early Snow Fall With Passes Just €20

    The Association Les 3 Vallées announces today that, due to negative temperatures and significant early snowfall, Val Thorens will be open a week early with some select slopes skiable from November 18, 2023.These include the Funitel Péclet, the Cascade chairlift and all the magic carpets in the centre of the resort which will be available from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
    For this pre-opening week only – up to Saturday November 25, 2023 – skiers and snowboarders will be able to hit the slopes at a discounted rate of just €20 per day, with Val Thorens’ mountain operation staff working hard to prepare the entire ski area for full operation in time for the La Grande Première.  This is Val Thorens’ big annual launch event– held over the weekend of November 25 & 26, 2023 – where top ski, clothing and accessory brands create a tent village in Place de Caron so that enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders can register and then test out the latest equipment for an hour or two.
    Olivier Desaulty, the Association Les 3 Vallées’ executive director, explains, “Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort at 2,300m and we’re super excited that they’re opening early, with passes at such a compelling rate.  Other resorts in Les 3 Vallées system have also had decent early snow. For example, 60 to 80 cm has fallen on Mont Saulire which links Courchevel to Méribel, so it’s looking like a very positive start for winter 2023/24.”
    To kick off the season, other key events are also being held in Val Thorens: the Ski Mountaineering World Cup (November 24 to 26) as well as the Skicross World Cup (December 5 to 8).
    For the specific opening and closing dates of all resorts – namely Courchevel, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Saint Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires and Orelle – click here .ADVERTISEMENTThe whole interconnected system is open from December 2, 2023 to April 21, 2024.
    For a simple way to book holidays, visit the Les 3 Vallées Travel agency at https://booking.les3vallees.com

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    Booking.com reveals UAE travelers’ wish-list for 2024

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    Booking.com reveals UAE travelers’ wish-list for 2024

    Carlo Olejniczak, Vice President and Managing Director for Booking.com in Europe, Middle East and Africa
    Cooler weather, previously undiscovered experiences and a chance for uninterrupted ‘me time’ are high up on UAE travelers’ wish-lists for 2024, according to new research from leading digital travel platform Booking.com.Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2024 report also reveals that people living in the UAE are seeking sustainability, sleep, financial savings and culinary experiences when they go on business or leisure trips.
    Nearly 28,000 travelers across 33 countries took part in the research, with the UAE included for the first time. Just over 500 UAE residents of various ages and nationalities were questioned about their travel preferences and plans for next year.
    Keeping it cool, and staying afloat
    With the UAE’s year-round hot weather – and scorching temperatures in summer – 75 percent of UAE-based travelers opt for cooler climates when they go away, compared to 56 percent of all participants in the survey.  And while 81 percent of all travelers will look for water-based destinations next year, only 34 percent of holidaymakers from the UAE will be choosing an aquatic escape. Booking.com expects a growing trend towards water-centric trips as more travelers learn about the benefits of floating yoga, ice therapy and the fascination of under-water hotels.
    Going green for sustainabilityADVERTISEMENTWith 2023 being the Year of Sustainability in the UAE and COP 28 just around the corner, responsible, eco-friendly travel is more top of mind among the country’s citizens and residents than ever before. Over 75 percent of UAE travelers want to see sustainability in action and will be choosing hotels with wow-factor sustainability innovation, compared to 53 percent of all travelers questioned.
    Booking.com also found that 81 percent of UAE travelers want to see the great outdoors being brought inside, with green spaces, plant-life an integral part of their chosen accommodation.
    UAE travelers also want to feel connected to the environments and communities that they are visiting, with over half seeking visits to remote locations where they can immerse themselves in the local ecosystem in off-the-beaten track areas. Meanwhile, 73 per travelers from the UAE are keen to use sustainable travel apps as part of their travel plans. Sustainable design, architecture and innovation are also on UAE travelers’ holiday lists.
    Sleep well to live well
    It’s no secret that a great day starts with a great night’s sleep – and UAE travelers are planning to get plenty of shut-eye when they travel in 2024.  Around 70 percent say that uninterrupted sleep will be the main focus of their holiday next year, compared to 58 percent of all participants.  And 75 percent of UAE-based travelers will use their next vacation as pure ‘me time’, going solo and leaving their partners and children behind to re-group, prioritise their wellbeing and catch up on sleep.
    Immersive dining experiences on the 2024 travel menu
    With two Dubai restaurants featuring on this year’s World Best Restaurants list and a dedicated Michelin Guide for Dubai, the UAE is firmly established as a world-leading destination for the best in culinary experiences, but Booking.com’s research shows that travelers want to unearth new culinary experiences outside of the country, too.
    More than 75 percent are more interested in learning about foreign countries’ must-eat delicacies, traditional dishes and culinary creations than they were before, thanks to increased gasto-tourism offerings that embrace history, geography and produce to create tasty travel experiences for tourists. More than 85 percent of UAE-based travelers want to try indigenous cuisines wherever they go, boosting income and instilling a sense of pride in local communities in the process.
    Foodie travelers also have an appetite for virtual reality and artificial intelligence as part of their experience, with nearly half seeking immersive, ‘phygital’ culinary experiences, where the food itself is enhanced with mood-altering lighting, paired fragrances and sensual soundscapes to awaken the taste buds, in 2024.
    Thriving – and driving
    Booking.com’s research shows that vacationers aim to feel more alive, re-imagine their best self and enjoy the anonymity of travel in 2024.  Over 83 percent of travelers from the UAE say they feel more alive when on holiday and aspire to be more like their vacation selves in their day-to-day life back home. 
    More than 70 percent will use their holidays to rethink and recreate themselves, embracing new aspects of their personalities and making the most of the freedom and opportunity that travel can bring.  Nearly 60 percent would pay to rent a nicer car than they drive at home, compared to 42 percent of global participants. 
    Technically speaking …
    UAE travelers are leading when it comes to planning holidays through tech. Nearly two-thirds (60 percent) trusting AI to plan every aspect of their trip, compared to less than half (48 percent) of all travelers who took part in the research. While Z-gen, millennials and X-gen are more likely to adopt AI, baby boomers and the silent generation are also increasingly turning to tech for convenient, flexible and easy-to-manage travel, according to Booking.com’s study.
    Cheaper travel, richer experiences
    Travelers in 2024 are looking for cost-effective vacations combined with luxury experiences, according to Booking.com. In the UAE, 70 percent of holidaymakers are looking to reduce the cost of their vacation by choosing destinations where day-to-day life is cheaper than in their home city, or travelling to less far-flung places to avoid the expense of long-haul flights.  However, travelers are willing to pay for short-term luxury experiences when they arrive at their destination: 62 percent of UAE-based holidaymakers will pay for a day pass for a five star resort rather than actually staying in one.
    Travelers also plan to reduce their holiday bills by taking a vacation outside of peak season: more than half (56 percent) of those questioned in the UAE plan to take children out of school in 2024 to make their travel budget go further. Globally, 47 percent would consider traveling with their kids during school term time.
    Home and away: UAE travelers’ top destinations for early 2024
    Travelers based in the UAE will be venturing overseas and staying on home ground next year, according to Booking.com, which has revealed the most in-demand destinations for January to April 2024.  Top of the hotel reservations list so far is Dubai, suggesting that those living elsewhere in the country will head to the emirate to soak up a plethora of winter events, including world-class sporting fixtures and ever-popular annual attractions such as the Dubai Shopping Festival.
    Carlo Olejniczak, Vice President and Managing Director for Booking.com in Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “The United Arab Emirates’ world-leading infrastructure, global location and superb travel connections make it one of the most convenient countries in the world to travel from and to.  We are delighted to include the UAE in our Booking.com Travel Predictions Report for 2024, which reveals fascinating insight into trends, preferences and plans among UAE travelers for the year ahead.
    “Our travel predictions reflect the notion that travel is a catalyst to live our best lives – be it through a journey of new discovery, an adventure that supports local environments and communities or a holiday that focuses on health, relaxation and wellbeing – and to sustain those best lives once we get back home to real life. 
    “UAE travelers are tech-savvy, eco-conscious, adventure-seeking and hungry for new experiences – be it in a foreign land or by exploring different areas of the UAE itself.  2024 looks set to tick all the boxes – and more – on their holiday wish-list.”

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    SWISS offers its cabin personnel more salary, better plannability

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    Digital Nomad Visas Available in Nearly Half of Global Destinations

    Nearly half of global destinations now facilitating visas for durations extending up to one year.
    In a fresh analysis conducted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), encompassing 54 destinations, the ascendancy of Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) correlates with a noticeable uptick in the number of digital nomads. Destinations across diverse regions are actively adapting to this evolving market trend, embracing the concept of remote work.
    What the global landscape of digital nomad visas looks like
    The UNWTO Brief delves into the intricacies of DNV programs across seven crucial facets: Application process, Visa duration, Taxation policies, Insurance provisions, Accommodation facilities, Minimum income prerequisites, and criminal records checks. The brief scrutinizes the historical backdrop and the current landscape of digital nomadism trends, offering an insightful analysis of existing DNVs globally within five distinct regions. Key insights encompass:
    Nearly half of destinations worldwide offer visas valid for up to one year, catering to the needs of digital nomads seeking extended stays. A significant proportion, 39%, exempt digital nomads from tax obligations, providing a favorable financial environment. In 17% of destinations, there are no minimum income requirements, offering flexibility to individuals with varying income levels. The majority, 76%, streamline the application process by facilitating online submissions for Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) programs, ensuring efficiency and accessibility. Furthermore, 80% of destinations boast a quick turnaround, processing DNV applications within a one-month timeframe. Conversely, a minimal 6% of destinations impose no visa fees during the application process, reducing financial barriers for aspiring digital nomads.ADVERTISEMENTThis is the future of workA Digital Nomad Visa provides individuals the liberty to reside and work in a foreign country while concurrently engaging in professional endeavors, be it regular employment or freelance work for employers or clients situated in their home country or another. This visa category enables digital nomads to seamlessly pursue their careers while immersing themselves in the distinctive lifestyle of the host destination, aligning with prevalent trends in the future of work.
    Flexibility and having digital access are important elementsThe UNWTO Brief underscores critical considerations for destinations contemplating the initiation or expansion of their DNV programs:
    Destinations prioritize the digitalization of their infrastructure, recognizing the significance of strong connectivity and productivity. Investments in robust digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and comfortable accommodations, are made to enhance optimal conditions for remote work. Host destinations, by providing a flexible visa framework, empower digital nomads to strike a harmonious balance between work and lifestyle. This approach allows them to craft conducive work environments while immersing themselves in the local culture and lifestyle. Additionally, the brief stresses the critical need for host destinations to conduct impact assessments for Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) programs, establishing it as a vital mechanism for evaluating and understanding their future implications.

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    Air Canada First to Offer Disney+ Originals In-Flight Entertainment Worldwide

    Air Canada became the first airline globally to bring Disney+ Originals to the skies through its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The airline’s latest collaboration with Disney, an internationally recognized brand, offers customers even more opportunities to enjoy original programming for all ages while onboard. It also marks Air Canada’s most recent investment in its family-focused travel experience, adding critically-acclaimed and exclusive Disney+ Originals such as the first three episodes of Loki Season 1 and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
    “We are thrilled to bring Disney+ Original series and films to our inflight entertainment, further solidifying our expansive range of leading content. Families with kids and enthusiasts alike will enjoy watching familiar favourites and exciting new Originals from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. Taking in a Disney+ Original is a great way for our global customers to start or end their journey with us,” said John Moody, Managing Director, Product Design at Air Canada.
    Beginning this month, customers will be able to enjoy a selection of episodes from beloved Disney+ Original series that include Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, Cars on the Road and Zootopia+, as well as Original movies such as Disenchanted and Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Recent other family-focused Air Canada collaborations with Disney have included the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida themed in-flight safety video launched for the summer travel period, a special Walt Disney World Resort in Florida themed children’s room at Toronto Pearson’s Transborder Maple Leaf Lounge, and a special aircraft livery celebrating the launch of Disney and Pixar’s acclaimed movie Turning Red, with more to come.
    This year, Air Canada was named by Skytrax as the world’s most family friendly airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Best Family-Friendly Airline in North America for the fifth consecutive year and Best Family-Friendly International Airline for the fourth consecutive year at the Wherever Awards.
    Air Canada was also recognized by Global Traveler as Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment for the fifth consecutive year, and by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) with the Passenger Choice Award for Best Entertainment in North America, earlier this year. With 420+ movies, 1,000+ TV episodes, 130+ music albums, podcasts and more, customers can enjoy the best programming from boarding to landing. All content onboard Air Canada’s inflight entertainment equipped aircraft is complimentary for all customers.ADVERTISEMENT

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    WTM London 2023: Morocco creates a sensation

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    WTM London 2023: Morocco creates a sensation

    The Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO) is deploying special measures for its participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023, taking place from 6-8 November. A strong Moroccan delegation is actively involved in this exhibition, with the presence of 44 professional co-exhibitors and representatives from Morocco’s 12 regions.The delegation is led by the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Adel El Fakir, General Director of the MNTO and Hamid Bentaher, President of the National Tourism Confederation.
    A must-attend event for the travel industry, WTM is one of the world’s largest B2B trade events, generating nearly 35 billion Dirhams (2.8 billion GBP) in contracts. For the 2023 edition, Morcco has been announced as Premier Partner. Morocco will benefit from the exceptional branding opportunities and an exclusive presence at the openeing ceremony.
    The MNTO is taking advantge of the opportunity to unveil its new stand concept, which will be redeployed at all Moroccan trade events between 2023 and 2024. The Morocco pavillion boasts a record surface area of 760 m², including 130 m² dedicated to the Marrakech-Safi and Agadir-Souss Massa regions, two of the most popular destinations for British tourists.
    On the sidelines of the show, the MNTO signed a 5-year partnership with British TO JET2, the market leader. The primary goal this agreement is to integrate Morocco as a top destination in the programming of the leading British TO. In the first year of the agreement, 17 flights a week will be scheduled from several UK departure points, with this number expected to eventually increase to 28 per week.
    The MNTO has also signed a 5-year partnership with eDreams ODIGEO, the world’s leading travel subscription platform, which owns the eDreams, GO Voyages, Opodo and Travellink brands. The purpose of this contract is to triple current annual targets, with an annual growth rate of around 30%.ADVERTISEMENTThrough this unprecedented participation at WTM London 2023, the MNTO continues its dynamic « Light In Action » strategy by deploying its sales force at one of the world’s largest B2B travel industry exhibitions. The aim is to strengthen Morocco’s presence in its traditional markets, and to conquer new growth markets capable of contributing to the rise of Morocco as a destination.

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    Active Ibiza: Experience The Island As A Major Sporting Destination In 2024

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    Active Ibiza: Experience The Island As A Major Sporting Destination In 2024

    Once exclusively known as Spain’s main party island, Ibiza has been growing its sports and wellness offering, to become a burgeoning tourism hotspot for athletic travellers and avid sports fans. Unique for its beautiful landscape of golden beaches, rolling hills, pine forests, lush mountains and warm climate with 300 days of sunshine a year, Ibiza is embracing the great outdoors with a diverse array of exciting sports events taking place in 2024.
    In 2022, Ibiza hosted 9 sports events attracting 28,800 visitors to the island with an average spend of €1,047 per person and generating an economic impact of €30.1 million, according to the Institute of Statistics of the Balearic Islands.
    PTO European Open
    The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) European Open will return to Ibiza next year on 28 -29 September, ready to crown the new ‘European Champion’. The announcement was made by the PTO and Spanish Triathlon Federation at World Travel Market 2023, in the company of the island’s president Vicente Mari, who is there to promote Ibiza’s growing reputation as a world-class sports destination.
    Vicente Mari, president of the Consell de Ibiza, says:ADVERTISEMENT“It’s really important for our image and income to be recognised as a world-class sports destination because we saw when the PTO Tour came to our island at the beginning of May this year it helped create the best start to a summer season in our history. The triathlon races brought in twelve thousand [12,000] extra visitors, which in turn helped generate an estimated economic impact of €12.5 million Euros as well as repositioning how people think about us. It will also change when they consider coming to the island, by sending a clear message that we are ‘open for business’ from early Spring right through to the Autumn, rather than only over the Summer months of June, July and August.”
    The course will start on the south side of the island, at Figueretas Beach, before the athletes headed out on their bikes towards San Antonio and finish with a run through Ibiza Port into the World Heritage protected old town. The event is back by popular demand, after the success of 2023, which brought in 12,000 additional visitors to the island, and provided a significant economic boost at the end of the summer season. Click here for more details and to sign up to race.
    The island has an array of other exciting sporting events in the pipeline, that will help to extend the season and encourage people to travel to Ibiza before, and beyond the summer months.
    10K Ibiza-Platja d’en Bossa
    Kickstarting the year on 28 January, the Ibiza-Platja d’en Bossa is one of the fastest races in Spain. The race is characterised by its wide and long roads that run at sea level, through the pine-fringed park of Ses Salines and the tourist enclave of Platja d’en Bossa. A race to inspire keen aspiring runners!
    www.10kibiza.com
    La Ruta de la Sal Regatta
    Taking place 28 & 30 March 2024, The Ruta de la Sal is the most important offshore regatta in the Mediterranean where hundreds of amateurs gather every year. It provides a unique opportunity to be part of a team of experienced and inexperienced crew members, together with professionals from the nautical world, in one of the most special events of the year.
    www.larutadelasal.com
    Ibiza Cycling Tour
    Ibizan October is synonymous with road cycling, and this beloved cycling event, which has gained popularity over the years, seamlessly blends the love for cycling with the breathtaking beauty of the island – some locations are the best-kept secrets on the island.
    ­­­www.ibizabtt.com
    Ibiza Marathon
    Taking place on 13 April, the Ibiza Marathon is one of the most scenic. With the refreshing Mediterranean breeze and warmer April climes, Santa Eulària Ibiza marathon is physical and mental challenge, on one of the prettiest parts of the island.
    www.ibizamarathon.com
    Ibiza Half Marathon
    The Ibiza Half Marathon will take you, covering the official distance approved by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, through picturesque places on the island from the town of Sant Josep to the town itself of Ibiza. The race attracts close to a thousand athletes, opening in San José and covering emblematic points such as Cala Jondal, Sa Caleta and San Jorge, culminating in the emblematic Port of Ibiza. The end of the race will give way to an event in the Port of Ibiza, full of sports exhibitions, musical performances and opportunities to enjoy, specially designed for both athletes and their companions.
    www.ibizamediamaraton.com
    Ibiza Trail Marathon
    The Ibiza Trail Marathon is a physical and mental challenge, yet also one of the most scenic. Taking place at the end of October in warm autumnal climes, this marathon is one of the 10 races considered of tourist interest by the Consell Insular de Ibiza, providing a unique way to visit the island.
    www.ibizabtt.com
    With Ibiza’s year-round sunshine and quick accessibility, located just 2 hours from London, the island is the ideal holiday destination for outdoorsy travellers to get involved in key sporting events, or watch from the sidelines. Treat yourself to a stay in one of the new hotels opening on the island next year too, with the launch of Hyde Ibiza Hotel, Mondrian Ibiza or Los Felices.

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    Sonoma County Tourism Launches “Discover Your &” Consumer Marketing Campaign

    Sonoma County Tourism has announced the launch of its “Discover Your &” consumer marketing campaign, which is designed to inspire visitation to the destination in the off-peak season of November through April. 
    The “Discover Your &” campaign works to leverage all the great things that consumers know Sonoma County for, while also showcasing incredible experiences and activities they might not be aware of (yet). While Sonoma County is renowned for its world-class wine scene and unrivaled natural beauty, “Discover Your &” also connects visitors with only-in-Sonoma County events and high touch experiences they can choose based on their personal interests and needs. Visitors also enjoy a higher level of access this time of year to local makers and artisans to gain a deeper understanding of how Sonoma County inspires them to create all our world-class products and experiences.
    “Sonoma County is particularly compelling this time of year,” said Todd O’Leary, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Sonoma County Tourism. “You might have a favorite Chardonnay from Sonoma County, but have you paired it with freshly caught Dungeness crab uniquely prepared at one of our fabulous restaurants? Or, you may love exploring our incredible Pacific coastline, but have you witnessed the great migration of humpback whales just offshore? To further entice visitors, our businesses are offering high-touch experiences and lodging offers that make Sonoma County a must-visit destination in the off-peak season.” 
    A tentpole of the campaign is a promotion entitled “More Than a Stay.” A curated list of both lodging offers, and high-touch experiences, inspires visitors to explore more aspects of the destination while also saving them money.
    For more information on the “Discover Your &” campaign, including loads of travel inspiration about Sonoma County, please visitsonomacounty.com.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and OMRAN Group Forge Strategic Partnership

    Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to collectively initiate and pursue cross-destination tourism promotion and marketing initiatives between the Musandam Governorate, Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
    The agreement was signed in London, UK, between Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, Chief Executive Officer of OMRAN Group during a signing ceremony held at the World Travel Market, one of the most influential annual global exhibitions on travel and tourism.
    The MoU provides an official platform for both parties to cooperate on initiatives aimed at attracting more international visitors while positioning Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam as leading global tourism destinations in the Middle East. The agreement will see leaders of both organisations work together to create opportunities for travellers to visit both destinations, Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam, in a single trip. The partnership between the destinations is a natural fit, with just a 90-minute drive between them and a shared mountain range, the majestic Hajar mountains, among a wealth of other shared natural landscapes. Furthermore, their intertwined cultural heritage and historical connections only serve to enrich and strengthen this unique collaboration. 
    To this end, the MoU sets forth a framework for greater collaboration and dialogue on marketing initiatives to promote cross-destination tourism. This includes facilitating ease of access in transportation between Musandam and Ras Al Khaimah, developing favourable visa arrangements for international travellers to visit both destinations and initiating tourism packages, adventure offerings and partnership opportunities.
    Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “This first of its kind agreement is built upon a formidable synergy between Ras Al Khaimah and the neighbouring Musandam Governorate. We look forward to working together with OMRAN on cross-destination promotions which will not only showcase each of our destinations’ distinct tourism offerings, but also raise awareness among international visitors about the wide range of tourism attractions in the Middle East.” ADVERTISEMENTDr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, OMRAN Group’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “It gives us great pleasure to partner with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. This MoU underscores the pivotal role tourism authorities play in championing natural assets and cultural heritage. Through our joint efforts, we aim to craft distinctive and innovative experiences for global travellers, further enhancing the allure of our region.”
    Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam Governorate boast remarkable natural assets, offering tourists a range of captivating attractions. These include the majestic Hajar Mountains and the stunning fjords for which the Governorate of Musandam is renowned. As both are uniquely situated along the pristine shores of the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman respectively, international travellers can additionally expect to enjoy an extensive range of water activities when visiting both destinations as part of the new partnership. From immersive diving and snorkeling experiences, picturesque Dhow cruises, dolphin watching, kayaking and waterparks, Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam are set to deliver unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveller amidst stunning natural landscapes. 
    The two destinations also offer a wide range of adventure experiences, this strategic partnership will focus on positioning Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam as leaders within the global adventure tourism market through unified marketing programmes. Ras Al Khaimah, known as the adventure hub of the Middle East, offers adventure enthusiasts a host of high-octane experiences on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain peak in the UAE, such as the Jais Flight, the longest zipline in the world, the Jais Sledder, the longest toboggan ride in the region, among many other attractions, while Musandam recently shattered international records with the launch of the world’s longest over water zipline. Together, the two destinations are poised to make a significant contribution to the global adventure market, elevating the Middle East’s status as a hub for adventure seekers internationally. 
    Additionally, both destinations boast an impressive heritage and rich cultural history. History buffs can start with visiting one of the various sites in Ras Al Khaimah, including four archaeological sites on the UNESCO tentative list and Suwaidi Pearls, the only pearl farm in the UAE, then head to Oman and visit the Khasab Castle and Telegraph Island, one of the famous historical sites in Musandam. In addition, incentives will be developed through this MoU to attract international visitors to these sites to preserve the captivating natural beauty and cultural traditions of each destination.
    Taken together, the new strategic partnership will offer travellers a seamless experience which showcases the rich diversity of tourism offerings within the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, making it easier than ever to explore and enjoy both destinations.

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