Events, Organisations & Operators,

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RATKDA) has unveiled a new brand campaign at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022, marking the next chapter in the tourism marketing of the fast-growing emirate.
Building on the successful launch of its new vision and brand identity at last year’s ATM, RAK Calling uses integrated social media platforms to follow a group of influencer friends as they discover the nature Emirate. In collaboration with renowned content creators from Europe and the Middle East, the digital-first campaign showcases the diversity of Ras Al Khaimah and a myriad of tourism experiences across its pristine beaches, lush mangroves, sprawling deserts and majestic mountains. Locations include the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, with its iconic zipline, unique dining experience Puro 1484 and new and upcoming attractions Jais Wings, RAK Airventure, Jais Sledder and the Wingsuit Diving Platform taking centre stage. 
Appealing to those who cherish responsible, meaningful and truly memorable experiences in the new era of travel, RAK Calling will resonate with those seeking ‘a sense of place’ and wanting to ‘live their moments.’ It joins several other leading and emerging destinations that have focused on purposeful, engaging content, including Iceland and New Zealand. Launched today (9th May), creative assets will be released in the Middle East and Europe across multiple languages via digital and social media channels. 
“This campaign marks an exciting next step in providing visitors with immersive content that not only highlights our iconic locations but also gives a sense of how Ras Al Khaimah can make you feel,” said Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “We recognise how important different mediums are in creating something that can easily be understood and remembered by intended audiences. We saw this first-hand when we launched our new brand identity last year with a razor focused approach that was instrumental in helping us achieve almost pre-pandemic visitor numbers in 2021. With RAK Calling, we are on the cusp of the metaverse; it’s an exciting new chapter in the destination’s virtual presence.”
He further added: “This campaign also represents other emerging destinations that don’t have large scale budgets but can creatively work with content makers to develop something super compelling and relevant to today’s audiences.”ADVERTISEMENTThe new campaign stars Egyptian actor Sherif Fayed (@sheriffayed) paragliding over the Hajar Mountains in a teaser for the soon-to-be launched Jais Wings experience, as well as Saudi mountaineer Raha Moharrak (@rahamoharrak) experiencing the thrill of the Jebel Jais Flight and UAE-based radio host Kris Fade (@krisfade) rock climbing at Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. Other highlights include:
‘Emirati batman’ Khalifa Al Ghafri (@khalifa_alghafri_uae), Dani Roman (@daniroman_) and Marco Fuerst (@fuerstmarco) gliding over Jebel Jais from the Wingsuit Diving Platform – the first base jump platform in the UAE recently opened for professional base jumpers and wing suit flyers
Dany Neville (@danyneville) hosting a DJ set whilst soaring over Ras Al Khaimah with RAK Airventure, the Emirate’s new tethered hot air balloon experience
Jessica Kahawaty (@jessicakahawaty) and Enjy Kiwan (@enjykiwan) taking on the mountain biking trails at Jebel Jais
Mad Shadz (@madshadz) conquering his fears on the Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan run
Arabian Gazelles (@arabiangazelles) taking on the picturesque mountain roads and hairpin bends
German model and reality television star Fiona Erdmann (@fionaerdmann) enjoying the view from 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the UAE
As part of its digital-first approach, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority has also unveiled two redesigned websites for the destination, reflecting the new brand identity announced last year. “We are constantly innovating to provide incredible and seamless experiences for our visitors, which starts even before they set foot in our beautiful Emirate. In the new era of travel, people research their destination in detail before making an informed choice. Our new websites give them a real feel for what our Emirate offers and provide both inspiration and details to make their visit truly memorable,” added Phillips.
To find out more about Ras Al Khaimah’s new campaign, check out YouTube.  Alternatively, check out the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority stand at Arabian Travel Market, ME3310.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is considered the Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2021 by voters at the World Travel Awards.

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The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is providing inspiration for GCC tourists to visit Germany this year, by relaunching its German.Local.Culture. campaign, as well as launching its ‘Embrace German Nature’ campaign in the GCC, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022.
The campaigns form a compelling tourism proposition that appeal to GCC travellers, with harmony between generations, traditions and different cultural influences. It reflects authentic, local experiences in urban destinations while shining a light on rural areas and their sustainable tourism.
“We want to inspire GCC travellers. Germany is a diverse destination and ideal for longer holidays for the culturally minded, for families and for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits and natural beauty,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales & Marketing for the GCC, at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB).
Germany is once again becoming an extremely popular destination for GCC Nationals. Pent up demand from GCC Nationals, resulted in 518,516 overnight stays in Germany during 2021, an 82.3% increase over 2020.
In December 2021 alone, despite the outbreak of the Omicron variant, Germany recorded over 54,493 overnight stays from GCC Nationals, an increase of 335%, compared with the same period in 2020,ADVERTISEMENT“These figures show that Germany is a preferred destination for GCC Nationals. Visitor numbers in 2021 rebounded significantly, which is even more impressive given COVID travel restrictions in Germany only eased end of June 2021. The GCC is now the highest inbound performing region within Asia, Australasia and South Africa,” added Sofo.
This has clearly been supported by the way in which the GCC countries have responded to the pandemic, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which are currently ranked second and sixth respectively in the world, according to Bloomberg’s Covid Resilience Ranking on 31 st March 2022, with a combined 846 vaccinated travel routes.
‘Cities & culture’ and ‘nature & outdoor activities – highlighting sustainability and accessibility form the bedrock of Germany’s tourism offering. According to research conducted by IPK International on behalf of the GNTB, city breaks (59 per cent), multi-destination tours (34 per cent) and holidays in nature (30 per cent) are the most popular types of holidays with travellers from around the world.
In addition, using four themed clusters – ‘Flair.’, ‘Craft.’, ‘Taste.’ and ‘Green.’, brings Germany’s amazing architecture and authentic ambience, its heritage of artisan manufacturers and local crafts, its traditional regional cuisine and its natural beauty, into focus.
Participants on the Germany stand this year include Baden-Baden Tourism Board, Breuninger, Düsseldorf Tourism Board, Frankfurt Tourism Board, Hotel Palace Berlin and visitBerlin. Each region has its own unique attractions, whether spring, summer, autumn, or winter, emphasising that Germany is a unique all year-round travel destination.
Arabian Travel Market 2022, takes place from 9-12 May and the Germany stand is located in the Europe Hall EU1235

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In a first for Dubai and the UAE – UFI the Global Events Industry Association has elected Geoff Dickinson, CEO of dmg events, as their president for 2024, recognising Dubai and Abu Dhabi as world leading event destinations.
Under the leadership of Dickinson since 2010, Dubai-headquartered dmg events is one of the top twenty, international exhibition and conference organisers, with ten offices around the world and organises nearly 100 events annually.
Commenting on his appointment, Dickinson said: “I am truly honoured to serve an industry that I am so passionate about. This is the first time any event professional from the UAE has been appointed to this prestigious role and I am sure that the UAE’s status as a leading international events hub, especially having hosted the ‘world’s greatest show’ Expo 2020, was at the very least, a contributing factor.”
UFI is the global association of the world’s leading tradeshow organisers and its main goal is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry in general.
The UFI president is elected by the UFI’s board of directors for a one-year mandate, becoming its legal and official representative, chairing the executive committee, the board of directors and the general assemblies.ADVERTISEMENTUFI directly represents around 50,000 exhibition industry professionals globally, and also works closely with its 63 national and regional association members and includes 795 member organisations in 83 countries and regions around the world. “I will always champion the events industry, focusing on diversity, innovation, technology and sustainability,” added Dickinson.
The events industry is vital to the UAE economy. According to an impact report released by the Dubai World Trade Centre, business tourism generated $3.5 billion in 2018, the equivalent of 3.3% of Dubai’s gross domestic product (GDP), and in 2019, over 50% of the 16.7 million international overnight visitors who stayed in Dubai, were business travellers attending events. Taking a global perspective, in 2019 the event industry contributed almost $ 200 billion to the global economy, supporting 1.3 million jobs. Being an in-person business, the industry has benefited from the swift and decisive action taken by the UAE government to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Indeed, the UAE was praised internationally for the way in which it reacted, implementing one of the most effective responses globally, which was evident with one of the lowest mortality and infection rates globally.
The teams at DWTC and ADNEC worked tirelessly to ensure that all events ran safely and implemented a range of measures including enhanced cleaning regimes, improved air circulation, multiple hand sanitiser stations, as well as temperature checks, paving the way for international events to return to the UAE once again.
“This approach laid the foundations for the UAE economy to rebound safely and quickly. Large-scale events were up and running again at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), before the end of 2020,” said Dickinson.
“Trade events are by far the most powerful sales and marketing tools for businesses to connect with existing and potential customers. In numerous surveys, 85% of the businesspeople that responded, showed an overwhelming preference for live face-to-face events compared with virtual events.
In 2021, Dickinson was appointed to the Advisory Board of Dubai International Chamber, by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
A Dubai resident for nearly 30 years, Dickinson was handed a Golden Visa in 2021.

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Memberful, a membership software that helps creators, entrepreneurs, podcasters, and educators create sustainable businesses, announces its keynote participation in this year’s TravelCon being held in Memphis, Tennessee.
emberfulM has selected current customer and CEO of El Camino Travel, Katalina Mayorga, and Jen Matichuk, Strategic Partners Lead at Memberful to deliver Memberful’s keynote address. Together, Katalina Mayorga and Jen Matichuk will deliver first-hand insight into the power of membership.
The keynote will delve into the ways membership can help creators establish a genuine connection with their audience while monetising their passion. Matichuk, who has been helping entrepreneurs launch membership programs for over two years, will show travel content creators how to improve their quality of life by implementing membership as a revenue stream. The audience will learn of the symbiotic relationship between Memberful and the travel industry and how the software enables creators to form authentic relationships while sustaining their passion for travel.
“So many travel creators exchange their time for money, unaware of the resource that membership can be in their lifestyle. I’m eager to show them how to utilise Memberful to take control and ownership of their content,” said Jen Matichuk, Strategic Partnerships Lead at Memberful.
Memberful is excited to offer globetrotting professionals the opportunity to acclimate to the current state of the travel media landscape with its best-in-class software. As TravelCon is the conference to improve one’s craft while learning about the latest advances in travel media, Katalina Mayorga and Jen Matichuk are enthusiastic about providing travel creators with a resource they will be pleased to embrace.ADVERTISEMENT

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) sent a high-ranking Thai tourism delegation led by H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, too meet with other world tourism leaders at the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit 2022, which took place in Manila, Philippines from 20-22 April, 2022.
Making up the delegation alongside the Minister of Tourism and Sports was Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, and Mr. Thawat Sumitmoh, Charge d’affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Manila.
Participating in the Global Leaders Dialogue during the 2022 WTTC Global Summit, Mr. Tanes joined the discussion on ‘Rediscovering Travel’ together with leaders of tourism agencies from 11 other countries that included the USA, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, India, the Maldives, Japan, and the European Parliament. He also attended the dinner reception for WTTC members and VIPs.
Mr. Phiphat meanwhile met with H.E. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism, to discuss bilateral tourism cooperation and the promotion of travel links between Thailand and the Philippines.
The Thai delegation also met with Ms. Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, to thank the organisation for certifying the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification programme to be on par with the WTTC SafeTravels global health and hygiene standardised protocols. They also met with Mr. Craig S. Smith, Marriott International Group President, International, to discuss possibilities to promote tourism together.ADVERTISEMENTThe TAT delegation also took the opportunity presented by the 21st World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit to meet and discuss Thai tourism promotions with travel companies and local media in the Philippines, including the Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, BusinessMirror, ANC, and CNN Philippines, as well as updating the market on the current tourism situation and relaxed entry requirements to Thailand.

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The Latin American Travel Association (LATA) will feature its first travel agent programme at LATA Expo 2022 with a dedicated programme of agent events on Tuesday 14 June.
For the first time, LATA Expo; Europe’s largest B2B travel trade event dedicated to Latin America, will welcome travel agents interested in selling Latin America for a special programme which aims to showcase the region and provide agents with key contacts, information and the tools needed to confidently sell the region.
The dedicated agent event will start at 3pm on Tuesday 14 June, at LATA Expo, taking place at Evolution London in Battersea Park. The programme aims to offer an interactive journey around Latin America with key tourism board partners and leading tour operator BDMs.
Travel agents will be invited to take part in a tailored agent session followed by an evening networking event, which will bring a flavour of Latin American to London, with themed food and drink.
Colin Stewart, chairman of LATA, says:“We are delighted to be welcoming back the Latin American travel community in June 2022 in our first face-to-face LATA Expo in over two years. This year, we’re especially pleased to be welcoming travel agents to participate in a dedicated programme on the Tuesday afternoon. We know agents are an absolutely integral part of the tourism recovery to Latin America and our aim at LATA is to help provide the contacts, information and tools required to build confidence in the region and ultimately drive positive tourism growth.”
LATA Expo takes place between 13 and 15 June featuring the main tourism players in Latin America. The event is open to tour operators, media and agents.

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NYC & Company, President & CEO, Fred Dixon has announced that New York City will host the 50th anniversary SITEGlobal Conference from 17-20 February 2023.
The announcement was made at this week’s Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITEGC) 2022, which took place in Dublin this week. It also reflects the wave of optimism within the incentive travel industry as Covid restrictions are lifted.
NYC & Company is the destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for NYC’s five boroughs.
Fred Dixon, NYC & Company, President & CEO, Fred Dixon, said: “We greatly look forward to welcoming SITE attendees back to the five boroughs next year.”

(Above: Fred Dixon, President & CEO, NYC & Company)
While in Dublin, @nycgo has also conducted travel trade media interviews and held a special reception for members of the Irish press, trade, airline partners and meeting planners.
SITE began in 1991, bringing 460 incentive travel professionals from 37 different countries to Dublin. That consolidated a relationship between SITE and Ireland that started way back in 1974 when Anne Wold-Graham, then an employee of the Irish Tourist Board in New York, became SITE’s first President.
If Ireland is a leading destination for incentive travel experiences, then this is due to its relationship with SITE, to the connections that were built and the lessons learned.
Woodlawn Bronx (photo: Brittany Petronella)
Founded in 1973, SITE is a professional association of 2,500 members located in 90 countries, working in corporations, agencies, airlines, cruise companies, and across the entire destination supply chain.
It brings value to its members at both global and local chapter level by networking, online resources, education, certification, and advocacy. SITE is committed to the new generation and operates a best-in-class Young Leaders program and dedicated annual conference.
New York has a numbered of hotels and resorts nominated in this year’s World Travel Awards.

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At the closing session of its Global Summit in Manila, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that its 22nd event will take place in Riyadh, capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 29 November to 2 December this year.
In Manila, more than a thousand delegates, including the world’s foremost business leaders, government ministers and key decision-makers from across the global Travel & Tourism sector gathered together, to discuss how to build upon the continuing recovery.
In her farewell address Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It has been a privilege to bring together so many leaders from across the global Travel & Tourism sector to the beautiful city of Manila.
“This Summit is living proof that nothing beats getting together, sharing ideas, debating the challenges, and finding consensus.
“We still have a lot of work to do to bring down post-pandemic barriers, open economies and harmonise health data for seamless travel. But the future looks bright, and the next decade is there for the taking.ADVERTISEMENT“We look forward to our 22nd Global Summit later this year in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to mark the next chapter in the sector’s ongoing recovery.”
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said “We are excited to welcome the world to experience the excitement and the energy of Saudi. We promise you that the next summit will be fresh, inspiring, and rewarding.”
Under the theme of ‘Rediscovering Travel’, tourism ministers and Travel & Tourism leaders from around the world reinforced their determination towards greater cooperation and alignment between the public and private sectors.
At WTTC’s Global Leaders Dialogue session they explored how the sector will continue to adapt to COVID-19 and emerge resiliently from the pandemic.
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report also revealed the Travel & Tourism sector was expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade and Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP could reach pre-pandemic levels by 2023.
WTTC’s major ‘Hotel Sustainability Basics’ sustainability initiative was launched at its Global Summit, providing a starting point to drive sustainability throughout the hospitality sector to power the momentum toward responsible Travel & Tourism.
The global body also launched its new cyber resilience report, ‘Codes to resilience’, with Microsoft, for the global Travel & Tourism sector, which outlined pillars to strengthen cyber security for businesses around the world.
British adventurer Bear Grylls was the conference keynote, alongside other major speakers, including American film producer Lawrence Bender, Singapore-born American novelist and writer of satirical novels Kevin Kwan and Indonesian/Dutch environmental activist Melati Wijsen.

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