Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

CRUISE ON LAND PUNTA CANA, a revolutionary and sustainable tourist project, is taking shape about 25 minutes from the international airport and close to the most outstanding tourist attractions in the east of the Dominican Republic. The development is the perfect opportunity for all persons seeking to invest, vacation or rent.
The start of the sale of its 4,400 suites and residences surpassed expectations with around 1,000 units sold in the early stages and confirms that the complex of more than 100 attractions (theme park, artificial beaches, wave pools, and an interactive lake, among others) will be a very attractive source of employment for the destination.
Advantages of Investment
1.  Tourist destination with the highest profitability in the region2.  Investment security with the administration and protection of Fiduciaria La Nacional3.  Excellent profitability and capital gains with a safe return, through quick appreciation and the generation of income through tourism revenue4.  Vacation project in the process of classification by the CONFOTUR Law, which grants tax exemptions for 15 years
About Cruise on LandCruise on Land is made up of developers, builders and investors from Colombia in partnership with developers from the Dominican Republic. They have more than 10 years’ experience, recognition and track record in the real estate and tourism sector. ADVERTISEMENTTo receive more information about the project, contact [email protected] or call +1 849 – 852 – 5059
www.homesforsaleindominican.comwww.cruiseonland.com@cruiseonland

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Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is leading a collaborative effort between public and private sector stakeholders to build capacity and systematically address the pain points in the tourism industry.  Minister Bartlett made the disclosure following a meeting with industry partners, which he led in conjunction with the president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Robin Russell, yesterday (January 11) at the AC Marriott Hotel. 
Minister Bartlett outlined that the four focus areas assigned to the working groups will be Public Order in Tourism Spaces, Visitor Facilitation, Tourism Housing and Human Resources. 
Noting the resilience and growth demonstrated by Jamaica’s tourism sector over the last year, Minister Bartlett said: “In 2023 we welcomed a total of 4.15 million visitors, which is a substantial 24% increase over the previous year. This reflects the remarkable appeal of Destination Jamaica.”
He added that: “This includes 2,886,064 stopover visitors, which marks a 16.4% rise over the figure recorded in 2022. Additionally, there were 1,265,586 cruise arrivals recorded for the year, representing a whopping 48.3% increase over the number of cruise passengers that visited the island in 2022.” The Minister added that: “This surge in visitors generated foreign exchange earnings of US$4.27 billion, which represents an 18% increase over the revenue secured in 2022.”
“Our impressive growth figures underscore the effectiveness of our tourism strategies. However, our commitment must be to propel the industry even higher,” the Minister said. ADVERTISEMENTHe stressed that with Jamaica anticipating some 3 million stopover visitors in 2024, boosting capacity is key moving forward. “Our success in 2023 is a testament to the enduring partnerships between the public and private sectors. Moving ahead, we are resolute in building the necessary capacity to meet the heightened demand projected for 2024 and beyond,” Mr. Bartlett noted.

Minister Bartlett further explained that in direct response to the escalating targets and increased demand, yesterday’s meeting focused on strategic measures to strengthen the industry going forward. 
On the issue of human capital development and the shortage of workers, Minister Bartlett highlighted the ongoing work of the task force which was formed to examine labour market arrangements in tourism. “The goal is to enhance the industry’s workforce, fostering a stronger and better sense of appreciation for the invaluable contributions of our workers,” he expressed. 
Emphasising the importance of improving the airport experience to facilitate a seamless arrival for visitors, Minister Bartlett said during the meeting stakeholders examined ways to enhance overall visitor satisfaction and maintain the positive image of Destination Jamaica.

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Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reports its best year for tourism ever, welcoming a record 1.22 million overnight arrivals to the nature Emirate in 2023, up 8% on 2022 numbers and bolstered by a significant 24% year-on-year pick-up in international visitors.The robust performance is underscored by RAKTDA’s strategic growth plans. From investment in tourism infrastructure, targeted initiatives to drive more visitors to the emirate, to developing an ecosystem rooted in sustainability, Ras Al Khaimah continues to reinforce its position as a destination of the future. Its key 2023 achievements include:
A 24% increase in international visitors, supported by over 2,200 international activities from roadshows, trade fairs to media events across 30 countries.Cemented status as a business and social events hub with a 23% growth in MICE revenue and 103% increase in revenue from weddings.Silver Certification under EarthCheck’s world-leading Sustainable Destinations programme – the only destination in the Middle East to receive this level of certification alongside more than 20 tourism partners from hotels and attractions.Featured in CNN Travel’s best destinations to visit in 2023; Condé Nast Traveler’s best places to go in Asia 2024; Travel + Leisure India’s Forget Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah Is The Place To Be In The UAE; and Forbes’ Why You Should Visit Ras Al Khaimah Now.Boosted international air connectivity with the introduction of direct flights with Qatar Airways, Indian carrier IndiGo’s, Smart Wings, Centrum Air and SmartLynx.Launched borderless travel with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) for cross-destination tourism promotion and marketing initiatives, boosting visitor arrivals to Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam.Debut of Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort with the start of 2024 and the reopening of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah following an extensive refurbishment.Staged multiple headline-grabbing events, including the 2023 WMF Minifootball World Cup, DP World Tour, RAK Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, Exotic Wedding Planning Conference and the Global Citizen Forum.Set two new Guinness World Record titles and attracted over 65,000 visitors at its 2024 New Year’s Eve fireworks and drone display.RAKTDA was certified as a Great Place to Work® for the third consecutive year and ranked 4th in Best Workplaces in the Public Sector for the GCC in 2023.
Commenting on Ras Al Khaimah’s record-breaking 2023, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “It has been a great year for our Emirate, one that clearly set the groundwork for sustainable growth and development in Ras Al Khaimah.” He further added, “Despite global challenges that have impacted our industry, we remained agile and resilient as a tourism community, working together to deliver a destination offering that would resonate with our visitors and residents alike. From investing in infrastructure and staging world-class events to making our Emirate sustainable and accessible to all, Ras Al Khaimah is firmly on the path for continued success in 2024 and beyond.”
Delivering more visitors to Ras Al Khaimah
RAKTDA’s efforts to promote the Emirate to an even broader global audience paid dividends in 2023, delivering a 8% increase in total annual visitors to reach the 1.22 million milestone, supported by 24% boost in international visitors. Complementing this growth, hotel occupancy rate in the Emirate also saw a significant rise, with an impressive occupancy of 74%, marking a year-on-year growth of 12 percentage points.ADVERTISEMENTWith Ras Al Khaimah sharing its border with the Sultanate of Oman, RAKTDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) to pursue cross-destination tourism activities to benefit both destinations. The first-of-its-kind strategic partnership aims to position Ras Al Khaimah and Oman’s Musandam region as leading global tourism destinations in the Middle East, creating opportunities for travellers to visit both in a single trip.
Connecting the world to the Emirate
Increasing airlift into Ras Al Khaimah is crucial to achieving tourism arrivals goals and on November 1st 2023, the new Qatar Airways daily service to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport opened up the Emirate to a network of 160-plus destinations globally via the airline’s Doha hub.
With India, a major tourism source market for Ras Al Khaimah, particularly for leisure, incentives and weddings, IndiGo’s introduction of a direct service from Hyderabad, adding to its direct Mumbai flight, helped accelerate arrivals growth. Moving from air to sea connectivity, Ras Al Khaimah welcomed six calls by four luxury cruise liners in H1 and will receive 14 luxury cruise calls this 2023/2024 season, growing to 20 by 2025/2026 and 50 by 2030/2031, bringing in cruise passengers that will further increase arrivals figures.
Responsible tourism development​In 2023, the Emirate achieved Silver Certification under EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations program – a first in the Middle East. EarthCheck’s rigorous process involves monitoring and auditing across 10 sustainability indicators – from energy and water consumption to waste management, carbon footprint analysis and community engagement. Bolstering this initiative, RAKTDA launched its own sustainability certification programme for tourism businesses, Responsible RAK, with more than 20 hotels, attractions and tour operators having earned Responsible RAK Silver Certification to date.
The Emirate outperformed the baseline average in three significant areas, reporting a performance that was better by 23% in energy consumption with savings of 12.4 gigajoules since 2021, 29% in greenhouse gas emissions equating to a saving of 1.8 million tonnes of CO2, and 61% in waste output, leading to savings of 420 million litres since 2021. ​
More rooms drive visitor growth​Ras Al Khaimah’s fast-growing hotel portfolio is central to delivering more arrivals to the Emirate. In 2023, several new hospitality projects were announced including Nobu, Le Méridien, W Hotels, JW Marriott & Hilton on Al Marjan Island in addition to Nikki Beach on Mina Al Arab, representing over 1,800 keys in total. The destination also welcomed Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, which fully opened its doors on 2nd January 2024 with 174 rooms, suites and villas, including the emirate’s first overwater villas. Additionally, the iconic Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah reopened following an extensive refurbishment, revealing revamped rooms and suites, new culinary experiences and a reimagined wellness and events spaces. Other upcoming hotel projects including Westin Resort (257 keys), Sofitel Al Hamra (292 keys), Rove Al Marjan Island (441 keys), Rotana Mangrove (258 keys) and Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge (70 keys) are all set to open in the near future (2024/2025). Design details of the new USD $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island were also revealed, with the 1,500-key mega resort inspired by the seascape of Al Marjan’s four islands. The integrated resort will feature shopping, a gaming area, a state-of-the-art events centre, wellness and spa facilities, 24 dining and lounge experiences and extensive entertainment choices.
A fast-growing events hub and record breaker​Ras Al Khaimah continues to cement its status as a global hub for business and social events, and in 2023, witnessed 23% growth in MICE revenue and 103% increase in revenue from weddings. The Emirate also hosted several headline-grabbers including Arab Aviation Summit, Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC) and the Global Citizen Forum, DP World Tour, and the RAK Half Marathon. Its reputation as a leading sports events destination was boosted too when the 2023 WMF Minifootball World Cup kicked off in November, marking the tournament’s Middle East debut and attracting 32 national teams and 30,000-plus spectators.
Ras Al Khaimah also gained notoriety with its record-breaking 2024 New Year’s Eve extravaganza. An eight-minute-long firework and drone display set two new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles in a stunning spectacle that lit up the skies along 4.5km stretch of Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront. The show made history, gaining titles for the ‘Longest chain of aquatic floating fireworks’ for a grand total of 5.8km and the ‘Longest straight-line drones display’ for a total length of 2km.
To find out more about Ras Al Khaimah’s destination offering, please visit visitrasalkhaimah.com and check out the Emirate’s social platforms Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

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For time immemorial, the camel has held a deep-rooted presence and unique role in the lives of Saudis and in shaping the Kingdom’s cultural heritage. As the national animal of Saudi Arabia and a traditional source of livelihood, the camel underpins a vast cultural heritage that has been expressed through art, crafts, literature, and the Kingdom’s way of life.
Throughout 2024, a series of events, exhibitions, educational programs, and activities organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture will highlight camel-inspired activities in a multitude of sectors, such as arts, fashion, quality of life, food production, culinary traditions, and sustainability practices.
The Kingdom’s designation of the Year of the Camel coincides with the United Nations’ designation of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. The combined recognitions underline the significant heritage and strength of the bond between humans and camelids. Across cultures, the camel has been part and parcel of people’s daily lives worldwide. The global focus on celebrating camelids’ place in society across geographies also represents an opportunity to highlight their importance for sustainability. As the planet tackles the challenges of climate change, food security and fragile biodiversity, the camel, capable of traveling up to 150 km in the desert without water, is an enduring emblem of resilience.
As a symbol of patience, perseverance and adaptation, the camel has been a faithful companion to humans as they have acclimatized to various environmental landscapes. Throughout history, camels have forged new trails, which earned them the title of the ships of the desert. By bridging distances across arid lands, camels connected people from different cultures together.
The traditions and heritage formed from these ancient human interactions with the camel run very deep. Life-size camel carvings have been found on the desert rocks of Al-Jawf, in the Kingdom’s northern region, dating back 2,000 years. Inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the special oral tradition called “Alheda’a” used by camel herders to communicate with these emblematic desert animals and call their flocks, represents the strong bond between animal and herder. Additionally, the traditions of camel racing and beauty pageants instill pride in camel owners and excite the imagination.ADVERTISEMENTThe new cultural year offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the cultural significance of camels in Saudi society across generations. Having traversed time as a bedrock of national identity, the camel represents a vital link between Saudi heritage, values and modern aspirations.
Blending tradition and modernity, the Year of the Camel events will support and feature the participation of local artists, writers, and artisans actively contributing to the preservation and continuity of camel-themed ancestral traditions. This priceless heritage is preserved for future generations by safeguarding and furthering these cultural practices. It will also offer multiple avenues to shine a light on Saudis’ long history and companionship with the camel and serve as a platform for cultural collaboration and dialogue.
Cultural preservation is foundational in transmitting the ancient legacy and heritage inspired by the Saudis’ unbreakable bond with the camel. The designation of cultural years provides a critical platform to share the greatness and beauty of Saudi Arabia’s culture with local and global audiences. They are a chance to celebrate and shine a spotlight on countless valuable tangible and intangible cultural elements through a series of events and initiatives.

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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) has solidified a multi-year partnership with the Dallas Cowboys to tap into the U.S. Southwest market. The collaboration aims to reach Dallas Cowboys fans across the United States.The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, The Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, along with Ministry of Tourism Director General Latia Duncombe and other executives, were in attendance at the Dallas Cowboys versus Detroit Lions game on 30 December, to kick off the partnership and celebrate Jimmy Johnson’s induction into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
As part of this multi-year agreement, The Islands of The Bahamas branding will prominently feature at AT&T Stadium home games in Arlington, Texas, along with TV and radio ads, Bahamian-themed promotions, and on-site activities. Cowboys fans will have the chance to win social media sweepstakes for a home game or an unforgettable trip to The Islands of The Bahamas.
“We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to capitalizing on this relationship to drive more tourism business from Middle America to The Bahamas,” said Cooper. “This agreement allows us to combine the love for the Dallas Cowboys with the allure of The Bahamas.”
“The Dallas Cowboys are excited to partner with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism to help encourage tourism at an incredible destination like The Bahamas,” said Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President of Business Operations Chad Estis. “We know Cowboys fans love great experiences, exciting trips, world class hospitality and making special memories, which are all things that are easy to have in The Bahamas!”
Latia Duncombe, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director General, described the partnership as a “win-win” and emphasized the exposure for The Islands of The Bahamas within the Dallas Cowboys fanbase. Multiple sweepstakes and marketing initiatives will target fans in the Southwest and across the U.S., anticipating a substantial increase in travel to The Bahamas from this market.ADVERTISEMENTReferred to as “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys is, according to Forbes, valued at $9 billion. The Bahamas’ collaboration with this sports giant will bolster the destination’s national “Sports in Paradise” initiative, positioning the country as an ideal destination for sports-related conferences, meetings, and events.

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As tourists have started to return to Afghanistan over the past 18 months, some have helped to arrange the country’s only ski race.Now a new ski club has launched in Bamyan Province, with a helping hand from international visitors, and there is a plea for more support from the international community.
Bamyan is one of the least developed provinces in Afghanistan, which is one of the least developed countries in Asia.
The aim of the Bamyan Alpine Ski Club is to support the local community by training Afghan children in sports, arranging competitions in the region and managing the equipment that has been donated over the years by tourists, including from Untamed Borders’ guests.
A former local club stopped operating when the Taliban retook control of the country, but the new organisation has risen from the ashes.
International skiers will return to the region’s Koh e Baba Mountain Range in February with Untamed Borders, where guests will meet the team from the Bamyan Alpine Ski Club and support it personally. Guests will take part in the nation’s only ski competition – the Afghan Peaks Ski Race – which brings together international tourists and the fledgling Afghan ski community.ADVERTISEMENTHowever, for those who can’t join the trip, the club has launched an international membership scheme, so people can support the organisation from afar.
Untamed Borders were the first company to organise ski tourism to the country back in 2011 and it’s organised annual group trips ever since.
During that time the company has ensured guests understand the difficulties faced by Afghan skiers and the benefits there are for its mountain communities by there being a well organised sporting club in the region.
Many Afghan skiers currently use homemade wooden skis to be able to take part in the sport, which provides a vital outlet from the hardships in the region and an opportunity to mix with people from other nations.
On the trips guests often donate equipment and funds to support local grassroots skiing, which is a valuable source of tourism and income for people who live in Bamyan Province.
Visitors have also played an important role on ski trips to Afghanistan by offering ski training advice for locals and helping to improve the local infrastructure.
Although international visitor numbers are on the rise again, many of Bamyan Province’s potential ski slopes remain undiscovered and it’s this unique opportunity to ski virgin slopes, which is an exciting prospect for adventurous ski tourists.
Continued visits to the region and support from foreign tourists has the potential to make lasting change in the area, as Untamed Borders’ Founder, James Willcox, explains…
“We only consider a trip to be a true success if there are benefits for the communities we visit, along with our international guests.
The ski trips have always fitted the bill because our guests not only get an extraordinary insight into rural Afghanistan in winter, but they also support the Afghans living in the area by providing equipment, ski training and take part in other schemes.
Now we also support the new local ski club, which is a long-term initiative to provide lasting change for the youth in the region and the wider community.”
It’s part of a growing trend of ski tourists visiting more adventurous destinations and locations – Untamed Borders reported last year that there is a growing number of people seeking skiing tours in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq, among many other unconventional skiing destinations.
To become an international member of the Bamyan Alpine Ski Club please visit the Afghan Peaks website, or even better, join Untamed Borders on the February Afghan Ski trip, which is bookable now on our website. https://untamedborders.com/itinerary/ski-afghanistan/#tab01

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For those seeking reliable snow, value for money, and fewer crowds this February half term, the leading Italian-French international ski region, Vialattea provides a perfect setting to enjoy family-fun on the slopes.  Home to more than 400km of perfectly groomed pistes, families can explore over 250 slopes, and a wide range of runs – including various beginner and intermediate – catering to both first-timers and budding skiers alike. Spanning two countries, the eight resorts include Italian Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx as well as Montgenevre in France, with 80% of skiable area above 1,900m – ensuring exceptional snow conditions this half-term. 
For the little ones, the ski area offers a number of exciting attractions and activities, designed to keep busy minds occupied this half-term. Children can enjoy the baby fun parks in Sansicario and Sauze d’Oulx – designed to provide an interactive and fun learning environment – or alternatively, book in for private or group lessons from expect ski and snowboard instructors, providing the perfect introduction to the slopes. 
Vialattea’s relative affordability and ease of access makes it the perfect half-term destination for younger skiers, allowing the whole family to enjoy time on the slopes. Whether staying in the beautiful tree lined slopes of Sansicario, the quintessential alpine village of Claviere, or enjoying the Olympic heritage of Sestriere, there are a range of options to suit all requirements. 
For non-skiers, Vialattea also offers a plethora of unique experiences, including Husky sledding, mountain snowmobile tours – and for those more daring – paragliding. Once an appetite has been worked up on the slopes, there are also a range of charming mountain restaurant scattered across the valley to be explored. 
Ski passes for the 2023/24 season, including daily, multi-day, and season passes, are now available for purchase for the whole family on the Vialattea website, alongside discounted Hotel and Ski Pass packages. ADVERTISEMENT

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Visit Portugal celebrated the New Year launching a new campaign that was presented in Lisbon. #It’s not tourism. It’s futourism, is the motto for this campaign that sets 12 New Year’s resolutions for the tourist of the future.
There are 12 commitments to inspire people to take an active role in the changes that tourism needs, in Portugal and around the world. More than just a campaign, it aims to mobilize people to change the way they travel.
This campaign is aligned with the 2027 Tourism Strategy, the strategic guideline for tourism in Portugal, and with its ambition: to lead the tourism of the future. It calls on everyone to join Visit Portugal on this transformative journey towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and responsible tourism. Portugal’s Tourism Strategy 2027 sets a new milestone in tourism policy, placing sustainability at the core of the country’s strategic options. This campaign reinforces and reflects this vision.
On the very last day of 2023, Visit Portugal presented this #Futourism “movement”, which invites future tourists to turn their trips into more authentic and sustainable experiences, resulting in a positive impact for territories, the environment, and the communities.
During the first twelve days of 2024, VisitPortugal will be showcasing 12 short videos with the following New Year’s Resolutions (one per day):ADVERTISEMENTIt’s not unengaged. It’s committed.It’s not virtual. It’s real.It’s not ours. It’s yours.It’s not standard. It’s unique.It’s not glocal. It’s local.It’s not a wave. It’s an ocean.It’s not grey. It’s green.It’s not brash. It’s humble.It’s not trendy. It’s trendsetting.It’s not negligent. It’s conscientious.It’s not rushed. It’s immersive.It’s not artificial. It’s human.#It’s not tourism. It’s futourism targets Portugal’s top priority markets, namely United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, United States, and Brazil.
According to data collected from January to October, Portugal achieved record levels of guests 26,3M (+13,7%), overnight stays 68,5M (+11%) and revenue 22,3€ billion (+19,8%) compared to 2022. To sustain this growth VisitPortugal is working to bring tourism activities to the interior of the country to reduce seasonality and, at the same time, to accelerate the sector’s environmental and digital transition.
Traveling consciously is not just a choice, it’s a legacy we build together. Join us on this transformative journey. #It’s not (just) tourism, it’s Futourism.
Youtube Links
Film: https://youtu.be/pH_ex7KTplE
Resolution # 1: https://youtube.com/shorts/20TQahfaYyk
Resolution # 2: https://youtube.com/shorts/jvTm331X3cI
Resolution # 3: https://youtube.com/shorts/kSupGmHqMys

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