Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

As artificial intelligence conquers more and more areas of our lives, the Austrian National Tourist Office is launching the world’s first “Authentic Intelligence”. At “Chat SkiPT”, real-life ski instructors answer live questions about winter holidays and beyond.
With typical Austrian humour and their in-depth expertise, they convey the special flair of a winter holiday in Austria. The ChatSkiPT.com website is already online, with the actual chat phase starting on 17 January 2024.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is finding its way into more and more areas of life, and AI is already being used for holiday planning. Tools such as ChatGPT can provide valuable tips and well-founded information. However, they have not (yet?) mastered the typical Austrian humour. And there is also a residual risk of incorrect results and poor recommendations. Not least because holidays in Austria are all about authentic experiences, the Austrian National Tourist Office is relying on “Authentic Intelligence” – the knowledge and humour of real-life Austrian ski instructors – instead of “Artificial Intelligence” as part of a new marketingcampaign.
CHAT SKIPT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
“Winter holidays in Austria are not just about state-of-the-art ski infrastructure with over 23,000 hectares of pistes and more than 2,600 ski lifts. What makes a holiday in Austria special are the authentic experiences and personal contacts. The conversations with local people, hosts and ski instructors. We at the Austrian National Tourist Office are enthusiastic about technology and open to the possibilities and capabilities of artificial intelligence. With Chat SkiPT, we still want to remind everyone that it’s all about people and that AI cannot replace the friendly Austrian charm, at least not yet,” says Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger, Managing Director of Austrian National Tourist Office.ADVERTISEMENTOn the website www.chatskipt.com, visitors write their questions in a chat window, similar to ChatGPT. Instead of AI, 15 ski instructors from the Austrian ski regions respond. The experts provide in-depth specialist knowledge about skiing, reveal how to enjoy the Austrian winter and are also happy to share a word or two of wisdom. You can chat from Wednesday, 17 January 2024 to Saturday, 20 January 2024 during fixed time slots. The chat is available in English, German and Dutch. Information on the chat times can be found on the website.
“With Chat SkiPT, we are generating additional attention for winter in Austria alongside our regular high-reach campaigns in Austria’s 12 most important foreign markets. In the 2022/23 winter season, winter sports enthusiasts in Austria generated sales of 12.6 billion euros, which corresponds to direct and indirect added value of 6.7 billion euros. Winter in Austria is crucial for the economic success of our tourism country and I am delighted that we as the Austrian National Tourist Office can make our contribution in the form of modern, effective communication,” says Steharnig-Staudinger.
The campaign was developed in co-operation with the agency Wien Nord Serviceplan, which has been the new lead agency of the Austrian National Tourist Office since last year.

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Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, and its destinations achieved new records by clinching an impressive collection of over 170 regional and international accolades, further solidifying Yas Island and Saadiyat Island as leading destinations for excellence and innovation.
This year Yas Island witnessed a remarkable milestone for the world-renowned leisure and entertainment destination, amassing over 130 prestigious awards and in parallel success, Saadiyat Island experienced a noteworthy triumph, culminating in an impressive array of over 40 prestigious awards. Recognized as the premier beach destination in the Middle East, the island has garnered widespread acclaim for its world-class resorts, iconic cultural attractions, and dining establishments.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said: “Achieving a stellar track record of success across the tourism ecosystem within Abu Dhabi is a proud testament to our relentless commitment in bolstering Abu Dhabi’s position as a global tourism hub. Award-winning destinations and attractions across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island continue to define new industry benchmarks while contributing to the growth and economic diversification of the Emirate.”

Yas Island and its leading theme parks have garnered widespread international acclaimADVERTISEMENTIn 2023, Yas Island achieved several prestigious honors, including recognition from the World Travel Awards as ‘World’s Leading Theme Park Destination’, the International Travel Awards as the ‘Best Holiday Destination’ at the regional and continental levels, along with the esteemed title of ‘Best Entertainment Destination’ at the country level. Furthermore, it received the MENALAC 2023 award for being the ‘Best-integrated Leisure Destination’.

The island’s iconic theme parks extensively received significant acclaims. Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi earned the title of the ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the World Travel Awards. Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi proudly won ‘World’s Leading Theme Park’ for the fifth year in a row at World Travel Awards and achieved the title of ‘Thrills’ at the Blooloop Innovation Awards 2023. Adding to the accolades, Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi was awarded a Silver for ‘Innovation in the Use of Events’ at the MENA Stevie Awards, underscoring the park’s commitment to innovative event execution. Simultaneously, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi was honored as the ‘Middle East’s Leading Water Park’ at the World Travel Awards while CLYMB Yas Island, Abu Dhabi secured the distinguished title of the ‘Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2023’.

Yas Island’s campaigns win big in 2023
Reaffirming the island’s stature as the leading destination for leisure and entertainment, Yas Island sets the bar high with its award-winning campaigns that continuously captivate audiences, leaving them eagerly anticipating what’s next. Notably, Yas Island’s campaigns received top PR industry awards, securing the ‘Best Integrated Campaign’ accolade with a gold win in Bahrain and a bronze win in Kuwait during this year’s MEPRA Awards, for its latest GCC campaign in collaboration with the Miami Band. Additionally, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi took home the ‘Best Use of Limited Budget’ at the MEPRA Awards for their campaign with Etihad Airways – Taken by Surprise. The year also witnessed Yas Island securing four EFFIE Awards MENA across various categories. These included an outstanding bronze win in Season Marketing for their campaign ‘Yas Yas Baby’, along with a bronze win in Travel, Tourism and Transportation for their latest campaign in partnership with Miami Band ‘Let’s Meet Again on Yas Island’.

The campaign wins do not stop there, Yas Island and its renowned theme parks achieved a remarkable five wins at the 2023 MENA Stevie Awards. The island’s highly successful ‘#SummerOnYas’ campaign received the coveted Gold Award for ‘Innovation in Media Relations’. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi celebrated dual victories with Gold Awards in ‘Innovation in the Use of Media Relations’, recognizing their collaboration with Etihad Airways, and another for ‘Innovation in Consumer Events’, honoring the success of the family-friendly ‘Batman Run’. This event was organized as part of ‘The Batman Season’ in conjunction with the release of the DC movie ‘The Batman’.

The latest entertainment addition on Yas Island has achieved remarkable success
SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the island’s newest theme park, has made a significant impact in just a few months since its inauguration. The marine life theme park has garnered widespread acclaim, earning the prestigious ‘Award in Outstanding Achievement’ at the esteemed TEA Awards, a recognition considered one of the highest honors in the themed experience industry.

Adding to its list of accolades, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, celebrated for its fascinating ocean theme, also achieved the title of ‘Best Use of Theming’ at the Park World Excellence Awards. Notably, the park’s standout ride, Hypersphere 360, earned the distinguished honor of ‘Best Dark Ride or Media-Based Attraction’.
Additionally, it recently achieved recognition at the Blooloop Innovation Awards as it won second place in the ‘Themed Environment’ category.

The rapid and impressive recognition garnered by SeaWorld Abu Dhabi highlights its impact and success within a short span, solidifying its position as a prominent player in the entertainment landscape of Yas Island.

Yas Island’s prestigious accolades in lifestyle and dining
Earning widespread acclaim as a leading destination for lifestyle and dining enthusiasts, Yas Island truly stands out. One of its crown jewels is the Yas Bay Waterfront, a collection of award-winning dining venues that have collectively earned an impressive tally of 16 prestigious awards. These accolades hail from esteemed outlets such as the What’s On Awards, Time Out Abu Dhabi Awards and the FACT Dining Awards, underlining the island’s reputation for excellence.
Further contributing to Yas Island’s accolades is the Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, which proudly secured the prestigious title of ‘Best Business Hotel in Abu Dhabi 2023’ at the Business Traveller Awards 2023. Similarly, the WB™ Hotel clinched the esteemed title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Theme Park Hotel 2023’ at the World Travel Awards.

Nestled among these esteemed hotels is the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island, a standout in its own right with four notable awards to its name this year. Notably, it garnered recognition for ‘Favorite Brunch’ at the What’s On Awards, specifically for the B.I.G – Brunch In Garage, solidifying its position as a premier dining destination on the island.

Yas Island’s other attractions also received their fair share of wins. Yas Links secured the title of ‘UAE’s Best Golf Course’ at the World Golf Awards. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management claimed victory in the categories of ‘Favorite Concert, Show, or Festival’ for Post Malone at Etihad Park at the What’s On Awards and ‘Best Use of Digital and Social Media in Sports’ for Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the SPIA awards, among others.

As for Etihad Arena, it earned two accolades in 2023. The venue was named the ‘Winner in the Sports and Recreation category’ at the 2023 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum and was also recognized as a finalist for ‘Venue of the Year’ at the 2023 The Stadium Business Awards.

Saadiyat Island achieves exceptional results in 2023
The accolades began pouring in with Saadiyat Beach Club, claiming the title of ‘Best Beach Club in Abu Dhabi’ at the FACT Spa & Wellness Awards Abu Dhabi 2023’. Notably, it also clinched the What’s On Award for ‘Favorite Sundowner Spot 2023’ and ‘Favorite Daycation 2023’. Nurai Island proudly received the title of ‘Best Leading Villa Resort 2023’ at the esteemed World Travel Awards.

The island’s leading hotels left an indelible mark across diverse industry categories. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort emerged triumphant with four prestigious titles at the World Travel Awards, including ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Resort 2023’ and ‘World’s Leading Luxury Resort & Villas’. Additionally, Tean at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort secured a win at the World Culinary Awards 2023 for ‘Abu Dhabi’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2023’, among other recognitions.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas celebrated an impressive total of eight awards this year. Noteworthy wins include the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2023 for ‘Best Outdoor – Beach House’, FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi 2023 for ‘Best Alfresco Dining – Beach House’ and the World Travel Awards for ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Beach Resort 2023’, among numerous others.

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island also shone brightly with four prestigious awards, securing the ‘Favorite Resort Spa in Abu Dhabi’ at the FACT Spa & Wellness Awards for its renowned Anjana Spa. It further received honors at the World Travel Awards as ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Family Resort’ and the ‘Middle East’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort’.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi made a lasting impression with the Royal Suite winning ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Hotel Suite 2023’ at the World Travel Awards, along with six additional awards. Meanwhile, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas also received several accolades, particularly for its exceptional dining experiences, including the highly commended ‘Best Buffet Brunch’ at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Awards 2023 for Sim Sim Restaurant.

Memorable recognitions
Miral Destinations, a subsidiary of Miral and promotional arm of Yas Island Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, received its well-deserved recognition through a series of prestigious awards in 2023.
One notable achievement was YasIsland.com’s recognition as the ‘Best MENA SEO Campaign 2023’ at the Global Search Awards, highlighting Miral’s prowess in digital marketing strategies.

A testament to its unwavering commitment to customer experience excellence, Miral clinched four significant wins at the International Customer Experience Awards 2023. Noteworthy among these were the Silver award for ‘Best Learning & Development’ and the Bronze for ‘Best Use of Technology’.
Additionally, Miral Destinations was recognized as the ‘Best Destinations Promoter UAE 2023’ at the International Business Magazine Awards, further affirming its position as a trailblazing promoter of unparalleled destinations within the UAE.

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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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