Latest news with #TourismDevelopment
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ajman Department of Tourism Development honours winners of ‘Tourism Innovator Award 2025'
Ajman, United Arab Emirates – His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD), honoured the winners of the 'Tourism Innovator Award 2025'. The awards were presented in recognition of their creative ideas and pioneering projects, which have helped advance Ajman's sustainable tourism development, further consolidating the Emirate's stature as a leading tourist destination. This initiative is a part of the Department's ongoing efforts to promote a culture of innovation and scientific research among youth, while encouraging them to develop their creative skills. It also aims to empower them to present meaningful projects that align with Ajman's strategic direction and the UAE's vision of integrating innovation across all sectors to address both current and future challenges, building a more resilient and sustainable future. During the award ceremony, H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi reaffirmed the Department's dedication to fostering innovation across the tourism sector and the wider community. His Excellency stated: 'At ADTD, we fully recognise the vital role innovation plays in crafting forward-thinking policies and solutions to keep pace with the growing demand across key sectors, especially tourism, which continues to experience dynamic shifts. In particular, we view youth as the cornerstone of shaping a bright future rooted in sustainability and excellence. Aligning with this vision, we remain committed to investing in their potential, while encouraging them to turn their creative ideas into practical, innovative projects that contribute to social and economic development.' H.E. Alhashmi further stated: 'This competition demonstrates ADTD's long-standing efforts to foster innovation and creativity within the Emirate by serving as a unique platform to empower the youth, nurture their entrepreneurial mindset, and identify high-impact solutions, which address current challenges, while ensuring alignment with Ajman's future vision. Moreover, by developing smart, advanced tourism services which elevate quality standards and promote sustainability, participants demonstrated remarkable creativity and dedication. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants and winners who proved that they truly deserve this recognition through their unique ideas and determination. We at ADTD, remain steadfast in our efforts to support national talents and their entrepreneurial ideas.' The competition facilitated remarkable student participation within an academic framework fostering fresh thinking, high-quality ideas, diversity and creativity. Entries were evaluated on the basis of factors like innovation, added value and feasibility. The first prize was awarded to Dana bint Khaled Ash for her project 'Tourism of Dreams', which focuses on creating unique, personalised travel experiences, using behavioural analysis and artificial intelligence, which assess tourists' personalities and preferences. The team comprising Nour Radwan, Sameera Anwar and Sarah Ghazal, came in second for their idea of 'Mehwar', which is an intelligent interactive platform offering personalised content based on the tourists' interests. The project aims to enhance the visitor experience by offering innovative services that seamlessly blend information and travel. Third place went to Shahd Raed Ibrahim Baloosha and Ghina Fadi Al Hosni for their 'TriPlay' app, which combines tourism and interactive gaming to create a fun and engaging experience targeting various age groups, enhancing tourism offerings and attracting a wider range of audience. The fourth-place winner, Ahmed Mokhtar Sharif, earned the recognition for his project 'SmartAI-Tour', which aims to upgrade the tourism inspection and classification system in the Emirate by leveraging AI and data analysis, thereby enhancing monitoring standards and improving service quality across the tourism sector. Fifth place was awarded to Mohamed Hassan Nassar and Malak Hassan Nassar for their 'Smart Tourism Event Organiser', a cutting-edge digital system designed to efficiently manage tourism events through advanced digital tools that streamline planning, execution, and monitoring, further enhancing Ajman's competitiveness as a leading tourist destination. Through collaborations with higher education institutions and universities, the department is keen to build a scientific research ecosystem that encourages younger generations to dive into the world of research and knowledge and generate enlightening theories and ideas, turning them into new methodologies and initiatives that keep pace with the changes across various sectors and align with national aspirations towards an era of innovation, renewal, and knowledge. ADTD remains committed to empowering the youth and instilling the principles of sustainability and innovation within the tourism sector by launching targeted initiatives that support entrepreneurial ideas and open up new avenues for national talents to transform their ideas into tangible outcomes. Such ventures seamlessly align with the Department's strategic vision to consolidate Ajman's leading position on the global tourism map.
Arab News
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi program to train future tourism leaders
RIYADH: The Tourism Development Fund has opened applications for its fourth leadership training program, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. The Tourism Oluo Program is a key initiative to attract talented university graduates from local and international institutions for careers in the sector, a vital part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan. Implemented with Spain's IE University, the program equips graduates with hands-on training aligned to local and global tourism market needs, the SPA added. Participants will receive practical training at the fund's Riyadh headquarters and attend specialized courses in the Kingdom and abroad with leading academic and training institutions. The program provides social insurance, medical coverage, monthly stipends, paid annual leave, and opportunities to contribute to strategic tourism projects. Targeted fields include finance, accounting, business administration, information technology, and engineering, according to the report. This initiative supports the National Tourism Strategy's aims to meet evolving market demands and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a global destination.
Observer
16-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
RO 2.59 billion invested in tourism projects
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has confirmed that land usufruct agreements signed across various governorates are playing a key role in advancing Oman's tourism sector and enriching visitor experiences. These efforts are part of the national strategy to enhance tourism investments and support sustainable development. Operating under the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), the Ministry aims to attract RO 3 billion in private tourism investment. So far, RO 2.59 billion has been secured, with a strong focus on integrating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into tourism-related value chains. From early 2024 to the end of May 2025, 45 land usufruct contracts were signed — 14 of them this year — to implement various tourism projects across Oman. These include eco-friendly luxury camps, hotels, and resorts catering to different market segments. Ameera bint Iqbal al Lawati, Director General of Tourism Development at the Ministry, said the goal is to diversify Oman's tourism offerings both geographically and functionally. 'These projects go beyond traditional accommodation and aim to deliver integrated tourism experiences that enhance destination appeal while supporting local communities through job creation and economic activity,' she said. Ameera bint Iqbal al Lawati, Director General of Tourism Development at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. She added that the Ministry seeks to balance supply and demand by expanding services in ecotourism, mountain tourism, and adventure tourism, all while maintaining Omani identity and environmental values. Al Lawati underscored the importance of private sector collaboration and ensuring that citizens see tangible benefits from these investments in their communities. — ONA
Skift
13-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
The Private Sector's Role in Saudi's Travel Ambitions
Global awareness of Saudi Arabia has grown significantly due to high-profile events. But there are challenges to building a travel business in the country. Skift Podcast Compelling discussions with travel industry leaders and creatives who are helping to shape the future of travel. Compelling discussions with travel industry leaders and creatives who are helping to shape the future of travel. Learn More This bonus episode of the Skift Travel Podcast features a discussion with Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, Saudi Arabia's largest travel and tourism company. Ahussain offered his thoughts on the evolution of the Saudi travel industry, the importance of Saudi travelers, and Almosafer's vision for the country's tourism development, among other topics, with Skift CEO Rafat Ali. Listen Now Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS Five Key Points Saudi Arabia's Emerging Global Travel Influence: Saudi travelers are high-spending and increasingly mobile, making them a valuable segment globally. The country is also a major inbound destination, especially for religious tourism. Domestic Tourism Boom Post-Covid: COVID-19 was a catalyst for domestic tourism, shifting Saudis' travel habits from primarily religious or family visits to leisure exploration of their own country. Growth Priorities – Religious Tourism & Leisure Expansion: While consumer travel remains the core revenue driver, Almosafer sees major near-term growth in religious tourism due to improved infrastructure and accessibility. Leisure tourism is projected to see growth, especially with Saudi Arabia's ongoing developments ahead of major events like Expo 2030 and the World Cup. Evolving Global Perceptions of Saudi Arabia: Global awareness of Saudi Arabia has improved significantly due to high-profile events, sports, and cultural openness. Talent Challenges and Investment in Human Capital: Retaining top local talent is a key challenge due to growing opportunities across the country. Significant national investment has been made in training and development, especially in tourism and hospitality. Episode Summary Skift CEO Rafat Ali and Muzzammil Ahussain discussed Almosafer's role as a leading travel company in Saudi Arabia and its position as a key player in the greater region's tourism industry. Ahussain also shared information about his personal journey, including how his international education shaped his global outlook. The Almosafer CEO provided details about the company's rapid growth, which was boosted by its significant investment in technology. Ahussain also addressed the challenges of building a travel business in Saudi Arabia due to the multitude of holidays on the country's calendar. And he touched on the sense of ambition that drives Saudi Arabia's development, especially as the country is poised for an inbound tourism surge.
Times of Oman
10-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Plan devised for diverse projects in recreational tourism sectors
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is implementing an ambitious plan in 2025 to diversify tourism sectors and enhance recreational offerings through a series of high-quality projects. These initiatives, coordinated with the governors' offices across Oman's various governorates, fall under the broader framework of the comprehensive tourism development plan. They aim to strengthen tourism infrastructure and expand the range of experiences available to visitors. The ministry highlighted some of the most prominent projects, including the Recreational Slides Project, Al Ashkhara Gateway Project, Recreational Fishing Project, Mountain Slopes Project, Aromatic Tourism Experiences Project, Falaj Experience Activation Project, Adventure Tourism Initiatives and the Great Oman Journey Experience Project. Fakhriya Khamis Al Ghassani, Director of the Product and Tourism Experiences Development Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that these projects align with the objectives outlined in the comprehensive tourism development plan. They seek to enhance the quality of tourism offerings, boost competitiveness, and provide unique opportunities and experiences across various destinations, she explained. She added that these efforts support increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP, attract local and foreign investments to Oman, and offer exceptional experiences for domestic, regional, and international tourists while appealing to diverse demographic groups. She affirmed that the ministry continues to promote cultural tourism as a cornerstone for diversifying the tourism product and reinforcing national identity. The ministry launched the 'Omani Cuisine and Culinary Arts Tourism" program, which includes multiple initiatives such as documenting Omani cuisine and developing dedicated culinary tourism routes. These routes feature visits to traditional kitchens and restaurants serving authentic recipes, elevating Omani gastronomy as a key element of the tourism experience. Al Ghassani lauded the pivotal role of Omani museums in showcasing history, culture, and living heritage. The ministry, she said, is enhancing museum content through interactive digital displays, allowing visitors to engage deeply with Oman's rich civilization. Museums serve as both educational and tourism institutions, blending physical exhibits with modern technology to present historical narratives in an engaging manner. She noted that statistics indicate significant growth in heritage site visitors. For instance, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate—home to landmarks such as Nizwa Fort and Jabrin Castle—welcomed over 415,000 visitors in 2024, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year. This surge, she explained, is attributed to the development of heritage neighborhoods, improved services, and diversified tourism experiences.
