Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The sixth edition of France’s worldwide culinary extravaganza, Goût de/Good France was celebrated over five continents between 14th-22nd October. French Embassies and Consulates hosted culinary events promoting a commitment to a “greener” and more inclusive global gastronomy ‘à la française’. This year the gastronomy of the ‘Centre-Val de Loire’ region was honoured. In Mumbai, Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet,  the Consul General of France in Bombay hosted an exclusive soiree at the French Residence on 21st October where guests enjoyed the succulent flavours of France’s renowned cuisine thanks to a specially curated menu designed by the Sofitel Mumbai for this occasion. Seen here on the left is Sami Bouakaze, Deputy Consul, Consulat Général de France à Bombay alongside Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Consul General of France in Bombay, at the event. France’s worldwide gastronomical event, Goût de France/Good France, is back for its 6th edition, and restaurants in India once again participated in force. From October 14 to 22, dozens of restaurants across India served French-style menus focused on sustainable gastronomy. They joined chefs and restaurants across the world and over 150 French embassies and consulates in this annual event celebrating French cuisine. This year’s edition focused on the gastronomy of the future by highlighting commitment to a more eco-friendly, sustainable cuisine, as well as on the Centre-Loire Valley region, the “Garden of France” whose gastronomy dates back to the Renaissance and has shaped an exceptional way of life, opening a window onto French excellence. Restaurants across India, chefs, importers of French products and other stakeholders of gastronomy in India took part in the initiative by creating menus that promote French gastronomy, French gourmet food products and wines in sync with the themes of the event. …

Bali has opened to fully vaccinated travellers from 19 countries including China, India, and France. The UK is not on the list yet. However, visitors to the island still need to serve a five-day quarantine period in a hotel. Around 82% people in Bali are fully vaccinated, which is one of the highest vaccination rates in Indonesia. The Government has released the full list of countries and have said they expect hotel and flight bookings to pick up over time.

Sharing her expectations from the upcoming VirtuallyYoursSouthAfrica roadshow on October 20, Sma Dlamini, Acting Executive Manager – Tourism, Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency, says, “We intend to meet with the Indian trade to showcase Mpumalanga’s diverse and unique product offerings, while also establishing joint marketing initiatives which will be mutually beneficial for both – our potential trade partners in India and us. We especially look forward to displaying the scenic beauty and abundant wildlife in Mpumalanga, as we look to attract increased tourist footfall from India.”

Tourism Malaysia is participating for the third time at the third edition of the Gulf Travel Show (GTS) from 12 to 14 October 2021. As a platinum partner, Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 13 booths consisting of Tourism Malaysia Dubai, Tourism Malaysia Jeddah, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), together with three DMCs/tour operator partners, one product partner, as well as five hotels and resorts from the island of Langkawi. Following this year’s participation, Manoharan Periasamy, the Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia’s International Promotion Division for Asia & Africa says that GTS 2021 is a platform that allows industry players to share the development and implementation of safety for domestic and international travellers in preparation for reopening the borders, especially for the Middle East market. “Malaysia has successfully completed the vaccination of more than 90 per cent of its adult population against COVID-19, and as a result, domestic tourism has fully reopened effective Monday, 11 October 2021. In the meantime, Tourism Malaysia is gearing up in preparing to welcome more tourists and also continuing in promoting the #WeMissYou campaign ahead of the reopening of our international borders that is expected after we achieve 90 per cent complete inoculation nationwide,” says Manoharan. Nasaruddin Bin Abdul Muttalib, Chief Executive Officer of LADA adds, “On 16 September 2021, the government has announced the reopening of Langkawi as the pilot project for Malaysia’s domestic travel bubble, aimed at reviving the nation’s tourism industry. Langkawi has become the first holiday destination in Malaysia to open its doors to domestic tourists who are fully vaccinated. The visitors are also subject to the standard operating procedures (SOP) compliance and are required …

Sharing his expectations from the upcoming VirtuallyYoursSouthAfrica roadshow on October 20, Vuyani Dayimani, CEO – Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency, says, “The Eastern Cape Province is the jewel of South Africa; it offers tourists authentic experiences from bungee jumping off the highest bridge in the southern hemisphere, to big seven safari, hiking diverse trails, being the birth and resting place of Nelson Mandela. Its hospitable people and unique culture and heritage, endless coastal line, myriad of outdoor activities, adventure sports, and urban life experiences spread across different regions make it a destination for all seasons. ECPTA hopes to be able to showcase all of this and more at the expo, after two years of presenting the destination to Indian Travel Trade partners, the agency seeks to see Eastern Cape included in more travel packages to South Africa with the focus on increasing bed nights and geographic spread.”

Switzerland Tourism will conduct a webinar on Wednesday, 6 October, 2021, focusing on the vibrant city of Zurich. The cosmopolitan city located in the heart of Europe, is a melting pot of culture, and is a buzz with activities and experiences, day and night. This captivating webinar will take viewers live to Zurich and give them a glimpse of its popular highlights and attractions. To register, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532

Welcoming visitors from around the globe, His Excellency Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai on October 1st. The opening was attended by General Commissioners from GCC participating countries as well as a number of dignitaries, officials and partners. Following the inauguration, His Excellency toured the Qatar Pavilion which highlights the country’s achievements across various fields, showcases the most pioneering projects that are being developed in accordance with the National Vision 2030, and spotlights Qatar as the upcoming host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also visited the pavilions of participating GCC countries, where each country’s most prominent achievements were showcased. The Qatar Pavilion was designed by internationally-renowned architect, Santiago Calatrava, who represented a modern interpretation of the four elements presented in the Coat of Arms of Qatar. Its architectural composition draws inspiration from the two crossed and curved swords, encompassing a Dhow and island with two palm trees, that are at the core of the national emblem of the state of Qatar. Santiago Calatrava said, “We are honoured to have been chosen for the design of the Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2020. Our relationship with the State of Qatar and its people lies very close to our heart. The Qatar Pavilion’s design draws inspiration from the four elements represented on the Coat of Arms of Qatar and pays tribute to the nation’s cultural heritage.” The coinciding pair of buildings of the Qatar Pavilion consist of two main galleries of exhibition spaces. Gallery 1 serves as an introductory space and invites visitors to explore the past, present, and future of Qatar through visual arts, sound …

As Thailand prepares to re-open its borders to the World, TravelBullz and the Tourism Authority of Thailand prepares to welcome Indian guests back to Amazing Thailand. In the first phase of the destination re-opening, the Indian Travel League (ITL), a fun-filled quiz program aimed at engaging the travel agent community in India will focus on Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Khao Lak, Koh Yao Yai & Noi. The goal would be to generate interest, awareness and educate sellers about the destinations and hotel & attraction partners. To help achieve the above objective we welcome the Indian travel agent’s fraternity to join us in the Indian Travel League (ITL) & The Amazing Thailand Grand Re-Opening Sale!! While ITL would focus on generating interest in destinations, hotels, resorts, attractions & sightseeing options “The Amazing Thailand Grand Reopening Sale” is aimed at helping agents in India to increase their margins while selling these destinations. There would be Exclusive Deals on offer (discount of 30-50%) for agents to Buy Now & Travel Later, not only increasing their margins but also enhancing the traveller experiences given the range of value adds on offers. ITL will be a weekly campaign with a total of 4 rounds, starting on 20th of October. Each week a match would conclude with a wordplay format quiz. Minimum scores would be tallied to qualify for the next round. Winners will be announced on 19th of November, on social media. There would be a lot of prizes up for the winners of the quarter-final & semi-final matches. The final 10 winners would win: 4 Nights Package for Stay in Phuket (Flights excluded) A Trophy A Certificate Vachirachai  Sirisumpan, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand …

Etihad Airways is giving all its guests travelling into or via Abu Dhabi a complimentary ticket to Expo 2020 Dubai that will take place between 1 October, 2021 and 31, March 2022. Visitors can enjoy a visit to Expo and also explore the attractions in Abu Dhabi. The special promotion under the ‘Exponential Abu Dhabi’ campaign will run until 31 March 2022. Expo 2020 is just a 45-minute drive from Abu Dhabi. The city now welcomes fully vaccinated travellers without the need to quarantine.

According to the results of the SAP Concur study, Indian business travellers (99%) want to resume work travel within the next 12 months. Nearly 78% of business professionals surveyed in India were eager to start a journey, and according to the study, the percentage was much higher than the global average. About 84% of Indian business professionals felt that their inability to extend travel would hurt them both professionally and personally. Respondents from India said that most business activities such as new deal sign ups, (47%), customer additions (41%) and contract renewals (43%) would be adversely affected if their organizations did not increase business travel.