Brazil launches tourism security programme
EMBRATUR – Brazil’s Tourist Board – and the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, with the support of the Federal government, have recently launched the ‘Safe Tourism Program’. The initiative aims to develop actions and public policies to improve the security of tourists during their stay in Brazil.
To create the program, Embratur and the Ministry of Tourism met throughout 2021, to develop proposals that, when implemented, ensure the safety of both domestic and foreign tourists.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of health and safety, especially when it comes to travelling and tourism. Tourist security is critical as it involves issues related to mobility, public safety, consumer relations, protecting childhood, human rights, gender equality, accessible information, physical integrity of agents, quality food, and many others.
Considering all these points, 59 actions were created, which aim to contribute to the positioning of Brazil as a safe destination. The areas of action include public safety, consumer relations in tourism, tourist transport, civil defence, health surveillance and positive communication.
GNTB reveals huge growth in GCC footfall
NEW figures released by the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) show the country’s strategic approach to attracting overseas travellers and recovering international tourism is proving a success.
Statistics show that between January and December 2021, Germany welcomed 72.9 per cent more GCC national arrivals than over the same period the previous year. Elsewhere, overnight stays in Germany by visitors from the GCC region rose 82.3 per cent throughout 2021, with December alone recording a 335.2 per cent increase when compared to the previous year.
This rise in footfall can be partly attributed to Germany’s ongoing efforts to diversify itineraries through its dissemination of various local cultures, family-focused leisure options, and natural, sustainable scenery, says Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Dubai-based German National Tourist Office.
“We continue to urge travellers to explore Germany and its vast and varied attractions this upcoming holiday season,” said Sofo. “We have seen consistent growth in 2021 and hope that will be maintained in 2022, especially in summertime when we will be launching some seasonal campaigns….”
Uganda Tourism launches destination brand
UGANDA Tourism Board (UTB), the government of Uganda’s destination marketing organisation, has launched its new destination brand Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa, as part of a tourism and media event held at the Sheraton Jumeriah Beach Resort in Dubai. The launch was conducted in the presence of the honourable Tom Butime, Uganda’s Cabinet Minister for Tourism, and resulted in the United Arab Emirates becoming the first international market to experience the launch of Uganda’s new and improved brand.
The extravagant open air evening event saw an impressive turnout with more than 90 key industry stakeholders, professionals, media, and travel bloggers flocking from around the Emirates and GCC countries, to learn more about the intriguing destination that is Uganda.
Speaking at the launch and heading a delegation of tourism officials and key professionals from the Ugandan tourism industry, the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the Honorable Tom Butime said: “Uganda is extremely excited to launch our revitalized brand and travel offering to the world, and we are thrilled to do that here in Dubai, where the UAE and surrounding Gulf States are a priority tourism market for Uganda.”
Philippines reopens its borders
THE Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) has opened its borders to fully vaccinated tourists from all countries.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat affirmed the department is optimistic about more inbound arrivals following simplification of entry rules. “The optimism can be attributed to a new resolution approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). Under the new resolution, effective 1 April 2022, foreign nationals can enter Philippines without the need for an Entry Exemption Document (EED),” said Romulo-Puyat.