Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

WTTC welcomes Embratur as its newest destination partner

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the integration of the Brazilian Tourism Institute of Tourism (Embratur) as its newest Destination Partner, marking an exciting chapter in collaborative efforts to drive global tourism growth.
 
As a WTTC Destination Partner, Embratur will participate in high-level forums featuring CEOs and executives from around 200 of the most influential companies and destinations in the tourism sector.
 
These forums align with WTTC's mission to unlock the potential of the Travel & Tourism sector for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth.
 
 Through collaboration with governments, destinations, communities, and industry leaders, WTTC aims to foster economic development, create jobs, and reduce poverty worldwide.
 
Under its promotional brand ‘Visit Brasil’, Embratur joins more than 30 prominent Destination Partners within WTTC's global network. These include organisations such as Atout France, Brand USA, Abu Dhabi, Destination Canada, Dubai, Visit California, ProColombia, Buenos Aires, Thailand, Portugal, and Rwanda, among others.
  
Julia Simpson, President & CEO WTTC, said: “It is an honour to announce Embratur as our new Destination Partner. Brazil stands as a global icon in the Travel & Tourism sector, and through this partnership, we will work together to strengthen the resilience of the industry while unlocking opportunities for growth that benefit everyone.”
 
According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) 2024, conducted in collaboration with Oxford Economics, Brazil's tourism sector contributes 7.7% to the country’s GDP, amounting to a staggering $165.4 billion.
 
By joining WTTC, Embratur will enhance Brazil’s global presence as a leading tourism destination while contributing to the initiatives and policies spearheaded by the organisation. Membership also grants access to a premier network of key stakeholders in the global tourism industry.
 
Marcelo Freixo, President of Embratur, commented: “It is an honour for Embratur to join WTTC’s distinguished group of Destination Partners. This partnership provides a platform to strengthen Brazil’s standing as a central player in global tourism discussions. We remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting Brazil as a destination that harmonises tourism with the challenges of the 21st century, fostering development through environmental sustainability and the celebration of human diversity.” -TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

AquaChemie opens advanced chemical facility in Kezad

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad Group), one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, today (February 12) announced the opening of AquaChemie Global Chemicals' new facility within its integrated economic ecosystem. 
 
A UAE-based chemical manufacturing group, AquaChemie said its 25,800-sqm facility in Kezad Area A (Kezad Al Ma’mourah) is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure built to adhere to global safety and environmental standards.  
 
This milestone development strengthens the UAE’s local manufacturing capabilities and aligns with the nation’s “Make it in the Emirates” programme, said Kezad in a statement.
 
AquaChemie, which has invested AED90 million ($24 million) in the facility, will utilise the site to manufacture, store, and blend, drumming  a diverse range of industrial chemicals in liquid and solids shape, primarily serving Adnoc and other major clients. 
 
This development enhances supply chain resilience, reduces reliance on imports, and supports sustainable industrial practices in the region, it stated.
 
Mansoor Al Marar, VP - Industrial Business Development, Kezad Group, said: "The opening of AquaChemie’s facility highlights Kezad Group’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth."
 
"By supporting projects like AquaChemie, KEZAD continues to play a critical role in advancing the UAE’s industrial diversification goals and driving regional economic competitiveness," he noted.
 
Anand Kumar, the Managing Director of AquaChemie, said: "Our facility at Kezad represents a significant milestone in AquaChemie’s strategic growth. Kezad’s robust infrastructure, strategic connectivity, and business-friendly environment provide us with the tools to deliver high-quality chemical solutions, meet the needs of our clients, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s industrial ambitions."
 
Through its strategic location, Kezad provides AquaChemie with direct access to its multimodal logistics network, including proximity to Khalifa Port, ensuring seamless regional and global connectivity, stated Kumar. 
 
"Kezad continues to attract leading industrial players with its competitive ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, and tailored solutions, positioning it as a preferred destination for global investors," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

PIF named title sponsor for Saudi ladies golf tournament

Golf Saudi has announced that PIF is the new title partner of the renamed PIF Saudi Ladies International, a partnership which also sees the prize money for the tournament equaling with the men’s contest, underlining PIF’s commitment to inclusion in sport.
 
The PIF Saudi Ladies International returns from February 13 to 15 at Riyadh Golf Club and will also see a new format with tour professionals taking part in both an individual and team competition.
 
The partnership between PIF and Golf Saudi is designed to have a transformative impact on the sport, promote inclusivity and equality within golf, and foster greater engagement among Saudi Arabia’s people and visitors alike. This includes providing opportunities for all Saudi nationals to participate in the game of golf, creating gateways for aspiring professionals in the Middle East to enter the professional game, and launching golf tourism initiatives such as the development of quality golf facilities at scale across the country.
 
The PIF Saudi Ladies International will feature a field of 112 elite competitors, including world number three ranked Ruoning Yin, nine ranked Charley Hull and defending tournament champion Patty Tavatanakit, with the prize purse at $5 million – the largest purse for any women’s professional golf tournament outside majors and a few select LGPA events.
 
Driven by PIF’s partnership, the tournament’s purse intentionally matches that of Golf Saudi’s equivalent men’s tournament, the PIF Saudi International presented by SoftBank, which is played on the Asian Tour. This investment reflects PIF and Golf Saudi’s commitment to driving inclusivity and opportunity within golf for all ages, genders, and demographics. - TradeArabia News Service