Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

VisitBritain launches Gulf tourism campaign with blockbuster film

VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, has launched a global screen tourism campaign to inspire visitors from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries to choose Britain for their next trip and explore more of its nations and regions.
 
The campaign, 'Starring GREAT Britain', features a blockbuster-inspired film that takes viewers on a cinematic journey through Britain, giving them a front row seat to the destinations at the heart of the on-screen action.
 
The launch film, directed by Academy Award-winning British director Tom Hooper, is supported by a wider advertising campaign across the UK's largest and most valuable inbound visitor markets including GCC, Australia, France, Germany, and the United States.
 
VisitBritain's screen tourism research shows that over 9 out of 10 potential visitors to the UK would be keen to visit film and TV locations during a trip.
 
Chris Bryant, Tourism Minister, said: “Many of the moments that took your breath away in the cinema were filmed in the United Kingdom. Stunning scenery, amazing cityscapes and great cinematic talent have combined over the years in a truly exceptional way. We want visitors from home and abroad to experience them first-hand by immersing themselves in the scenery and locations made famous thanks to film and TV.
 
“Our tourism industry is already worth £74 billion to the economy and this campaign will help drive more growth by encouraging millions of tourists to visit even more parts of our breathtaking country.
 
“Supporting our Plan for Change, this will help to boost visitor numbers and spend, create opportunity in local communities and set the scene for the UK's thriving visitor economy for years to come.”
 
Patricia Yates, VisitBritain CEO, said:“Britain’s destinations are the real star of the show as we harness the powerful draw of screen tourism to attract visitors from the GCC and drive their spending across our nations and regions, boosting local economies. Using film and TV as the hook we’re telling the story of Britain today, showcasing our dynamic and diverse destinations and putting our welcome centre-stage.
 
“Films, TV and tourism have a lot in common. They bring people together and they can transport us to new places, experiences and adventures. From exploring our vibrant cities, world-class attractions and stunning countryside, the backdrop to so many iconic filming locations, to enjoying our exciting contemporary culture and hospitality, Starring GREAT Britain inspires our visitors from the GCC to put themselves in the picture, discover more and book a trip to Britain right now.”
 
The first phase of the international advertising campaign, with a budget of £8 million ($9 million), started from 20 January and runs until the end of March 2025 in the GCC.
 
The multi-media advertising campaign in the GCC uses a mix of channels to showcase destinations across England, Scotland, and Wales as the backdrop to great stories, action, and adventure.
 
The campaign will be seen in cinemas across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, on large digital billboards in high footfall locations, and branded content across digital and social media on channels such as Meta, Snapchat, YouTube, and ConnectedTV.
 
A screen-tourism hub on VisitBritain's global consumer website offers itineraries themed around film genres, encouraging visitors to broaden their itineraries, discover more regional destinations, and stay longer.
 
 A range of resources are also available for travel trade in the GCC on VisitBritain's trade website, including images inspired by film and TV locations and genres, products available to book through the VisitBritain Shop, and itineraries featuring trade-bookable products. -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