Team ITTN was over at World Travel Market in force. There has been significant growth amongst the destination market, with a 9% increase in destination participation. Over 135 National Tourism Organisations are in attendance, with a huge volume of regions and cities joining them. Find out more from Morocco, Oman, AlUla, Barbados and Ibiza.
Morocco – a melting pot of dynasties and cultures
Africa is the fastest growing region of the event, which follows proactive and diligent strategies implemented by nations such as Morocco and Egypt in a post-pandemic world. Whether five-star luxury resorts under the African sunshine or escorted tours discovering the culture and heritage of this nation, Morocco offers so much for potential travellers. In addition, with Aer Lingus now offering a direct service to Marrakesh, it has never been easier to get there. The team from ITTN linked in with Visit Morocco at WTM 2024.
Aer Lingus launched its new route which started on 26 October 2024. The service operates three times a week.
Morocco is a melting pot of dynasties and cultures. Morocco has gained international consideration as a multicultural country, with several types of heritage recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. Morocco is one of the go-to destinations for discovery lovers, the most fascinated by nature, history, the art of living and Moroccan hospitality.
Dive into the exotic charm of Marrakesh, where the winter sun illuminates vibrant souks, ancient palaces, and bustling medinas. Marrakesh offers an adventure at every turn, with a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavours that will transport you to a different world. Visit the Jardin Majorelle, a serene garden filled with exotic plants or explore the intricate beauty of the Bahia Palace.
Medina, which means city in Arabic, refers to the old towns as part of several Moroccan cities. Often walled and characterized renowned by its intertwined alleyways, the medians are home to traditions and culture, architecture and crafts. Those of Fez, Marrakech, Essaouira, Tetouan and Essaouira are the most famous ones. In Morocco, there are four imperial cities that are rich in history and absolutely worth a visit: Rabat, Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh.
Experience Oman – “Beauty has an Address”
Team ITTN met with representatives from Experience Oman. With pristine beaches, magnificent deserts, rugged mountains and a history that spans over 7,000 years, the Sultanate of Oman is ready to refresh, engage and inspire travellers.
Whether you love elegance, luxury and style or prefer to feel closer to nature, Oman’s gorgeous boutique hotels, desert camps and eco-resorts will be your home away from home.
The Sultanate of Oman is a country of breath-taking natural beauty, history and legends. As the oldest independent state in the Arab World, Oman has embraced modernisation and progress while retaining the core aspects of its culture and heritage – making it the perfect travel destination for those seeking an authentic Arabian experience.
Oman’s culture is deeply rooted in the Sultanate’s proud heritage and history of seafaring, trading and exploration. Today, long-standing traditions blend seamlessly with modern day living. Omanis are very welcoming of visitors from other countries, a fact that is reflected in the generous hospitality extended to guests.Welcome to the Sultanate of Oman.
Oman is Considered a Hidden Jewel
Oman’s geographical location includes various urban, Bedouin, coastal, and mountainous environments, with mixed-in communities that give significant importance to agriculture, herding, fishing, and trade. In addition, traditional arts and crafts hold a significant place in the life of the Omani people, alongside their generous hospitality, warmth, and friendly nature that they have embraced since childhood.
AlUla at a Glance – Forever Revitalising
AlUla is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Team ITTN discovered what this destination has to offer. Dating back 200,000 years of human history and 7,000 years of civilisation, this is the land of the ancients. Once part of the Incense Road, this was home to a multitude of civilisations.
Take a journey through time in the world’s largest living museum
AlUla stands with two other great oases in northwest Arabia — Khaybar and Tayma – to create a place of profound history that is continuously evolving. Its strategic position has, throughout millennia, made it a crucial hub for trade, and its distinct geographical features, such as the famed oasis and imposing sandstone mountains, combined with its favourable climate, allowed numerous civilisations to thrive. Those who visit now embark on an authentic journey, travelling back in time, surrounded by wonders and a sense of discovery.
Layer upon layer of human history and a wealth of natural wonders are waiting to be explored, from dramatic rock formations and sand-swept dunes to archaeological ruins that trace the lives of the ancient cultures who built cities here.
Offering guided tours through the ancient culture or spectacular outdoors, enjoy revitalising wellness, a safari adventure, thrilling zip lines, native art workshops or a hot air balloon at sunrise, this destination offers something off the beaten track for the traveller.
AlUla International Airport offers direct flights from Dubai (flydubai) and Doha (Qatar Airways) as well as domestic flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. The airport is c.20-30 minutes from AlUla’s main landmarks and resorts.
Say Hello to Barbados
Barbados is a very special place, and Barbadians are very special people who have many stories to tell. Irish travellers can get there with Aer Lingus which operates a direct flight from Manchester to Bridgetown in Barbados. The service is 3 times a week from November to April. Equally, fly via London Heathrow with British Airways as I did in 2019. I stayed on the south of the island, not far from the capital. It was still 30 degrees with a refreshing breeze.
One of the most famous ladies from the island is Rihanna and, as we did, visitors can indulge in some pop culture by visiting the home she lived as a child, since renamed Rihanna Drive in her honour.
My memories of the nightlife were that of a festival, artisan food stalls, Caribbean music echoing through the night air, the smell of sweet BBQ and a few rum cocktails. In fact, if journeying to the island, stop off at Mount Gay Rum. This is the world’s oldest rum brand dating back to 1703. It uses natural limestone as a water filter and local sugar cane to produce this exceptional spirit. Treat yourself to a distillery tour and cocktail masterclass. It’s a great way to indulge in an outstanding rum-tasting experience and definitely keep your duty-free allowance for this place.
Docked along the coast is an impressive submarine, the Atlantis. It takes a few dozen tourists down to the depths of the Caribbean Sea, descending 150 feet. Watch thousands of fish dart in the blue waters through the large portholes. If staying above water level is more your thing, take a catamaran out to sea and snorkel with the marine life. Swimming with the turtles off the Barbados coast remains etched in my memory as an absolute favourite experience.
Ibiza – Mediterranean Paradise
Ibiza Illes Balears shared with ITTN that Irish visitor numbers are up 20+% year-on-year and with over 300 days of sunshine annually, it’s easy to see why.
Small coves and sandy shores surround this Spanish Island in the heart of the Mediterranean. Pine forests stretch to the sea, street markets wait to be explored, quaint villages rich in rural charm entice travellers to enjoy another pace of life. Opt for luxury beach clubs and epic nightlife as Ibiza offers it all.
There are many ways to experience the coast of Ibiza – the beaches of Cala d’Hort, opposite the beautiful nature reserve of Es Vedrà, and Es Caló d’es Moro, with one of the most admired sunsets to be seen on the island; the rocky shore of Ses Variades, full of lively bars and nightclubs; Cala Benirrás, epicentre of the hippie lifestyle every Sunday with its drum parties; coves like Tarida, Jondal, Conta, and the beaches of Ses Salines and d’en Bossa, with a variety of beach clubs; or Cala Llentía, with standing stones on the cliffs, regarded by many as Ibiza’s Stonehenge.
Ibiza is so authentic that it can combine the world’s most exciting nightlife with a UNESCO World Heritage town and Biodiversity Reserves. Ibiza is celebrating 25 years as a World Heritage Site this year. Four features of the island of Ibiza led to its declaration by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, recognized in December 1999.
The Dalt Vila Acropolis offers a glimpse at ancient civilisations through the cobbled streets of an ancient walled city. Another part of the World Heritage is the Puig des Molins Necropolis, the cemetery of ancient Ibiza – the best preserved of its kind in the Mediterranean with 3000+ tombs excavated. The Puig des Molins Archaeological Museum is here with Phoenician and Carthaginian artefacts, along with the pantheon of the Gods and Goddesses Tanit, Baal Hammon and Eshmun.
Another part of the World Heritage Site is the earliest settlement on the island. It was founded by the Phoenicians in Sa Caleta.
Finally, biodiversity has also been declared a World Heritage Site in the form of the meadows of seagrass or Posidonia Oceanica, a plant which is endemic to the Mediterranean. This species plays an important role in conserving the beaches of the coastline and protecting the dunes, in addition to keeping the waters clean and transparent, also serving as a home to many species of fish and invertebrates. They form reefs parallel with the coast that rise up to one or two metres in height, forming a natural barrier that mitigates the action of the waves. Seagrass is Ibiza’s most important natural treasure.
