Surrounded by ochre-hued mountains, Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost Emirate of the UAE, offers travellers a journey where heritage and nature seamlessly converge. On World Tourism Day, as the United Nations highlights Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, the Nature Emirate invites slow travellers and culture seekers to walk through 7,000 years of history and discover stories that live under open skies.

The journey begins at Dhayah Fort, a 19th-century stronghold now on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Rising above fertile date wadis and arid mountains, the fort is the UAE’s only surviving hilltop fort. A climb up its 239 stone steps rewards visitors with sweeping views of sea, oasis, and the Jebel Jais range.

A short distance away lies Shimal, a Bronze Age site dating back more than 4,000 years. Stretching across gravel plains and acacia forests, it houses prehistoric tombs, settlements, and the remains of a medieval palace, once a key stop along ancient trade routes connecting the Arabian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.

For a glimpse of more recent history, Al Jazeera Al Hamra offers an evocative window into the Emirate’s pearling past. This abandoned yet well-preserved village features coral-brick homes, souqs, wind towers, and mosques, all telling stories of merchants and divers from before the oil era.

Heritage in Ras Al Khaimah also lives on its waters. At Suwaidi Pearls in Al Rams, the UAE’s only operational cultured pearl farm, visitors board traditional dhows across lagoons framed by mountains and mangroves. Guided tours introduce age-old pearl-diving tools, maps, and traditions, ending with a live oyster-opening demonstration.

The Emirate’s cultural vibrancy shines every winter through the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, which transforms Al Jazeera Al Hamra into a living gallery. From humble beginnings in 2013, it has grown into the Emirate’s flagship cultural event. The 2025 edition welcomed 200 artists from around the world, while the upcoming 2026 Biennale will explore Civilizations, A Journey Through Time & Culture, with works spanning visual arts, installations, and film.

Food too carries the imprint of heritage. At restaurants like Skeek and Eayshat Al Awal, traditional Emirati dishes such as rigag, khameer, chebab bread, and balaleet bring authentic flavours to the table. For a mountain experience, Camp 1770, the highest camp in the UAE, pairs guided hikes with tribal dishes like mandi and luqaimat under breathtaking sunsets.

In Ras Al Khaimah, heritage is not only preserved, it is lived. From forts and pearl farms to cuisine and art, the Emirate offers a sensory-rich encounter with authenticity, making it the perfect destination to celebrate World Tourism Day.

Victoria’s visitor economy has reached record levels, with international visitor spending climbing to $43.7 billion, a 20 per cent jump year-on-year—according to new data from Tourism Research Australia. The results highlight how major events and strategic global partnerships are fueling economic growth in the state.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, said the latest Domestic Tourism Statistics and International Visitor Survey underline the sector’s strength. “Tourism supports and creates jobs and we’re making sure those opportunities continue to grow. By strengthening ties with international markets, we’re driving new waves of visitors and seeing incredible momentum from overseas visitors,” he said.

Victoria secured 24.7 percent of Australia’s total visitor spend in the year ending June 2025, overtaking Queensland to become the second-highest market share in the country. International visitors stayed 21.5 per cent more nights and arrivals rose by 11.5 per cent, aided by airline partnerships and the Government’s strong international outreach.

India emerged as one of Victoria’s fastest-growing markets, with visitor spending up 78.9 percent compared to last year. The surge was supported by the Labor Government’s India Strategy and high-profile sporting events, including the blockbuster Boxing Day Test. China, meanwhile, remained Victoria’s largest source of international spend at $3.1 billion, a 24.6 per cent increase on the previous year.

Melbourne continues to outperform Sydney as Australia’s top interstate overnight destination, with 3 million nights booked in the June 2025 quarter. Hotels across Melbourne CBD and Greater Melbourne recorded their busiest-ever January through August for bookings. Regional Victoria also benefited, with Victorians spending $1.8 billion across 9.8 million nights in the June 2025 quarter, while international visitors spent $832 million in regional areas over the past financial year.

Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements credited the state’s diverse offerings, “From blockbuster sporting events to cultural activity and regional festivals, there is a huge calendar of events delivering benefits right across Victoria. Whether visitors are travelling from across the country or just down the road, Victoria’s compact diversity means there is something for everyone here to enjoy.”

The data comes on the heels of the Premier’s announcement in China of a $43 million investment to promote Victoria globally, strengthening an industry that already supports more than 288,000 jobs. Upcoming highlights include the AFL Grand Final, the NBAxNBL Melbourne Series, French Impressionism at the National Gallery of Victoria, and regional showcases such as the Australian Diamonds in Bendigo.

Plan B Tourism, Jordan, and Royal Jordanian Airlines, in partnership with Red Dot Representations India, recently hosted a dedicated FAM (Familiarisation) trip for Indian travel trade professionals from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The five-day program, held between September 15 and 19, allowed participants to experience Jordan’s leisure and business tourism offerings firsthand.

The itinerary combined cultural heritage and modern hospitality, featuring stays at top Jordanian hotels, curated networking opportunities, and exposure to the country’s signature MICE infrastructure, all complemented by warm Jordanian hospitality.

Rana Abu Alhala, CEO of Plan B Travel & Tourism, said, “We are delighted to have hosted Indian travel trade professionals on this immersive FAM trip in partnership with Royal Jordanian Airlines. The Indian market has immense potential for both leisure and business travel. Through this initiative, we aimed to showcase Jordan’s rich heritage, warm hospitality, and future-ready MICE infrastructure, positioning it as a strong contender among global destinations.”

Franco John, Deputy General Manager, Red Dot Representations, added, “India’s outbound travel segment is growing rapidly, with high demand from both corporate and leisure travellers. This FAM trip brings Jordan’s diverse offerings closer to Indian travellers, and we aim to strengthen its popularity in the months ahead.”

Ms. Anju Wariah, Director of STIC Group and Local Spokesperson for Royal Jordanian Airlines, commented, “Ease of connectivity is key to a destination’s growth. Partnering with Plan B Tourism Jordan for this FAM trip allows us to enhance India-Jordan travel and provide seamless experiences for Indian travellers.”

The initiative was supported by key partners including STIC Group, Tamarind Global, Thomas Cook, SOTC, Yatra, Trip Navigator, Even Trip, Axplore, MotherSon Travels, and Travel Sukham. Plan B Tourism Jordan’s India office, represented by Red Dot Representations, ensured an engaging and comprehensive experience for all participants.