Tag Archives: Saudi

Saudis want the global tourism sector to learn the lessons of the pandemic, and to change for the better, a brand-new global survey has found. The Future of Tourism Survey explored attitudes to travel and the expectations of consumers in 11 countries around the world. Globally, the survey found that: 44% of respondents called for greater harmonization of health protocols and the use of technology to enable seamless travel. 34% wanted to see greater sustainability at the heart of tourism. 29% wanted to see health and sustainability prioritized over profits for the travel sector. 33% called for greater financial protections for travelers – likely in response to the experience of the pandemic. People from China, India, and South Korea were most in favor of greater harmonization of safety protocols and use of technology to make travel simpler. They survey also found that Saudis, who are in the midst of creating a new tourism industry that plans to contribute 10% to GDP and provide 1 million new jobs, were most supportive of putting health and sustainability before profit. Conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, almost 14,000 people were polled, across China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, Spain and Sweden. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia said: “The pandemic has a profound impact on the global tourism sector. It has shown us all – travelers, tourists, businesses and governments, that we can do things differently. “The Future of Tourism Survey shows that the public want us to learn the lessons of the pandemic and to make changes that put health, sustainability, …

Saudi and Qatar reached an agreement to reopen air space and land and sea borders between the two countries. According to the statement on state TV Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Ahmad Al Sabah said the desire for unity and reunification was emphasised during a phone call between Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Based on a proposal by Sheikh Nawaf, it was agreed that the borders between Saudi Arabia and Qatar would be reopened. Nayef Al Hajraf, Secretary General of the GCC, said the agreement to reopen borders between Saudi and Qatar was “a reflection of sincere efforts being made to ensure the success of tomorrow’s summit across all areas, despite the exceptional circumstances created by the pandemic”. “Today’s announcement once again proves that the GCC embodies a deep-rooted partnership that consistently overcomes challenges while advancing the interests of the GCC people thanks to the leadership and wisdom of its leaders,” Al Hajraf said. The UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, said the summit would be an historic event through which Gulf cohesion would be restored. “We are keen to ensure that the security, stability and prosperity of our countries and peoples are the first priority,” Dr Gargash said. “We have more work [to do] and we are [going] in the right direction.”

In keeping with the recent instructions from the governments of UAE, Saudi and Bahrain, seven carriers from the various Middle East countries have suspended their services to Doha with effect from June 6, 2017 until further notice. Among these airlines are Royal Jets, Etihad, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia from UAE; Saudia from Saudi and Gulf Air from Bahrain. While Etihad, Emirates and flydubai suspended all flights between Dubai and Doha, Royal Jets suspended their services between Abu Dhabi and Doha and Air Arabia suspended their flights between Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah and Doha. Saudia has suspended its flights between Saudi and Doha and Gulf Air between Bahrain and Doha. So all customers who have booked tickets on any of these airlines for flying to Doha will have to contact the airlines for alternative options, which will include full refunds on unused tickets or free re-booking to the nearest alternate destinations. For detailed information, the relevant airlines can be called or their websites can be looked up.

The Elaf Group of Companies, a SEDCO Holding Group company and a leading provider of travel, tourism and hospitality services, has announced the opening of its latest five-star hotel in Jeddah. The latest addition to Elaf Group’s growing portfolio of hotels is part of its recent implementation of a strategic expansion initiative, aimed at further reinforcing its leading presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism and hospitality segment — in line with the goals and objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to support the national economy and to promote tourism, particularly tourism for religious purposes, as a key contributor in the efforts to achieve a non-oil economy. Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, CEO, Elaf Group, said, “The new hotel is being expected to help address the demand for more hotel rooms in Jeddah, which clearly demonstrates the country’s rapidly thriving tourism industry — ably reflected in its continuous Year-on-Year (YoY) growth. Rest assured, we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide the highest quality of services to offer an unforgettable experience in our hotel and exemplary service to our guests.