Tag Archives: vision 2030

The Ministry of Tourism launched it tourism investment enablers program as they participated in the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin as part of its ongoing efforts to showcase and introduce investors to the promising opportunities in the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sector. The ministry has set up a pavilion at the IHIF’s accompanying exhibition to showcase opportunities in the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sector. It has also participated in panel sessions and introductory meetings with international investors in the forum. Participating in the panel sessions, Deputy Minister for Investment Attraction at the Ministry of Tourism, Mahmoud Abdulhadi, showcased the promising opportunities that the Kingdom provides to international and local investors in the tourism sector, explaining that the TIEP is an integral component of the strategic objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 and has been designed to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global tourist destination, while providing excellent investment opportunities for local investors, indicating that the initiative aims to increase and diversify tourism offers and raise the occupancy capacity of tourist hospitality facilities. He stated that the value of private investments attracted through TIEP has reached around SAR 42 billion ($11 billion), with returns estimated at SAR16 billion ($4 billion) on the Kingdom’s gross domestic product by 2030. This indicates that the initiative will contribute to providing up to 120,000 additional job opportunities by 2030 and enhance tourism infrastructure and hospitality facilities in the Kingdom.

The Board of Directors of NEOM has announced Elanan, an exclusive guest retreat that redefines luxury and well-being experiences, set in the heart of nature. Its announcement marks the latest addition to NEOM – the evolving sustainable development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia. Situated on the pristine Gulf of Aqaba coastline where the mountains meet the sea, Elanan sensitively emerges from within its lush oasis surroundings, fed by ancient natural springs. Featuring 80 bespoke rooms and suites, the retreat is designed with well-being at its core, offering a unique nature resort that embraces all the senses. Elanan takes a modern approach to wellness, perfectly blending new technologies in a discreet luxurious setting that promotes relaxation and reflection. The signature facilities provide numerous options for guests to embrace themselves in tranquility, rest and recharge. Elanan’s architectural vision is underpinned by innovation and natural harmony. Utilizing ultra-modern design techniques, it creates intricate sculptures that delicately blend with the surrounding natural beauty. It boasts a contemporary aesthetic but retains a synergy with nature, creating a unique architectural experience for all to enjoy. Guests can explore the large plazas, enjoy specialty private dining, find relaxation in the sun garden, or soak up the spectacular views from the top of the observation tower. From the moment visitors arrive, they begin a rejuvenating journey within the calming embrace of nature. The revealing of Elanan follows the recent announcements of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun, and Xaynor which are sustainable tourism destinations within the Gulf of Aqaba, all interlaced by NEOM’s commitment to sustainable development.

Saudia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oil Park Development Company (OPDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the entity behind the world-first adventure tourism destination, THE RIG to  delve into new transportation methods, including eVTOL, and carbon reduction initiatives, aligning with the sustainability goals of both organizations. The agreement, which was signed in Riyadh by Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia, and Raed Bakhrji, CEO of Oil Park Development Company, sets the stage for Saudia and THE RIG. to jointly collaborate on initiatives designed to drive traffic to the Eastern province and elevate the overall guest experience. Captain Ibrahim Koshy said: “At Saudia, we are deeply committed to fulfilling our role as the ‘Wings of Vision 2030’ to accomplish our goals in line with the Kingdom’s tourism strategy, which is to bring around 150 million visitors to Saudi Arabia by 2030. This collaboration holds great promises for the travel and tourism industry. Along with our partners, we look forward to leveraging our combined expertise to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the sector.” Raed Bakhrji said: “THE RIG. draws inspiration from Vision 2030 and its initiatives to develop the tourism sector. It is expected to be one of the leading adventure tourism projects, offering visitors an unparalleled mix of adventure experiences. Our collaboration with Saudia is expected to enhance the quality and uniqueness of our offerings, providing visitors with a wide range of easy access options to this distinctive tourist destination.”

Almosafer announced a strategic partnership with ZAAER, a pioneering cloud-based property management solution and accommodation switch, to offer an enhanced portfolio of serviced apartments across Almosafer’s portfolio of travel businesses serving domestic and inbound guests. ZAAER offers a range of innovative technology solutions to enable owners and accommodation managers to manage their day-to-day operations, including inventory, housekeeping, finance, HR, reservations, check-in and check-out, room allocation, and more through an easy-to-use system, all dynamically linked to manage any size of accommodation. Under the partnership, Almosafer will integrate ZAAER’s serviced apartment offerings within its extensive portfolio of travel businesses through an API solution to enhance the travel experience for both B2B and B2C customers across domestic and international markets. This move will significantly expand Almosafer’s comprehensive offerings with a wider range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. ZAAER, which currently manages 700 serviced apartments, aims to ambitiously scale up its short-term rental stock to 2,000 high quality accommodation spaces in 2024. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO, Almosafer, said: “As Saudi Arabia grows in appeal for the global traveller, the partnership with ZAAER builds on our digital capabilities to help address the upscale accommodation needs of a growing number of domestic and international tourists. Integrating the accommodation content of ZAAER on our state-of-the-art digital-first B2B and B2C platforms will facilitate real-time data exchange, ensuring a smoother and more interconnected experience for property owners, guests, and the travel ecosystem.” : Dr. Mohammad Almubarak, CEO, ZAAER, said: “We are excited to partner with Almosafer to expand our reach to a broader audience across its integrated and high-performing digital platforms. The partnership marks a significant step in the evolution of the travel industry in Saudi Arabia as we …

GuestReady announced its official launch in Saudi Arabia with the opening of the company’s Riyadh office. The company’s entry into the Kingdom means that GuestReady now offers short-term rental property services in over 63 cities globally. The office is the second in the Middle East following Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, which launched in 2016. According to GuestReady’s GCC Managing Director, Reem Al Khatib, the company chose to expand to the Kingdom due to it’s thriving real-estate sector and rapidly growing travel & tourism industry: “Domestic tourism has always been strong in Saudi Arabia and now, with international travel set to play a more significant role to the Kingdom thanks to Vision 2030, we see a tremendous opportunity to not just support guests, investors and property owners, but also the sector as a whole.” Under Vision 2030, the country plans to reach 100 million tourists annually by 2030, and along with it, contribute 10% to the country’s GDP and create one million jobs in the tourism industry. With a full team of property managers, including interior designers, onboarding and support staff, GuestReady’s Riyadh office is set to help boost Saudi investors and property owners’ returns through world-class technology and expert, local advice and end-to-end support. GuestReady’s launch in the Kingdom is also set to elevate guest-experience for both domestic and international tourists, and short to mid-term renters who choose to stay in GuestReady-managed short-term rental properties. Along with local expertise powered by global best-practice, GuestReady is also introducing its innovative proprietary platform and property management system (PMS), RentalReady to Saudi Arabia. RentalReady offers all-in-one functionality for managing short-term vacation rentals to both property owners and managers, as it also …

Red Sea Global (RSG) has awarded two major contracts to Saudi Airlines Catering Company (SACC) in order to create over 500 new jobs to design, build and operate a Central Production Unit (CPU) for catering services for employee meals, as well as laundry services for The Red Sea destination including employee uniforms and hotel linen. As a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, RSG is playing a critical role in diversifying the economy and creating opportunities for Saudi nationals to break into the tourism sector. As part of the 70,000 jobs that The Red Sea destination will create once fully operational, this collaboration will offer more than 500 new industry roles for talent within the Kingdom. “We are dedicated to ensuring our partners and employees who live and work at The Red Sea receive seamless services. SACC, with over 40 years of experience in catering and amenities, coupled with a deep understanding of the Saudi market, will provide the high standards we expect,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. “It is equally important to us that the communities around our developments have the opportunity to benefit. SACC shares these values and together we will develop local supply chains by looking to work with neighboring businesses, farmers and artisanal producers wherever possible.” The agreements were signed in Riyadh in the presence of John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG, and Wajdy M. Al-Ghabban, CEO of SACC. A number of senior executives from Red Sea Global as well as SACC’s Chairman of the board of directors and other members of the Board and executives were also in attendance. Mr. Mohammed Al-Sarhan, Chairman of Saudi Airlines Catering Company, expressed his pride alongside …

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and FIFA have confirmed that all matches during the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023™ will take place in the city of Jeddah. The decision was made following a FIFA delegation visit to Jeddah to assess ongoing preparations for the tournament, which takes place from 12-22 December 2023. It will be the first time the FIFA Club World Cup™ is held in Saudi Arabia. Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said: “We are delighted that Jeddah, with its state-of-the-art facilities and reputation for hosting major international sports events, has been selected as host city for the FIFA Club World Cup. Sport is a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation under Vision 2030, which has established the Kingdom as one of the fastest growing and most exciting countries in world sport.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) with Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al Misehal during FIFA President Gianni Infantino visit to Paris Office on May 27, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julien Hekimian/FIFA) “We believe hosting international events like the FIFA Club World Cup provides an opportunity to grow the game further and inspire new and existing fans, while showcasing to the world Saudi’s hospitable culture and huge passion for football. Working closely with FIFA, we are ready to deliver an exceptional tournament and an unforgettable experience for players and fans.” The FIFA delegation visit included detailed inspections of key infrastructure including the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium and the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, as well as the proposed training and accommodation facilities. SAFF’s commitment to growing the game at every level in Saudi across men …

As part of an ongoing effort to deepen ties between China and Arab partners, Riyadh and Beijing are stepping up efforts to improve air connectivity between these fast-developing economies. At the recently held Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh, attendees from China and the Arab world explored new avenues for collaboration to unlock the potential of shared business between these exciting markets, particularly also in air connectivity. Celebrating its 10th year, the conference brought together leading government officials, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and investors. Establishing stronger air links to foster tourism growth and unlock new opportunities was a hot-button topic at the event, with ACP’s booth forming part of the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to draw attraction to the high-potential travel and tourism industries in the Kingdom. “In line with Vision 2030 and the ambitions of the National Tourism Strategy, ACP is bridging the stakeholder ecosystem to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination. Chinese visitors will, indeed, play a key role in achieving this ambition,” said Ali Rajab CEO of ACP. He added, “By ensuring that our customer service and operational readiness meet the high standards that Chinese visitors expect, ACP is creating a seamless travel experience between China and the Kingdom. For these travelers, like all others to Saudi Arabia, we prioritize cultural understanding and the highest levels of quality assurance.” Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism leaders, including stakeholders such as ACP, are actively working to turn the Kingdom into a sought-after air connectivity destination. In the past year, the Kingdom saw 23 new routes connected to Saudi Arabia from three continents, resulting in an expansion of seat capacity by 700,000. Likewise, several partnerships have been established with government …

Qatar Tourism hosted the World Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) conference for the Middle East and Africa region, which came to Doha for the first time from 9 to 11 May. This year’s edition of the prestigious conference, the Middle East’s largest gathering of business events experts, attracts representatives of business events stakeholders including government entities, conference promotion bureaus and some of the region’s leading tourism industry oversights. Hosting the conference is a key step for Qatar’s tourism sector, where specialized tourism sectors such as conferences, travel incentives, exhibitions and meetings are of vital importance, as part of efforts to achieve the ambitious goal of the Qatari tourism industry of increasing the number of arrivals to Qatar. His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, President of Qatar Tourism and Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, said: “We are delighted to host this prestigious conference in Qatar for the first time. We have a great ambition to become a leading global destination for hosting business events that is a key pillar of Qatar’s Tourism Strategy 2030. Qatar’s strategic location, award-winning airline and airport, the country’s visa facilities and state-of-the-art exhibition and conference facilities make it an ideal choice for business visitors who want productive, enjoyable and seamless journeys.” Held under the theme ‘Towards Sustainable Growth’, this year’s edition of the conference presents actionable strategiesand solutions that can help business leaders achieve their goals in terms of combating climate change. During its sessions, the conference is expected to present a variety of interviews and meetings and lively discussions involving prominent figures and representatives from the business events industry.

The PIF-owned Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) has announced the launch of construction of an entertainment destination located in Saudi Arabia, with a value of SAR1+ billion. The complex will transform the entertainment landscape of the Tabuk region, with about 78% of its space designated for entertainment, 14% for cafes and restaurants, and 8% for stores. Amenities will include an advanced 12-hole indoor golf course offering bespoke experiences, a modern 10-track bowling alley, and a 10-screen cinema hall, according to a company statement. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Dawood, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SEVEN, said: “The destination will add a qualitative leap in the entertainment scene of the region by providing a wide choice of entertainment attractions and distinctive experiences.” The project is being designed as an integrated village, with an innovative water tower inspired by the agricultural heritage of the Tabuk region at its center. This will connect to open community spaces, including gardens, parks and sports fields. The development reflects PIF’s strategy to develop and localize a variety of sectors, including entertainment, leisure and sports, to create a more vibrant society and improve the lives of everyone in Saudi Arabia. It also aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of positioning Saudi Arabia among the world’s top tourist destinations.​