Tag Archives: Saudi Arabia

Addressing G20 delegates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, said: “Saudi Arabia shares and celebrates the G20’s dedication to boost tourism growth and to put sustainability at the heart of our work. ”Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to make its rapidly expanding tourism sector sustainable and a powerful force for forging closer cultural links between the world’s nations at the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil. Reflecting on the meeting’s overarching theme of “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”, Al-Khateeb added: “There is more than just an economic benefit from the strides we are making to improve connectivity. They also provide the chance for people from around the world to explore the rich culture of Saudi Arabia and for our people to experience the wonders of other countries and cultures.” The high-profile gathering in Belém is bringing together not only the G20 nations, of which Saudi Arabia is the only permanent member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as 32 additional guest countries and international organizations. Saudi Arabia approved the creation of the G20 Tourism Working Group during its presidency in 2020 and among the Ministers’ key objectives at this meeting in Belém finalizing a report by the Working Group that details measures taken by its members to promote robust, sustainable, and balanced global tourism growth. During the event in Belém, His Excellency met with ministers and senior political figures from Brazil, India, Italy, Spain and Japan, as well as with His Excellency Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of UN Tourism and Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). In addition to meeting with global leaders, His Excellency also joined a WTTC Public-Private Dialogue to coincide with the launch …

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieved an increase of 73% in the number of international tourist growth, while international tourism revenues recorded an increase of 207%, according to the latest UN Tourism Barometer report issued this week at the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Belem, Brazil. It was also shared that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tops the list of G20 countries in the indicators of the growth rate of the number of international tourists and the growth rate of international tourism revenues according to the latest data for the first seven months of the year compared to the same period in 2019. Several tourist destinations in the Kingdom witnessed a significant increase in the number of international tourists this year, with 17.5 million tourists during the first seven months of 2024. The Kingdom achieved a growth of 56% in the number of international tourists during 2023 compared to 2019, with 27.4 million tourists, and travel receipts recorded a historical surplus of 48 billion SAR during 2023, an annual increase of 38%. In its September report after the conclusion of the “Article IV Consultation 2024”, The International Monetary Fund (IMF) praised the unprecedented achievements made by the Kingdom’s tourism sector under Saudi Vision 2030. Diversifying the economic sectors, in which travel and tourism emerged as the most important – recording the highest level in the number of visitors, spending, job creation and contribution to GDP. These achievements reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a leading global destination, and the continuous growth in the number of inbound tourists reflects in the Kingdom’s attractive options and diversity for visitors.

According to Mabrian, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt are becoming the most popular destinations for autumn travel by German travellers. In the findings it is shared that German travellers are increasingly looking beyond traditional European destinations for their autumn getaways, with a noticeable shift toward long-haul destinations, including alternatives in the Middle East. According to Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform part of The Data Appeal Company, demand for autumn travel to the region has surged, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt seeing significant increases in flight searches and inspirational demand. These findings combine cyclical data about Germans’ autumn travel interests and motivations, along with inspirational travel demand data based on Mabrian’s Share of Searches Index, that reflects the strength of travel demand based on flight searches behaviour. Given a source market and a period of time, the Share of Searches Index is a percentage that correlates the total flight searches globally with spontaneous searches for specific destinations. For this analysis, Share of Searches Index tracked flight searches in Germany, made at least three months in advance, for trips between September and November 2024, focusing on top performing destinations for the German travel market. “Unlike confirmed bookings, this ratio shows the degree of market interest in certain destinations,” says Carlos Cendra, partner and director of Marketing and Communication at Mabrian. “Whether reservations are confirmed depends on many factors, from available connectivity, flight and accommodation prices, or other phenomena that may influence travellers’ willingness to purchase or spend.” Data also indicates that 2024 fall travel plans from Germans reflect a shifting trend, a slight readjustment of the yet strong demand to Mediterranean destinations, and …

Air Astana will be launching new services from Atyrau in western Kazakhstan to Dubai on 26th October 2024, as well as from Astana to Abu Dhabi on 30th October 2024 and from Almaty to Abu Dhabi on 12th December 2024. Each of the services will be operated twice a week using Airbus A321neo and Airbus A321LR aircraft. These new winter season services to the Middle East will add to the existing 20 services a week from Almaty and Astana to Dubai and six services a week from Almaty and Shymkent to Saudi Arabia. “Air Astana is delighted to further boost its presence in the Middle East, with new services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi reflecting the rapid growth in business and leisure traffic between Kazakhstan and the region. In particular, the introduction of a new Atyrau to Dubai service will contribute to wider economic development in western Kazakhstan by enhancing connectivity with important business and tourist centres in the Gulf,” said Yerbolat Baisalykov, Senior Vice-President of Revenue Management and Commercial Planning, Air Astana. “Passengers will also have the opportunity to combine visits to Abu Dhabi and Dubai on one trip, with the possibility of flying from Kazakhstan to one Emirate and returning from the other.” The service from Atyrau to Dubai will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Saturdays, with a flight time of 4 hours; the service from Astana to Abu Dhabi twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a flight time of 5 hours 1o minutes and the service from Almaty to Abu Dhabi twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, with a flight times of 4 hours 55 minutes. The cost for round-trip Economy class tickets …

Healthtrip has expanded its presence to the Middle East with fully operational offices in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to serve the rapidly growing demand of healthcare tourism services in the region. The expansion aligns with the region’s increasing focus on becoming the world’s leading health travel destination, attracting millions of tourists annually. The current health tourism market, generating over $1 Trillion each year, caters to those seeking superior and advanced treatments abroad. With a rapidly aging global population and wealth concentrated in the silver age segment, the sector is experiencing 18% annual growth, fuelled by increased access to information and awareness on improved health spans. Healthtrip is the fastest growing company in the global health tourism space backed by leading UAE based VC funds like Humania Capital, D-One investments and NB Ventures. The company offers a wide-reaching network through partnerships with 1,500 hospitals and sanatoriums in the US, UK, Germany, UAE, Saudia Arabia, Thailand, India, Singapore and Egypt. The company has served over 65,000 customers from 38 countries, through an AI driven platform that provides personalized and intelligent care by connecting individuals with providers based on treatment type, rating, cost, and location. The company also provides extensive destination services, including hotel bookings, airport transfers, concierge services, and interpreters. Danish Ahmed, CEO and Cofounder, Healthtrip, stated, “Our recent expansion into the Middle East aligns with the region’s mission to advance health, wellness, longevity, and anti-aging experiences for global travellers. Treatments such as longevity and aesthetics are rapidly growing in demand in the region’s destinations, complementing its well-established medical offerings. With its accessible travel options, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and streamlined processes, expanding our international network to the Middle East was a strategic …

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has reinforced its commitment to becoming a global tourism leader by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA). The agreement, finalized during the Global AI Summit in Riyadh, emphasizes the Kingdom’s focus on leveraging advanced technology to support its Vision 2030 objectives. Tourism, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, has already surpassed expectations. In 2023, the Kingdom reached its target of welcoming 100 million annual tourists—seven years ahead of schedule. Now, Saudi Arabia is setting its sights even higher, aiming to attract 150 million tourists by the end of the decade. This rapid growth underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its tourism infrastructure and embracing innovation, with AI playing a central role in this transformation. At the heart of this next phase of growth is the integration of artificial intelligence. The partnership with SDAIA is designed to embed AI across the tourism sector, enhancing operational efficiency, personalizing visitor experiences, and optimizing resource management. The MoC outlines plans to establish a Center of Excellence for AI in tourism, deploy AI-driven technologies, and create data-driven strategies to continually refine and elevate the sector’s offerings. His Excellency Anas Al-Sulai, Assistant Minister of Tourism, emphasized the transformative impact of AI on Saudi tourism. “Saudi tourism is growing at an incredible pace, and we are seeing visitors from all over the world choose Saudi Arabia as their destination. As we continue this upward trajectory, we recognize the critical role of technology in enhancing the visitor experience. From the moment travelers land at our airports to every experience they have in our country, AI will be a key …

KlasJet will increase its capacity in the Middle East with the placement of an additional Boeing 737 in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft offers luxury and extravagant accommodations and will join another 737 that KlasJet moved to Dubai last year, continuing the company’s expansion in the region which is fastest-growing business aviation market in the world. “We are increasing the options to cater to customers in the Middle East market because there is a growing need to transport larger groups and delegations,” Lukas Petrauskas, Chief Commercial Officer at KlasJet, said. “We are confident that our luxury Boeing 737 will be an ideal choice for extended families, members of royal families, sports teams, business travelers, and political delegations who have yet to be served by aircraft currently in the regional charter fleet.” The Boeing 737 features 56 spacious and comfortable business-class seats, with a cabin experience curated and tailored by KlasJet to ensure a luxurious and high-quality flight for all passengers onboard. The aircraft is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, offering subtle and distinguished taste throughout the cabin to enhance the travel experience. “While our service has earned a reputation for quality across the world, the additional aircraft and crew will build upon the experience we have earned operating in Dubai,” Petrauskas said. “Our relationships with our clientele in the region have given an enhanced understanding of the taste and nuances of customers, so the experience and potential of every flight is maximized.” KlasJet currently operates six 737s for VIP charter services as well as seven 737 next-generation aircraft for ACMI. The ACMI fleet aircraft bolster the capability to cater to larger groups, while the 737 provides a luxurious option for smaller …

Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ has launched its first-ever integrated consumer campaign for the Indian market – ‘Spectacular Saudi’. With a captivating blend of ancient tales and modern marvels, this campaign reveals a side of Saudi that transcends all expectations. Launching in English across the country, ‘Spectacular Saudi’ takes viewers on an immersive journey through Saudi’s golden sands, pristine waters, and endless skies, revealing the country’s iconic landscapes and experiences. The campaign visuals bring to life all that makes Saudi a spectacular destination – from the ancient mud-brick architecture of Diriyah’s At-Turaif and the pristine waters of the Red Sea to the historic streets of Al Balad in Jeddah and the majestic Nabataean tombs in Hegra, AlUla. Spotlighting Saudi’s open and welcoming culture which resonates with Indian hospitality in many ways; the campaign further cements Saudi’s close affinity with Indian culture. It invites couples, families, and people in search of iconic experiences rooted in culture and heritage, to explore the unexplored. It narrates the story of a Spectacular Saudi, one steeped in heritage, history, and modern wonders while encouraging prospective Indian travellers to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery. Speaking on the campaign, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “Indian travellers have long shown a deep appreciation for authentic and unique experiences. They are keen to explore novel destinations, cultures and gastronomy, and that is exactly what Saudi has to offer. With iconic destinations like Diriyah, Al Balad, and Hegra in AlUla – three of Saudi’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, they can walk through history dating back millennia, and with tailor-made packages, experience world-class culture, adventure, and cuisine. We are excited …

Genesis announced the renewal of its partnership with the third edition of the Saudi Games 2024. This reinforces its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s vibrant sports culture. The official signing ceremony was held at Matal Al-Bujairi in Diriyah to announce the renewal of cooperation between the brand and the organizing committee of the Saudi Games, in order to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in supporting sports excellence and building a vital and stimulating sports sector for youth. Following the impressive success of the Genesis sponsorship of last year’s Saudi Games, this year it will also play a key role in this larger sporting event, which will take place from 3 October  to 17 October 2024, and will witness a distinctive presence for Genesis, providing a fleet of 250 luxury cars, in order to support the operational logistics of the event and ensure the smooth movement of participants, officials and VIPs between the host facilities. This is the largest multi-sport event held in Saudi Arabia, in which more than 9,000 athletes will compete in 52 different sports, and this partnership underscores the brand’s commitment to contribute with the Saudi Games in supporting the sports movement in the Kingdom. This edition is the largest national sporting event in Saudi Arabia, and as such, it will contribute to uncovering the talents of the elite athletes in Saudi Arabia in a variety of sports. It is expected to bring together thousands of participants from different regions, to compete with high sportsmanship and hearts eager to achieve excellence. Commenting on the partnership, Omar Al-Zubaidi, CEO of Genesis Middle East and Africa, said: “We are honored to continue our collaboration with the Saudi Games, …

Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) launched its newest venture, Corp Yanbu Hotel with its modern suites, diverse F&B outlets, inviting pool, well-equipped gym, comprehensive business center, and elegant banquet facilities, the hotel offers an unmatched experience for both business and leisure travelers. Strategically located on the Yanbu SeaFront in the prestigious Royal Commission locality, Corp Yanbu Hotel boasts breathtaking sea views and provides guests with easy access to local attractions. This prime location has quickly made the hotel a highly sought-after destination for both locals and tourists. The stunning vistas of the Red Sea, combined with the convenience of nearby cultural and recreational spots, enhance the appeal of Corp Yanbu Hotel, establishing it as a prime choice for discerning travelers. The introduction of Corp Yanbu Hotel has redefined hospitality standards in Yanbu. The hotel’s exceptional amenities and service have set a new benchmark in the region, attracting a steady stream of guests and contributing significantly to local tourism and the economy. Yanbu, historically known for its industrial and maritime heritage, is evolving into a premier destination on the Red Sea. Corp Yanbu Hotel stands at the forefront of this transformation, becoming the new hot spot and elevating the city’s status as a vibrant and attractive locale. Mr. Haytham Abdelaziz, Director of Operations at HMH, expressed his delight at the hotel’s successful debut. “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from both locals and tourists in Yanbu. Corp Yanbu Hotel’s prime location and exceptional service have set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. We look forward to continuing to provide unparalleled experiences to our guests,” said Mr. Abdelaziz. His statement reflects the commitment of HMH to delivering world-class hospitality and …