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Published on : Thursday, August 27, 2020
The Saudi Tourism Authority recently reported a successful debut of its summer tourism campaign. According to reports, tourism spending in the country totalled US$1.6 billion in the seven weeks since the launch of ‘Saudi Summer’ on June 25, an increase of 26% over the same period last year.
In a time when almost every country has closed their borders for international tourists, Saudi citizens had the option of exploring their own country. The Saudi Tourism Authority developed 100 tourism offers and packages across multiple price points, for families, groups and single travellers through partnerships with 90 tourism businesses, including hotels, tour operators and destination management companies.
It has been reported that Sun and sea destinations, including Umluj, Yanbu and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) saw spending increase 64% over the same period in 2019. Similarly, spending on recreation and cultural activities exceeded US$267 million, an increase of 25% as compared to 2019. Peak hotel occupancy rates were also above 90% and exceeded 95% in Abha, Baha and Taif during the Eid holiday.
Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive, Saudi Tourism Authority said in a statement that Saudi Summer is an invitation to the citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia to explore and get to know their own country better. He informed that while authorities are focusing on providing multiple destinations and experiences for those already in the Kingdom, they are also preparing for international tourists to return, so that the country will be ready to welcome visitors safely again when the right time arrives.