Tuesday, May 7, 2024
At the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this year, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) introduced its vast array of summer destinations in Saudi Arabia to its trade partners, highlighting the ongoing robust growth of the nation’s tourism industry.
The event, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, was initiated by representatives from Saudi Arabia’s dynamic tourism sector. Their goal was to promote Saudi Arabia’s variety of summer attractions, forge stronger trade relationships, and acknowledge the continual growth in tourism year after year.
Fahd Hamidaddin, the CEO and a Board Member of STA, spearheads the Saudi team, which includes 72 stakeholders ranging from prominent destination management companies and hotel operators to airlines. The team, gathered in Dubai, focuses on promoting Saudi Arabia as a top-tier tourism hub year-round with a special emphasis on attracting visitors from key markets such as India and China during the summer.
Throughout the summer, Saudi Arabia offers an eclectic mix of activities and destinations for all types of visitors, including families. From the unspoiled beaches of the Red Sea and the historic allure of Jeddah to a unique events lineup like the Esports World Cup in Riyadh this July, there is something for everyone.
For those seeking cooler climates, Saudi Arabia’s mountainous regions such as Aseer, Taif, and Al Baha are perfect, with temperatures often in the low 20s Celsius. These areas offer tranquility, natural beauty, wildlife, hiking opportunities, and a chance to escape the heat.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of STA, said:
“We’re delighted to be back at ATM this year to showcase Saudi as a unique summer destination, offering an action-packed events calendar, cool mountain regions for adventurer seekers, and pristine beaches for families and those looking to relax.
“The MEA and APAC markets are hugely important in our overarching tourism strategy with a combined 23 million visits last year, and we will be focusing on growing those numbers.
“Having welcomed over 100m tourists in 2023, Saudi is the land of now – offering growth and opportunities like no other to trade partners across the globe. And over the coming days, we look forward to building new long-lasting partnerships, sharing knowledge, and showcasing the wealth of opportunities Saudi has to offer.”
This year, building on the previous ATM’s success which saw over 50,000 attendees at the Saudi booth, the exhibit spans three floors. It features a plethora of both affordable and high-end travel options for places like Jeddah, AlUla, Aseer, Riyadh, and the Red Sea.
The booth offers interactive experiences such as a bike racing simulator through the mountains of Aseer, Saudi Summer playlists curated in collaboration with Anghami, a display of Saudi Pro League football memorabilia, and live cultural performances. It also introduces the “Saudi Rewards” program, a comprehensive national rewards system offering points on tourism, shopping, dining, and more, which now includes 17 partners.
On the first day, Mr. Hamidaddin joined a key panel discussion with other regional tourism leaders about cooperation and Saudi Arabia’s role in the expanding tourism landscape of the GCC.
Additionally, the Saudi booth served as a live broadcast location for the popular UAE radio station Dubai Eye, which discussed Saudi’s summer attractions. Prominent influencers like Masoom Minawala Mehta and the travel-savvy Abualteen brothers were also present, creating engaging content for their followers.
After a successful ATM last year with over 1,600 deals and strategic agreements, STA and its partners continue to capitalize on this momentum. They aim to surpass last year’s achievements, which included 35,000 additional visits, as part of their broader strategy to hit a target of 150 million visits by 2030. This surge in tourism aligns with Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to cement itself as a premier global tourism destination.
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
