In a groundbreaking partnership, Saudia Holidays and AlUla, a historical city nestled in northwest Saudi Arabia, have joined forces to elevate the visitor experience. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding at the Arabian Travel Market 2024, this collaboration aims to create bespoke travel packages that cater to the diverse preferences of tourists.
To ensure seamless accessibility, Saudia will operate six weekly flights to AlUla from Jeddah and Riyadh. Specifically, Riyadh will have four flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while Jeddah will provide two flights on Thursdays and Sundays. This increased frequency and convenience will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for visitors.
Arved von zur Muehlen, Saudia’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that the increased flight frequency is just the beginning of their commitment to improving accessibility. He emphasized their dedication to delivering a seamless travel experience from the moment a traveler books their trip. This partnership not only promotes AlUla as an exceptional tourist destination but also cultivates an enriching journey that allows visitors to delve into the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Melanie de Souza, Executive Director, Destination Marketing at Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), echoed the sentiment, highlighting the transformative nature of each visit. She emphasized their commitment to ensuring that AlUla remains a year-round destination, offering the wonders of its ancient heritage alongside the comforts of modern hospitality. This delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving the unique cultural and environmental aspects of AlUla is a key focus of the collaboration.
The agreement encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including extensive co-branded digital marketing campaigns across Saudi Arabia, exclusive offers through Saudia’s Alfursan loyalty program, and comprehensive training programs for staff on AlUla’s attractions. Additionally, a dedicated landing page will be established, featuring three to four themed travel packages to AlUla, each designed to foster educational, cultural, and economic growth for visitors.
This strategic partnership aligns with AlUla’s inaugural global marketing campaign, “Forever Revitalising,” which aims to elevate AlUla’s global image through dynamic marketing tactics and all-encompassing travel packages. Spanning nine countries and six languages, this campaign seeks to showcase AlUla’s rich heritage and cultural significance to a global audience.
