The Middle East’s tourism sector is experiencing explosive growth, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia emerging as leading destinations. Driven by ambitious initiatives and a focus on personalized experiences, the region is attracting record numbers of visitors and shaping the future of travel.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism highlighted the Kingdom’s growing tourism potential at the 46th Annual NYU International Hospitality Investment Conference. The event showcased Saudi Arabia’s commitment to diversifying its economy and creating a global tourism hub. Keynote speaker Mahmoud Abdulhadi outlined the Kingdom’s plans for new destination development and infrastructure, while representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Investment discussed the benefits of the Tourism Investment Enablers Program (TIEP). The conference also featured a fireside chat with Gloria Guevara Manzo, who shared insights on emerging trends in global tourism.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s travel sector has exceeded expectations, leading to a revised target of 150 million visitors by 2030. The Kingdom has witnessed significant growth in tourist arrivals, domestic and international, bolstered by regulatory changes such as the new ‘Visiting Investor’ visa. As part of its economic diversification strategy, Saudi Arabia aims to make tourism its second largest revenue source by 2030. The launch of Riyadh Air and the Air Connectivity Program are key initiatives driving industry growth.
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has established its first representative office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of its strategy to strengthen relationships with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and boost tourism from the region. The Riyadh office, managed by Aviareps, will focus on promoting South Korea as an ideal travel destination, increasing visitor numbers, boosting tourist spending, and encouraging longer stays. This strategic initiative comes at an opportune time as foreign tourism to South Korea rebounds, and is expected to positively impact the tourism sector by attracting Saudi travelers with South Korea’s unique blend of cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences.
Radisson Hotel Group celebrates its latest addition to Saudi Arabia’s hospitality scene, the Radisson Hotel & Residence Riyadh Olaya. Situated in the vibrant capital city of Riyadh, this new establishment marks the group’s 28th property in the kingdom and the 9th in Riyadh. Designed with a modern urban aesthetic, the hotel offers 201 guest rooms and suites, catering to the needs of both business and leisure travelers. Facilities include a full-service restaurant, a cozy lobby lounge, state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, and recreational amenities such as fitness centers, a swimming pool, a spa, and a kids club. This opening aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to bolster the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Cruise Saudi, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has officially launched its new cruise line, AROYA Cruises, marking the commercial debut of the first Arabian cruise line. AROYA Cruises aims to offer a unique blend of authentic Arabian hospitality and luxurious experiences both at sea and on land, becoming a pioneer in the Arabian cruise market. The cruise line emphasizes Arabian generosity and Saudi hospitality, ensuring that guests receive exceptional service focused on comfort and luxury. The initial tourist trips for AROYA Cruises are scheduled to begin in December 2024, with itineraries including destinations along the Red Sea and visits to AROYA Cruise’s private island as well as ports in Egypt and Jordan.
The Saudi Tourism Authority and Quintessentially, a global leader in luxury lifestyle management, have formed a strategic partnership to enhance tourism offerings in Saudi Arabia. The partnership will leverage Quintessentially’s extensive network and services to provide premium experiences for tourists and business partners, further strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a desirable destination.
The Hajj pilgrimage, a central pillar of Islam, is a beacon of spiritual and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide. In 2024, this sacred pilgrimage not only holds immense religious importance but also plays a pivotal role in the global travel industry, promoting economic growth and fostering cultural exchange. As millions of pilgrims embark on this journey to Mecca, their presence generates a significant demand for travel-related services, boosting airlines, hospitality providers, and local businesses. The Hajj also serves as a catalyst for infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia, enhancing the overall infrastructure of the region and benefiting residents and future tourists alike. Moreover, the convergence of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding, contributing to a more interconnected and harmonious world.
Sabre Corporation, a global technology provider for the travel industry, has partnered with Taiba Investments, a leading hospitality company in Saudi Arabia. The strategic alliance aims to accelerate the growth of Taiba Investments’ hotel brands, including Makarem and Nur, by leveraging Sabre’s SynXis platform, a cloud-based reservation technology. This collaboration will empower Taiba Investments to optimize inventory management, maximize distribution reach, and cater to the unique needs of the Saudi market.
Saudia Holidays has joined forces with AlUla, a historical city in northwest Saudi Arabia, to enhance the visitor experience through bespoke travel packages tailored to various preferences. This partnership involves six weekly flights from Jeddah and Riyadh to AlUla, operated by Saudia, ensuring seamless accessibility. Saudia’s Chief Commercial Officer, Arved von zur Muehlen, emphasizes the commitment to providing a seamless travel experience, while Melanie de Souza, Executive Director, Destination Marketing at Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), highlights the transformative nature of each visit. The collaboration includes co-branded marketing campaigns, special offers, training programs, and a dedicated landing page featuring themed travel packages designed to promote educational, cultural, and economic growth.
