| Saudia teams up with Air France-KLM to strengthen local MRO services
The Kingdom’s national carrier, Saudia, has entered into a strategic partnership with Air France-KLM to expand and localize its maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities. This collaboration aims to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure and contribute to its economic growth. |
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| KSA pledges $932m boost to 17 tourism projects in Al-Ahsa
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has committed over SR3.5 billion ($932 million) to develop 17 tourism projects in Al-Ahsa, positioning the region as a key destination in the Kingdom’s growing travel sector, according to a senior official. |
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| Saudi Arabia opens Sindalah in NEOM as part of Vision 2030 tourism drive
Saudi Arabia has unveiled its luxury island destination, Sindalah, part of the $500-billion NEOM mega-project, as the Kingdom intensifies efforts to expand its tourism sector. |
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| Wellness tourism – a rising force in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a global leader in wellness tourism, a sector that promises significant economic returns while aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. |
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| Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province unveils $3bn tourism projects
Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province is set for a significant tourism expansion following the approval of 17 new projects valued at over SR12.7 billion ($3.38 billion) as part of the Kingdom’s dedicated fund portfolio. |
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| Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth key to Vision 2030: Accor CEO
French hospitality firm Accor is optimistic about the growth potential in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, which is being driven by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives and rich history, said the company’s top official. |
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| Saudi Arabia leads G20 in tourism growth with 73% rise in international visitors
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leader in tourism growth among G20 nations, experiencing a remarkable 73 percent increase in international visitors in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019. |
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| Sustainability takes center stage in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape
In the competitive world of hospitality, sustainability is no longer a niche trend but a crucial business strategy. So, is your next hotel stay contributing to a greener planet and supporting local communities? |
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| Water parks set to make a splash with international tourists, experts say
Investments in water parks are set to bolster Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, as the Kingdom eyes attracting over 150 million visitors by the end of the decade, experts said. |
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| STA, Visa join hands to launch Tourism Data Lab in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in enhancing its tourism sector with the launch of a Tourism Data and Campaigns Management Hub. |
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| Kuwait and Bahrain ink executive program for tourism cooperation
In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations and fostering the tourism sector, Kuwait and Bahrain signed the executive program of the tourism cooperation agreement for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026. |
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| Bahraini nationals top list of 8.6m GCC visitors to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia welcomed 8.6 million visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council countries in 2023, with Bahraini travelers accounting for 3.4 million of the total. |
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| Tourists’ spending in Saudi Arabia up 23% to $12bn
Tourism spending in Saudi Arabia saw an annual increase of 23 percent in the first three months of the year, hitting SR45 billion ($12 billion), according to new figures. |
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| Kuwait Airways, Thai Airways deal to boost tourism
Kuwait Airways announced on Tuesday the signing of a codeshare agreement with Thai Airways, which will allow the code to be used for flights between Kuwait and Bangkok and from Kuwait to many destinations across Europe, starting on Wednesday. |
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| Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector contributing record sums to GDP: WTTC report
Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector expanded by over 32 percent in 2023, contributing a record SR444.3 billion ($118.4 billion) to the nation’s gross domestic product, a new report revealed. |
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| Saudi Arabia to reveal new innovative tourism strategy in 2024: top official
Saudi Arabia is set to unveil a new tourism strategy this year utilizing artificial intelligence and seamless technology, according to a top official. |
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| Saudi Arabia, UK to strengthen cooperation in tourism sector
The Saudi Tourism Authority and VisitBritain, the UK’s national tourism agency, have signed a declaration of intent to develop and grow tourism. |
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| Saudi Arabia’s Asir region partners with Almosafer to boost tourism potential
Saudi Arabia’s Asir region is edging closer to becoming a premier global tourism destination, thanks to a new partnership with fellow Kingdom-based travel company Almosafer. |
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| Red Sea Global seals deals with Almosafer and Saudia to elevate tourism sector
Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape is set for a boost after multi-project developer Red Sea Global signed an agreement with travel company Almosafer. |
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| Saudi domestic tourism records steady growth in Q1 2024
Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia witnessed steady growth during the first four months of 2024, an industry report showed. |
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| NEOM, Saudi Red Sea Authority sign MoU to develop marine tourism regulations
The Saudi Red Sea Authority and NEOM signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday to cooperate on developing legislation, regulations, and technology in marine tourism, reported the Saudi Press Agency. |
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| Riyadh forum highlights Saudi Arabia’s vision for healthcare and tourism
Saudi Deputy Minister of Investment Transaction Saleh Al-Khabti said that the healthcare sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product is projected to reach about $66.6 billion, with the creation of more than 245,000 jobs by 2030. |
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| Tourist spending in Saudi Arabia hits record high of $40bn in 2023
Tourist spending in Saudi Arabia reached a record high in 2023, totaling SR135 billion ($39.95 billion), according to the latest official data. |
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| Saudi Arabia aiming to be a top 10 global tourist destination in 2024: minister
Saudi Arabia aspires to rank among the top 10 most successful countries in tourism this year, says the sector’s minister. |
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| Saudi Arabia secures $13bn for tourism expansion, eyes $85bn revenue boost: minister
Saudi Arabia has secured $13 billion in private sector investments for its tourism industry, aiming to distribute the costs involved in becoming a top destination, a minister said. |
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| Saudi Arabia unveils ‘Hospitality Investment Enablers’ for tourism growth
A new hospitality package is poised to enhance Saudi Arabia’s business operations, project viability, and land access, a senior official announced. |
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| Saudi tourism minister discusses benefit of unified tourist visa for GCC nations at Qatar meeting
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said a unified GCC visa would be a “significant milestone” for the industry, at the eighth meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council tourism ministers in Qatar on Monday. |
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| Investments in Saudi tourism to accelerate in 2024, says top expert
Investments in Saudi Arabia’s tourism and entertainment sectors will continue to accelerate in 2024 as the Kingdom steadily diversifies its economy, according to an expert. |
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| Cruise Saudi and Al-Madinah Development Authority sign MoU to drive tourism
The tourism and economic sectors of the Al-Madinah region are expected to develop following the signing of an agreement between Cruise Saudi and the Al-Madinah Region Development Authority. |
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| Saudi Arabia sees 156% increase in number of tourists in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels
Saudi Arabia achieved a 156 percent increase in the number of tourists arriving during 2023 compared to 2019, according to the UN’s World Tourism Barometer report issued on Friday. |
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| Saudi Arabia unveils master plan for adventure tourism at THE RIG
Saudi Arabia’s water sports and adventure tourism are poised for a transformation as THE RIG, a project by the Public Investment Fund, unveiled its master plan. |
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| Qatar sees 5-year tourism high with 4m visitors in 2023
Qatar achieved a significant milestone by welcoming over 4 million visitors in 2023, achieving a five-year high. |
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| Saudi Tourism Development Fund launches center to support SME growth
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund has launched its Tourism Growth Center, TDF Grow, to support entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector, the state-run SPA news agency said on Monday. |
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| Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector set for golden decade thanks to game-changing 2023
In the transformative landscape of 2023, Saudi Arabia’s travel sector has not only met but exceeded expectations, prompting a substantial recalibration of its Vision 2030 ambitions. |
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| Saudi Arabia and Oman forge partnership to boost tourism in the Gulf region
International travel in the Gulf region is set to boost as Saudi Arabia and Oman have initiated discussions on initiatives for developing joint tourism programs. |
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| Saudi tourists get visa exemption to visit Turkiye
Saudi tourists traveling to Turkiye can avail of visa-free entry thanks to the transcontinental nation’s efforts to encourage tourism. |
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| Saudi Arabia’s inbound tourists surge 142% to 14.2m in H1 2023
Tourist numbers in Saudi Arabia saw a 142 percent surge in the first half of 2023 with 14.2 million visitors traveling to the Kingdom. |
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| dnata Travel reveals where’s trending for UAE National Day trips in 2023
With the fast approaching UAE National Day break, dnata Travel has revealed the most popular holiday hotspots. In order of popularity, the top five most booked international destinations with UAE-based travellers are: Thailand, Maldives, Turkey, USA and Azerbaijan. |
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| Saudi tourism investment firm ASFAR looking to shape Kingdom’s sustainable future
The head of Saudi Arabia’s new tourism investment company, ASFAR, said the firm’s long-term goal was to contribute to positioning the Kingdom as a leader in sustainable and innovative tourism. |
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| Japanese company signs MoU with Saudi Tourism Authority
DUBAI: HIS, a Tokyo-based travel company, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority to boost tourism in the Kingdom. |
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| UAE minister calls for enhanced co-operation in Middle East to build sustainable tourism
The UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq, has called for boosting co-operation among the Middle East countries to build a sustainable and innovative tourism sector that can support their economies in the long run. |
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| Saudi Arabia’s balance of payments for tourism surpasses $10bn in H1
Saudi Arabia’s balance of payments for tourism surged 327 percent in the first half of 2023 to SR40 billion ($10.67 billion) compared to the year-ago period, showed data released by the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA. |
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| Tourism boom for Saudi Arabia with 58% growth in arrivals in 2023, ranks 2nd globally
Saudi Arabia has been ranked second globally in terms of tourist arrivals during the first seven months of 2023, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. |
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| Saudi Tourism Authority joins forces with Huawei to boost Chinese tourism
In a bid to enhance the experience for travelers and bolster Chinese visits to Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Tourism Authority has collaborated with Huawei Mobile Services and its advertising branch, Petal Ads. |
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| Saudi tourism strategy bearing fruit as revenue hits $9.8bn in Q1 of 2023, says official
As the world emerges from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia is unveiling its true potential as a world-class tourist destination. |
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| Saudi tourism fund to finance, develop Ritz-Carlton resort in Alkhobar
Tourism and hospitality in Alkhobar will soon receive a significant boost with a government fund planning to finance and develop the Ritz-Carlton property in the city, according to the Saudi Press Agency. |
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| Qatar’s post-FIFA tourism thrives with over 91% surge in July visitors
Qatar continues to build on its post-FIFA World Cup tourism momentum, with July reporting a 91.4 percent year-on-year surge in visitors, reaching an estimated 288,000, as revealed by the latest official data. |
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| Dubai’s tourism back on track as visitors exceed pre-COVID level
Dubai’s tourism sector achieved a significant milestone in the first half of 2023 by welcoming 8.55 million international overnight visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic levels of 8.36 million recorded in the first half of 2019. |
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| Saudi Arabia to play key role in Cyprus’s tourism diversification
RIYADH: Cyprus’s deputy tourism minister believes boosting ties with Saudi Arabia is a key part of helping his country diversify the travelers that visit his island. |
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| Digitization is the cornerstone of success in Saudi tourism strategy: top official
Highlighting the fast-growing digital landscape of Saudi Arabia, the chief of the Saudi Tourism Authority said the introduction of the latest technology will ensure a seamless and authentic cultural experience for visitors to Saudi Arabia. |