Arab News, Tuesday, Jun 13, 2023 | Thul-Qidah 24, 1444
Digitization is the cornerstone of success in Saudi tourism strategy: top official
Saudi Arabia:
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.
Fahd Hamidaddin was speaking at a panel titled
“Tourism and Entertainment for Diversification” on the first day of the 10th
Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh on Sunday.
The official said digitization is the cornerstone
of the Kingdom’s tourism sector. Saudi Arabia’s e-visa was recognized as the
best digital platform, the CEO said.
“We usually say digitize the expected and humanize
the unexpected. So, while digitizing services that provide seamless experience
and journey, we need to remain true to Arabia, uniquely Saudi, and authentically
local in every destination,” Hamidaddin said.
“Today, we have 26 agreements in place with online
travel agencies from China; so, throughout the value chain, we take
digital-first,” the CEO added.
During the same panel, Amr Al-Madani, the CEO of
the Royal Commission for AlUla, talked about how investors need people to
de-risk their investments.
He said that domestic tourism is forecast to
account for around 75 percent of the Gulf country’s gross domestic product.
Investment opportunities, economic growth, and
closer trade relations are on the agenda at the 10th Arab-China Business
Conference, concluding in Riyadh on Monday.
The two-day event explores synergies in
technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, agriculture, real estate,
and strategic minerals.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Investment in
partnership with the Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade
and a host of other regional associations, the conference will welcome more than
2,000 private sector leaders and government officials.