Arab News, Sun, Tue, May 14, 2024 | Dhu al-Qadah 6, 1445
Saudi Arabia’s Asir region partners with Almosafer to boost tourism potential
Saudi Arabia:
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.
Signed with the area’s development authority, the
memorandum of understanding aims to leverage the firm’s expertise and diverse
range of travel services across its business verticals to drive tourism in the
region and curate inspired experiences for visitors, according to a statement.
This move falls in line with both parties’ goal to
establish Asir, situated along the Red Sea coast, as a year-round tourism
destination for local and global visitors alike.
“Our partnership with Almosafer comes at a
significant moment as we are accelerating efforts to enhance the Asir region’s
visibility and appeal to domestic and international travelers as a
year-round-destination,” said Hashim Al-Dabbagh, acting CEO of Asir Development
Authority.
He added: “Through comprehensive training,
collaborative marketing, and the integration of Asir’s activities and offerings
onto Almosafer’s digital platforms, we aim to showcase the region’s exceptional
offerings to the wider world.”
Moreover, Almosafer’s geographical reach and
experience in the Kingdom will be pivotal in introducing regional and global
tourists to the region.
On the other hand, Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of
Almosafer, said: “As the national champion of tourism in Saudi Arabia, Almosafer
supports the tourism agenda of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and is well-positioned
to showcase and unlock the potential of Asir’s tourism diversity by leveraging
each of our business verticals.
He added: “The collaboration with Asir Development
Authority will contribute to the sustainable growth of the region’s tourism
sector, help create memorable experiences for travelers, and foster positive
economic impact within the local community.”
In February, during the Public Investment Fund’s
second Private Sector Forum, Prince Turki bin Talal, chairman of Aseer
Investment Co., unveiled the company’s ambitious plans as it embarked on its
operational journey.
“Today, with the commencement of our operations,
we pledge to work tirelessly with our partners to make Asir the number one
tourist destination in the Kingdom,” said Prince Turki, who is also the governor
of the Asir region, at the time.
With Saudi Arabia planning to invest $1 trillion
in the tourism sector in line with its ambitious Vision 2030, the Asir region
aims to raise its current tourism numbers and attract around 9.1 million
tourists by the end of the decade.