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  • The new kid on Saudi Arabia’s tourism scene

    The announcement of Soudah Peaks was made through an integrated campaign titled ‘Above the Clouds’ that spanned various platforms, including a digital presence, a video showcasing the natural beauty and heritage of the region, and out-of-home advertising in key locations such as Dubai, Paris, London, New York, Geneva and Riyadh.

  • Al-Khateeb: Saudi Arabia pumps SR375 million annually to support skills of Saudis in tourism sector

    Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that Saudi Arabia pumps SR375 million annually to support enhancing the skills of Saudis in the tourism sector. “This contributed to raising their rates to 40 percent and we are targeting 50 percent. We are also working to facilitate the issuance of licenses instantly instead of the current duration of five days,” he said while addressing the Manafea Forum in Madinah.

  • Almosafer’s CEO on Navigating the Future of Saudi Tourism

    Behind every successful travel destination is a story of adaptation and foresight. For Saudi Arabia, it’s about embracing change and rewriting the narrative. With the country hitting its tourism target of 100 million visitors seven years early, the sector is poised for unprecedented innovation and growth. Travel companies in the region now face the challenge of recalibrating to keep pace with emerging trends and new market realities. SkiftX spoke with Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, to gain insights into the evolving dynamics shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape and the key forces and opportunities propelling the sector forward.

  • Saudi Arabia to launch stratosphere space tourism by 2026

    In a move poised to revolutionize the global tourism industry, Saudi Arabia is set to become a hub for space tourism, providing adventurers the chance to venture into the stratosphere by 2026. This groundbreaking initiative, offered at a cost of $164,000 per person, is being facilitated by Halo Space, a Madrid-based pioneer in the field of space tourism founded in 2021. The company has chosen Saudi Arabia as one of its prime departure points, with a scheduled test flight in June marking a significant milestone ahead of commercial operations. This test flight, which has received conditional approval from Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission, will be Halo Space’s sixth, reaching an altitude of 32km above the Earth.

  • Saudi Arabia Gets $13 Billion in Investment in Tourism Boost

    Saudi Arabia has attracted about $13 billion in private sector investment into its tourism industry as it aims to share the cost of spending associated with its plan to become a new travel hot spot. The investments are poised to add another 150,000 to 200,000 hotel rooms within the next two years, according to Princess Haifa M. Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s vice minister for tourism. The kingdom is also targeting raising tourism revenue to $85 billion this year from around $66 billion in 2023, she said.

  • Saudi Tourism CEO: Lionel Messi Ad Targets Traveler ‘Preconceptions’

    In Saudi Arabia’s latest tourism campaign, Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi aims to bust the stereotypes global travelers may have about the kingdom. The campaign emphasizes that Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer and is a welcoming destination, said Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority. Saudi has been hyperfocused on cutting its dependence on oil and diversifying its economy. Over the next 10 years, the country plans to invest $1 trillion in its tourism sector and wants to become a global tourist destination. Hamidaddin spoke with Skift at the ITB Berlin travel trade show last week about growth from European travelers, how the $25 million Messi marketing campaign performed, the kingdom’s dependence on tour operators, and more.

  • Futuristic golf temple is the latest Saudi tourism extravagance

    "Gidori's 18-hole championship golf course sweeps inland through low hills and rocky outcrops, challenging golfers at all levels and featuring innovative design, exquisite coastal views and advanced technology," explained a press release by Neom. "The elegant clubhouse will provide sophisticated hospitality for players, while the golf academy will offer expert advice and coaching and will service the traditional game as well as the next generation of e-sports. "Gidori's surroundings are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, on and off-road cycling, and scenic walks. The beach club will offer relaxed hospitality and entertainment, with an extensive selection of water sports for all ages and experiences. Come nightfall, observation platforms will provide unrivaled viewing opportunities of the night skies."

  • AlUla launches its first global tourism campaign

    The 2.5-minute film, directed by Bruno Aveillan, brings a cinematic dimension to the destination, highlighting its key attractions such as history, culture, nature and adventure. To complement this, a series of short videos presents AlUla's emblematic sites and the unique experiences it offers. At the same time, AlUla is embarking on a digital transformation with the creation of a new website, a mobile application and a redesigned social media strategy. This omnichannel approach aims to deliver an optimal customer experience, both online and on-site.

  • Saudi Arabia unlocks multi-billion dollar investments as part of its wider drive to become a global tourism powerhouse

    A notable aspect of the initiative is its focus on benefiting local communities across tourism destinations. By localizing services such as contracting, design, and consulting, the program aims to create a direct positive impact on various sectors. This approach, coupled with over $800 billion invested to transform the tourism landscape, underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing industry standards and providing lucrative opportunities for investors.

  • What’s Next For Tourism in Saudi Arabia

    In the final Skift Travel Spotlight dispatch from World Travel Market in London, Skift speaks with Niall Gibbons, NEOM's Head of Tourism, about what’s on the horizon for travel and tourism in Saudi Arabia.