| Key tourism roles to be localized in Saudi Arabia as part of national employment push
Hotel managers, travel agency directors, and tour guides are among 41 tourism roles set to be reserved for Saudi nationals under plans to boost local employment and reduce reliance on foreign labor. |
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| Saudi tourism license applications up 390% after World Cup announcement: vice minister
Tourism license applications in Saudi Arabia have surged nearly fourfold since the Kingdom secured hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a senior official has revealed. |
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| Saudi Arabia sees record $41bn in inbound tourism spending as Vision 2030 projects come to life
Inbound tourism spending in Saudi Arabia surged to a record SR153.61 billion ($40.95 billion) in 2024, marking a 13.82 percent annual increase, according to data from the Saudi Central Bank. |
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| Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa records 500% growth in local, international tourists in 2024
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa region saw a 500 percent surge in tourists, surpassing 3.2 million in 2024 compared to 2019, the Kingdom’s tourism minister said. |
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| How Saudi Arabia is leveraging regenerative tourism to blend luxury with sustainability
At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s environmental strategy is regenerative tourism, which aims to protect natural habitats through science-led approaches and sustainable practices. |
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| Saudi Ministry of Education issues directive for national dress for secondary school students
The Saudi Ministry of Education announced on Friday a new policy requiring secondary school students in public and private institutions to adhere to the national dress code. |
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| Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism revealed the results of its third-quarter 2024 inspections, involving 9,655 checks on hospitality facilities and tourism activities across the Kingdom. |
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| Tourist spending in Saudi Arabia up 27%, reaching nearly $7bn
Tourism spending in Saudi Arabia saw an annual increase of 27.25 percent in the three months to the end of September, hitting SR25.05 billion ($6.68 billion), according to new figures. |
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| Qatar surpasses 2024 visitor target welcoming 5m travelers
Qatar welcomed 5 million visitors in 2024, surpassing its target of 4.79 million and marking a 25 percent increase in international arrivals compared to the previous year. |
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| Saudi Entertainment Ventures unveils $346m destination in Jazan region
Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region is set to host a new SR1.3 billion ($346 million) entertainment destination, with Saudi Entertainment Ventures, or SEVEN, awarding the project’s development contract to Alfanar Projects. |
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| JLL secures contract to support AlUla’s transformation into global tourism hub
US-based real estate firm JLL has secured a program management contract with AlUla Development Co. to support the Saudi city’s transformation into a global tourism hub. |
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| PIF’s Dan Co. to launch resort in Al-Ahsa to boost Saudi tourism sector
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth with the announcement of a new resort project in Al-Ahsa by Dan Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund. |
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| Tech and tourism under discussion at Saudi-Slovenia business forum
Saudi Arabia and Slovenia are set to deepen economic ties in technology, tourism, and automotive industries following discussions at a business forum in Riyadh. |
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| Saudi Arabia and UK forge deeper ties in trade, tourism and innovation
Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom are solidifying their partnership through expanded collaborations in key sectors, including finance, trade, tourism and innovation. |
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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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. |