RIYADH: When you think of winter holiday destinations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hardly the first thing that comes to mind. But that looks set to change this season, with the tourism and entertainment calendar packed with events.
The Saudi Tourism Authority hosts 17,000 landmark events, making the kingdom one of the world’s most vibrant winter destinations. From AlUla’s ‘Winter of Tantra’ to folklore festivals, Saudi Arabia is quickly emerging as an unexpected favorite.
Just a few years ago, Corniche picnics and desert get-togethers were the pinnacle of winter entertainment in Saudi Arabia. But this winter, tourists from all over the world are drawn to the wide range of activities currently on offer.
“Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is going from strength to strength and plays a vital role in diversifying the economy by creating numerous job opportunities and supporting the private sector,” said Head of Public Relations and Corporate Communications, Saudi Tourism Authority. said Abdullah al-Dakhil. he told Arab News.
“With the support of the tourism ecosystem, we are rapidly progressing towards our Vision 2030 goals, aiming for 150 million visitors by 2030.”
Last year saw some notable achievements. The Saudi central bank recently reported that visitor spending exceeded 100 billion Saudi riyals ($26.6 billion) in the first three quarters of 2023.
Furthermore, the United Nations World Tourism Organization recognized Saudi Arabia as the world’s second fastest growing tourist destination in the first quarter of last year.
The number of tourists in Saudi Arabia increased by 142% in the first half of 2023, with 14.2 million tourists arriving in Saudi Arabia, and inbound tourist spending in the same period increased by 132%, reaching 86.9 billion riyals.
Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy originally set a target of 100 million annual tourists by 2030. However, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed al-Khatib announced in October that this target had been revised to 150 million.
In the first seven months of 2023, Saudi Arabia received 17 million international visitors and aims to welcome 30 million by the end of the year.
This would be a huge leap forward considering the number of tourists visiting Japan in 2020 was just 4.14 million, according to the Ministry of Tourism. In contrast, France, the world’s most visited country, welcomed approximately 117 million visitors in 2020.
“The Saudi Tourism Authority is working with partners to foster growth and showcase the Kingdom’s unique and diverse attractions, including a dynamic winter season with a variety of family-friendly activities and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Hegra Ruins. “We are committed to creating a business in AlUla, historic Jeddah and the Turaif district of Diriyah,” Al Dakhil said.
“As we move into 2024, new air routes, additional hotel accommodations and an enhanced e-visa system will make Saudi Arabia even more accessible. We are excited to welcome new visitors from around the world. I am.”
Celebrities such as Will Smith, Johnny Depp, Sofia Vergara, Alicia Keys and Andrew Garfield have already visited Saudi Arabia.
Al Balad in Jeddah has always been a fascinating historical destination. Now, a new calendar of cultural events has revived interest. In the coming months, the Balad Al Fan Initiative and the Voice of Al Balad will be held.
Riyadh will host the Diriyah E-Prix at the end of January, followed by the Saudi Cup, the kingdom’s premier equestrian event, in February. Four
Riyadh is also home to the Middle East’s first Disney Castle, featuring five zones and live musical shows, an immersive life-size Monopoly board, virtual reality games at Metaworld, a unique experience for football fans at the CR7 Signature Museum, And it is characterized by the fusion of art. Guests can also enjoy cooking at Layali Diriyah.
Meanwhile, on the Red Sea coast, the September opening of Saudi Arabia’s new Red Sea International Airport has led to a surge in bookings for the region’s new St. Regis Red Sea resort, Nujuma Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Six Senses Southern Dunes. There is.
In northwestern Saudi Arabia, the relaxing getaway and music festival of AlUla has already solidified itself as a must-see destination year-round, but February’s AlUla Arts Festival will be a particular draw.
Visitors can relax under the mesmerizing night sky while stargazing in Garamir until March 9th, or take in the region’s unforgettable views at the AlUla Skies Festival, which runs from April 10th to 17th. You can also enjoy a thrilling ride in a hot air balloon while enjoying the view.
Included in Condé Nast Traveler’s list of “Seven Wonders of the World in 2023,” AlUla is home to some of the kingdom’s oldest history, including Jabal Alfil (Elephant Rock), Hegra (formerly Madaen Saleh), Dadan and Lihyan. There are some notable buildings.
Visitors can also enjoy a unique musical experience at AlUla’s majestic Malayan Concert Hall. The building is covered with his 9,740 mirrors, allowing it to blend into the surrounding landscape. You can also stroll around AlUla’s revived old town, where remnants of the original stonework still remain. Adobe building.
The kingdom was not always filled with so many entertainment options. Since the establishment of the Saudi Tourism Authority in 2020, the Kingdom has undergone significant transformation and helped drive the region’s tourism recovery post-pandemic.
Tourist arrivals to Saudi Arabia nearly reached pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023, according to a report by HSBC Global Research.
Until now, foreign tourists to Saudi Arabia were limited to special tour parties and pilgrims. That was until Saudi Arabia introduced a new e-visa in 2019, opening the door to leisure tourism. Since then, the industry has become one of the major economic drivers.
“In the 1920s, the world came to Saudi Arabia for oil, and in the 2020s we expect people from all over the world to come for tourism. That’s why we believe tourism is the new oil. “We are saying,” Fahad Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said in a recent interview with The National newspaper.
Its progress has gone unnoticed. Saudi Arabia is recognized as an industry changer in the 2023 Global Travel Market Yearbook.
Last year, Saudi Arabia became the official host of World Tourism Day, an international day established by UNWTO to celebrate the sector’s power in bridging cultures.
And there are still several projects yet to come to fruition that will continue to revolutionize the events, entertainment and tourism sector.
Saudi dream island Shindara becomes a global yachting destination, while megaproject NEOM unveils Nourana, an ultra-modern active lifestyle community in the Saudi northwest.
Construction is also on the horizon for the kingdom’s first ski resort in Trojena, which will host the first winter sports event in an Arab country.
Saudi Arabia is also in the running to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and to host the 2030 World Expo. All eyes are now on whether Saudi Arabia will score a hat-trick and bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
“In just a few years, Saudi Arabia has quickly emerged as the world’s most exciting new destination, presenting the greatest opportunity for tourism today,” Hamidaddin said in a recent interview with WTM.
This rapid development is thanks to the Saudi government’s countless efforts to develop the Kingdom’s leisure, entertainment and tourism sector and transform it into a global hub for visitors.
Building on the 2019 e-visa, which allowed 63 nationalities to visit the region, a Gulf Cooperation Council residence visa was announced in 2022, followed by a stopover visa in 2023, which can be booked via You can now stay one night for free at the hotel. National airline SAUDIA.
This will be followed by a GCC-wide visa in 2024, allowing tourists to visit Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE on the same visa.
Last year also saw the launch of the ‘Rethink Summer’ campaign, which saw Saudi tourism ambassador Lionel Messi return with his family.
It also saw expanded collaborations with international organizations, the Saudi Tourism Authority’s roadshow in India, the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Trip.com Group, and the opening of a two-week Saudi cultural exhibition in Paris.
Saudi Arabia is currently the world’s largest tourism investor, with investments expected to reach $800 billion by 2030. Another $550 billion will be earmarked for the development of tourist destinations.
Travelers considering options for a last-minute winter vacation will undoubtedly make Saudi Arabia their first choice.
