Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is making a dynamic return to World Travel Market (WTM) London with a core delegation of 61 key stakeholders showcasing the nation’s exceptional growth in tourism and expected to strengthen trade partnerships in the industry, a Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) press release said. The Saudi delegation is led by Minister of Tourism and STA Chairman Ahmed Al Khateeb, accompanied by STA CEO Fahd Hamidaddin and leaders from the wider Saudi tourism sector, as well as prominent industry partners. The delegation includes representatives of key entities, such as the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Development Fund, ASFAR, Cruise Saudi, Saudia, Riyadh Air, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Company, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and visionary projects like NEOM.
According to Saudi Press Agency, for the first time at WTM, 17 international and local hotel brands will join the Saudi delegation, making this the largest number of hotel partners in the Saudi Pavilion. In the course of the three-day event, No
vember 5 to 7, the Saudi delegation will make significant announcements and unveil partnerships that showcase the country’s future-forward approach to tourism. Delegates will also hold bilateral meetings, be key speakers, take advantage of the networking opportunities, and present a tourism sector surpassing records, with the Kingdom welcoming over 100 million tourists seven years ahead of target.
Today, visitors will gather at the Saudi Pavilion at 11:30 am for a special announcement delivered by Al Khateeb who will reveal a new destination in Saudi Arabia. The release said the Saudi Pavilion offers an immersive journey through the Saudi cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, featuring traditional music and dancing, Saudi coffee, a mocktail experience, date carts, a Saudi café offering a taste of local cuisine, plus demonstrations of traditional Saudi crafts from different regions, including basket weaving and creating vibrant flower crowns.
This year, the Saudi Pavilion will also feature some new and e
ngaging activations. Guests are invited to experience the country’s unique Sun and Sea destinations on a virtual jet ski ride through the Saudi Red Sea, and dance to an on-stand collaboration with MDLBEAST – the organizers behind the biggest music festival in the Middle East – with DJ Leen, an emerging Saudi female DJ, playing on stand. For sports fans, there will be a thrilling Saudi PRO League activation.
Through interactive technology, visitors to the Saudi stand will be able to discover the country’s winter tourism products across its expansive geography, diverse terrain, and natural wonders. The release said the stand has been designed to accommodate trade partners, with a dedicated space for business partners who will find all the information they need, including growth opportunities. They will be able to effortlessly register as trade partners using a QR code.
Special kiosks will display Saudi Arabia’s advancements in tourism technology, while the Saudi map and activities calendar and a Saudi Expert
guide will show trade partners destination insights through VR. According to the release, Saudi Arabia’s presence at WTM highlights the growing interest from European and American travelers in Saudi Arabia as a winter sun destination since the launch of ‘Where Winter Lights Up’, the second phase of the cinematic global Saudi tourism campaign ‘This Land is Calling’.
The winter campaign encourages travelers from around the world to embark on a journey of discovery at several destinations, Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea, and immerse themselves in Saudi’s packed year-round events calendar: Riyadh Season, AlUla Festival and Events, Jeddah Calendar, Diriyah Season, the Dakar Rally, Spanish Football Cup and Italian Football Cup, and Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.
