A lovely evening was had last night in the Anantara The Marker in Grand Canal Dock where Visit Saudi hosted key travel trade for an informative session on the offerings in this vast country.
Robert Schumann, Country Manager for Visit Saudi was joined by Simon Clifford, Head of Trade, Amelia Wolsey, Trade Manager, Sanya Kakkar Trade Executive and a host of companies that work in tendendum with Saudi Arabia including DMCs, airline representatives and hotels.
Tourism has surpassed pre-Covid numbers in recent years, latest figures show that there were over 364,272 in 2023 and the tourism board expects this growth to continue rapidly with new improvements in architecture, accommodation, activities and experiences.
The Visit Saudi tourism board is based around 5 key messages. It’s extremely easy to get into Saudi Arabia by their online visa portal that issues visa immediately online for just thirty pounds. Tourists can choose from multi-entry visas, giving them access to sixty five countries or an instant visa for a 90 day stay. The second is Accessibility- airlines that fly direct into the country range from Saudia Air, to British Airways, Wizz, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar and Etihad.
The main areas- Alula, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Aseer.These main areas have some of the most amazing spots you will ever see!
Alula attractions include, Desert x an international open-air art exhibition which takes place as a highlight of the Alula Arts Festival. Elephant Rock is an amazing landmark and most magical at dusk when the fading sun casts a bewitching deep crimson light over the trunk and body of Alula’s famous geological pachyderm.
Maraya, known as the worlds largest mirrored building!
Dadan was an ancient city and major Iron Age kingdom in Saudi Arabia and is an amazing spots for tourist to visit today.
Finally, Hegra, the first world heritage property to be inscribed in Saudia Arabia known for preserving over 100 burial tombs.
Jeddah- Attractions included KAEC, known for its beaches, green spaces and family friendly activities. Abalad, is a vibrant district that harmoniously blends ancient traditions with contemporary life. Yacht Club, in a place that is a boat lovers paradise Jeddah yacht club is the one to go and see!
Riyadh has some of the most amazing attractions in Saudi Arabia, ‘Diriyah’, a site rich in Saudi history, ‘Edge of the World’ known as one of the best attractions near Saudi’s capital! ‘BLVD’, an immersive journey through diverse civilizations, ‘VIA Riyadh’, known as the new era of luxury! ‘Souq Alzal’, traditional market in the heart of Saudi, and ‘KAFD’, breathtaking futuristic architecture, peaceful atmosphere and structured green spaces!
Aseer has some incredible landmarks such as, ‘Al Dabab Walkway’, 7km long elevated walk overlooking the Tihama Mountains, ‘Soudah’, a mountainous area in the Asir Province, ‘Rijal Almaa’, a quaint village perfect for a stroll, ‘Al Qatt Aseeri Museum’, showcasing vibrant geometric art, traditionally created by women!
The Red Sea Resorts: The Ritz Carlton, Stregis, and Six Senses.
Red Sea Resorts opening in 2025 and beyond: Grand Hyatt, Fairmont, Miraval, Intercontinental, Edition, Raffles, Jumeriah, Rosewood, SLS, AND Faena
Experiences are opening, including, Riyadh Season, Alula Moments, which takes place October-March and Jeddah season, taking place in summer time!
