Latest news with #Al-Khateeb
Saudi Gazette
6 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Aseer draws 8 million tourists in 2024, minister says
Saudi Gazette report ABHA — Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced that Aseer Region welcomed around 8 million tourists in 2024, positioning it as one of Saudi Arabia's leading tourism destinations. The announcement came on Tuesday during his participation in the second edition of the Aseer Investment Forum. Al-Khateeb highlighted Aseer's unique natural and cultural assets, saying they make the region an increasingly attractive environment for tourism investment. He revealed that the region's hospitality sector is set to expand with the addition of nearly 4,000 new hotel rooms in the coming years, supported by Saudi Arabia's broader tourism ecosystem. The minister also underscored the ministry's ongoing efforts to attract global hospitality brands, many of which are now eyeing Aseer due to its untapped potential and growing emphasized the crucial role of the local community, especially Aseer's youth, in delivering an authentic and memorable tourism noted that Aseer has evolved beyond its traditional image as a seasonal summer destination, becoming a year-round attraction thanks to its rich environmental and cultural the region's key cultural draws are Asiri arts such as Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, traditional clothing, and local cuisine, all of which have helped shape a distinctive tourism identity for the region.
Leaders
25-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Tourism Minister Unveils 2025 ‘Saudi Summer' Program
Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, officially launched the 2025 edition of the 'Saudi Summer' program under the theme Colour Your Summer during a workshop event held Saturday by the Authority. 'Saudi Summer' Program The event convened more than 120 stakeholders from across Saudi Arabia's tourism landscape, including representatives from both the public and private sectors. The collaborative workshop served as a platform to coordinate efforts ahead of the summer season, ensuring alignment on strategic objectives and maximizing the initiative's economic and tourism potential. Set to run from May through September 2025, the program will spotlight six diverse destinations—ranging from the temperate coastal getaways of Jeddah and the Red Sea, to the cool mountain retreats of Taif, Al-Baha, and Aseer. Esports World Cup (EWC) Key events this summer include the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, taking place from July to August, as well as the lively Jeddah and Aseer Seasons, featuring a rich mix of cultural events, entertainment, and promotional campaigns. 'Bringing together our partners each year through this workshop is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping the future of the Saudi tourism industry,' said Minister Al-Khateeb. 'This year, we are particularly proud to see the private sector investing over SAR 300 million in preparation for what promises to be a spectacular summer season. Saudi Arabia's remarkable culture and natural diversity continue to captivate international travelers while energizing our domestic tourism market,' he added. The Minister emphasized that the summer season represents more than just peak travel—it is a pivotal opportunity for innovation and growth in the sector. 'Our goal this year is to welcome over 41 million visitors from 18 countries and generate SAR 73 billion in tourism spending. These targets underscore the Kingdom's rise as a premier global destination, offering exceptional experiences throughout the year.' Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, highlighted the transformative impact of the program: 'Saudi is redefining global summer travel. Moreover, the support of over 120 partners, we are launching more than 600 unique tourism products and experiences, alongside over 250 exclusive offers.' Shebara, Umhat Islands He added, 'From the untouched beauty of Shebara and Umhat islands in the Red Sea, to luxury openings like St. Regis and Desert Rock, five new beaches in Jeddah, and the scenic escapes of Aseer, Taif, and Al-Baha—Saudi Arabia is curating a vibrant and unforgettable summer for every traveler.' Finally, the theme Colour Your Summer captures the dynamic range of Saudi Arabia's tourism offerings. From coastal and mountain destinations to global events and curated experiences, the program is designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of visitors, positioning the Kingdom as a top-tier travel destination. Related Topics : Tourism Authority Announces Details of Saudi Summer Excellence Awards 2024 Saudi Tourism Authority Launches Saudi Summer Program 2024 Saudi Red Sea Authority Promotes Coastal Tourism with Fincantieri Diriyah Company Boosts Sports Development with Saudi Tennis Federation Short link : Post Views: 49
Saudi Gazette
25-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Khateeb launches 'Saudi Summer' program 2025 titled 'Color Your Summer'
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed Al-Khateeb launched the 2025 edition of the 'Saudi Summer' program under the theme "Color Your Summer" at a workshop organized by the authority on Saturday. The event brought together over 120 partners from across the Kingdom's tourism ecosystem, including representatives from both public and private sectors. The workshop fostered collaboration in preparation for the upcoming summer season, aligning efforts to achieve the program's goals and maximize its economic and tourism impact. Running from May to September 2025, the Saudi Summer program will feature six distinct destinations—from the moderate-climate coastal escapes of Jeddah and the Red Sea to the cool, scenic highlands of Taif, Al-Baha, and Asir. Key highlights include the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh from July to August, and the dynamic Jeddah and Asir seasons, offering diverse events, activities, and promotional campaigns. 'Bringing together our partners each year through this workshop is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping the future of the Saudi tourism industry,' said Minister Al-Khateeb. 'This year, we are encouraged to see the private sector contributing over SR300 million in preparation for what promises to be an incredible summer season. With its rich culture and breathtaking diversity, Saudi Arabia's destinations continue to inspire travelers from around the world while fueling a dynamic domestic tourism scene,' he added. Minister Al-Khateeb noted that the summer season is more than a peak travel period—it is a vital opportunity for the tourism sector to reach new heights, embrace innovation, and make a lasting impact. 'This year, we aim to welcome over 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia's growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round,' he said. Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Tourism Authority Fahd Hamidaddin emphasized the transformational nature of the Kingdom's tourism offerings: 'Saudi is redefining how the world views summer travel. In partnership with over 120 stakeholders, this summer will introduce more than 600 unique tourism products and experiences, along with over 250 special offers,' the minister said and added: 'From the pristine islands of Shebara and Umhat along the Red Sea, to iconic new luxury resorts such as St. Regis and Desert Rock, to five new beaches in Jeddah, and the cool retreats of Asir, Taif, and Al-Baha—Saudi Arabia is turning every visit into a vibrant summer highlight reel.' The program's theme "Color Your Summer" reflects the diversity of Saudi Arabia's tourism assets, designed to meet the expectations of various types of tourists and visitors. It includes coastal and mountain destinations, international events, exclusive offers, and a wide array of tourism products presented across the Kingdom.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Can tourism be reimagined? New Saudi-led platform wants to future-proof global travel
TOURISE, a new platform from Saudi Arabia, aims to unite industry leaders, drive investment and rethink tourism's future. Tourism is bouncing back fast. The industry is expected to contribute nearly €11 trillion – or about 10 per cent of GDP – to the global economy this year. By 2035, that number could reach €15 trillion. But with this growth comes outsized pressures, from climate change and AI disruption to workforce skill gaps and shifting traveller expectations. Saudi Arabia hopes to help steer the sector through these challenges with a new initiative: TOURISE. Launched this week by Saudi Arabia's minister of tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, TOURISE is a year-round global platform and annual summit designed to unite the public and private sectors, from policymakers and sustainability experts to entrepreneurs and investors. 'Global tourism is at a crossroads,' said Al-Khateeb. 'We must decide which path to take will determine its future.' Saudi Arabia sees itself as a natural hub for this new global effort. Aiming to attract 50 million international visitors by 2030, the kingdom sees its tourism sector growing rapidly. By 2032, three million people in Saudi Arabia, or around 17 per cent of the population, are expected to work in the industry, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. In 2024, the country hit its Vision 2030 goal of 100 million total visits seven years early. Backed by a high-level advisory board, TOURISE will host its first summit in Riyadh from 11-13 November this year. The invite-only event will focus on themes such as AI-powered tourism, investment and innovation and building a more inclusive and resilient sector. Organisers say the platform will continue year-round through digital collaboration, cross-sector working groups and new research, including white papers and indexes focused on tourism, sustainability and the global economy. Related What's the world's best airline in 2024? Three European carriers made it into the top 10 Would you 'suffer the pain' of a long-haul budget flight? Wizz Air hopes so with new Saudi service 'We can design the future of tourism,' said Al-Khateeb. The platform coincides with the launch of an awards programme that spotlights destinations excelling in areas such as sustainability, digital transformation and cultural preservation. Winners will be announced at the summit's opening night in November. TOURISE is chaired by Al-Khateeb, with an advisory board that includes senior figures from Cirque du Soleil, Amadeus, Heathrow Airport and the World Travel & Tourism Council. 'This is an invitation to the world; it is not a domestic event,' said Tourise CEO Jean-Philippe Cossé. 'TOURISE can give the global tourism and travel industry something it has never had: a single, united future-focused platform. It can set the global tourism agenda for the decades ahead.'
Euronews
23-05-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Saudi Arabia's new platform hopes to unite the global travel industry
TOURISE, a new platform from Saudi Arabia, aims to unite industry leaders, drive investment and rethink tourism's future. Tourism is bouncing back fast. The industry is expected to contribute nearly €11 trillion – or about 10 per cent of GDP – to the global economy this year. By 2035, that number could reach €15 trillion. But with this growth comes outsized pressures, from climate change and AI disruption to workforce skill gaps and shifting traveller expectations. Saudi Arabia hopes to help steer the sector through these challenges with a new initiative: TOURISE. Launched this week by Saudi Arabia's minister of tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, TOURISE is a year-round global platform and annual summit designed to unite the public and private sectors, from policymakers and sustainability experts to entrepreneurs and investors. 'Global tourism is at a crossroads,' said Al-Khateeb. 'We must decide which path to take will determine its future.' Saudi Arabia sees itself as a natural hub for this new global effort. Aiming to attract 50 million international visitors by 2030, the kingdom sees its tourism sector growing rapidly. By 2032, three million people in Saudi Arabia, or around 17 per cent of the population, are expected to work in the industry, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. In 2024, the country hit its Vision 2030 goal of 100 million total visits seven years early. Backed by a high-level advisory board, TOURISE will host its first summit in Riyadh from 11-13 November this year. The invite-only event will focus on themes such as AI-powered tourism, investment and innovation and building a more inclusive and resilient sector. Organisers say the platform will continue year-round through digital collaboration, cross-sector working groups and new research, including white papers and indexes focused on tourism, sustainability and the global economy. 'We can design the future of tourism,' said Al-Khateeb. The platform coincides with the launch of an awards programme that spotlights destinations excelling in areas such as sustainability, digital transformation and cultural preservation. Winners will be announced at the summit's opening night in November. TOURISE is chaired by Al-Khateeb, with an advisory board that includes senior figures from Cirque du Soleil, Amadeus, Heathrow Airport and the World Travel & Tourism Council. 'This is an invitation to the world; it is not a domestic event,' said Tourise CEO Jean-Philippe Cossé. 'TOURISE can give the global tourism and travel industry something it has never had: a single, united future-focused platform. It can set the global tourism agenda for the decades ahead.'
