Latest news with #AsianWinterGames
Campaign ME
7 hours ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
How tourism is powering a new era in Saudi Arabia
As someone who has had the privilege of working within Saudi Arabia's tourism sector for nearly three years, I have seen first-hand how transformation here isn't just about vision — it's about delivery. Growth is easy to talk about. Sustaining it is another story. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia is not just growing — it is evolving. Strategically, steadily, and on its own terms. In 2024, the Kingdom's tourism sector made history. The numbers speak for themselves: Saudi Arabia achieved its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, receiving about 30 million international visitors in 2024, marking an 8 per cent rise versus 2023. Inbound tourism spending in 2024 totaled SAR168.5bn, up 19 per cent from 2023. But behind these metrics lies something more profound — a shift in how the Kingdom defines opportunity, identity and global engagement. 'This transformation is not only economic; it is reputational, enhancing how the Kingdom is perceived globally.' This didn't happen overnight. It is the result of long-term planning rooted in Vision 2030. When we talk about Vision 2030, we are not just referring to megaprojects, listing eye-catching developments or showcasing shiny new infrastructure — we are talking about building a sustainable sector that reflects Saudi values: ambition, innovation, and partnerships between government, business, and global collaborators. Saudi Arabia is redefining what a modern tourism ecosystem looks like — resilient, investable, and deeply connected to its culture. Growth in the sector has been deliberate, designed to benefit both local communities and international stakeholders, while positioning the Kingdom as a world-class destination for heritage, hospitality and culture. Tourism is also a central pillar of economic diversification. As its contribution to GDP continues to grow, the sector is helping reduce reliance on oil, and this transformation is not only economic; it is reputational, enhancing how the Kingdom is perceived globally. Equally significant is how tourism is intersecting with emerging sectors like wellness and lifestyle. Furthermore, thanks to bold investments in infrastructure and high-profile international events, Saudi Arabia is becoming a hub for active living and sport tourism. From Formula 1 and LIV Golf to the Dakar Rally, the Asian Winter Games in 2029, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the Kingdom is building more than events — it is building legacy. These moments boost visitor numbers, energise cities, create platforms for entrepreneurs, and ignite national pride. 'The Vision 2030 goal was achieved seven years early — because the strategy was focused, and the execution consistent. Policy, infrastructure, talent, and storytelling were aligned.' The private sector plays a critical role in this progress. Through public-private partnerships and targeted investment, Saudi Arabia is nurturing a tourism ecosystem that's scalable and inclusive — creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and inviting international partners to contribute to the Kingdom's vision. In addition, talent development and youth empowerment remain at the heart of this ecosystem, fostering the next generation of leaders in hospitality. When the target of 100 million visits by 2030 was first announced, many saw it as too ambitious. Yet that goal was achieved seven years early — because the strategy was focused, and the execution consistent. Policy, infrastructure, talent, and storytelling were aligned. It wasn't about speed — it was about substance. Tourism has become more than an economic engine, it's a cultural force — reshaping how the world sees Saudi Arabia, and how Saudis see themselves. The Kingdom's landscapes, traditions, and stories are being rediscovered and celebrated—not just by visitors, but by citizens exploring their country anew. 'The nation's tourism growth is reshaping not just perceptions, but possibilities.' Domestic tourism is thriving. From the mountains of Abha to the coral reefs of the Red Sea, Saudis are reconnecting with their land and its stories. This reflects a maturing sector and a growing sense of unity — key to building a shared national identity rooted in progress and heritage. It should not be perceived as a short-term boom but as durable, strategic growth. Saudi Arabia's tourism trajectory is shaped by long-term thinking, and it's delivering real results. The foundation is solid. The momentum is accelerating. And the spirit driving this movement is unmistakably homegrown. Tourism may bring the world to Saudi Arabia, but its greatest impact is internal. It is in the joy of a family visiting AlUla for the first time, the excitement of a child watching Formula 1 up close, or the confidence of a young female entrepreneur opening a new venture in Riyadh. There is more to build and more to learn — but the direction is clear. Saudi Arabia's tourism story is not just about visitor numbers. It's about transformation — economic, social, and cultural. Being part of this journey — both as an insider and a global observer — has shown me how the nation's tourism growth is reshaping not just perceptions, but possibilities. This isn't a moment, it's a movement, and the most exciting chapters of this story are still to be written. By Lucrezia Francesco, Advisor to the Saudi Government
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos cites PNP chief Torre among sports ‘champions' after charity bout
The Philippines has a new boxing champion, at least according to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. While citing the achievements of the country's sports heroes such as Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, and EJ Obiena, Marcos, while laughing, added the name of Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III in the said list. "[Ang] ating mga kabataan ay maagang namumulat sa sport. Humuhusay at tumataas ang kumpiyansa. Sumusunod sila sa yapak ng ating mga kampeon at world-class na mga atleta tulad nina Senator Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Caloy Yulo, Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, at Alex Eala; ang paralympians natin na sina Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, Angel Mae Otom, at Ernie Gawilan," Marcos said in his State of the Nation Address on Monday. "Isama na rin natin 'yung bago nating kampeon na si PNP Chief Nic Torre," added Marcos, to the laughter of many inside the House of Representatives session hall. Even Marcos took a moment time to laugh after. "Nagulat si Chief PNP," he added, after the chief of police, also laughing, stood up to acknowledge the shout-out. Marcos then went on to recognize the Philippine Curling Team as well for winning the Asian Winter Games gold medal. On Sunday, Torre was declared winner by default after Davao City acting mayor Sebastian Duterte did not show up to a charity boxing event at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, after he said that he could beat up Torre. According to Torre, the said event raised more than P300,000 in ticket sales alone. — BM, GMA Integrated News
Barnama
6 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
Speed Skating Star Ashley Chin Earns Her Spot In MBOR
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's star in short track speed skating Ashley Chin Sook Hui has been officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as Malaysia's First Female Short Track Speed Skater to Compete in Two Asian Winter Games. In a statement today, MBOR said Ashley is the second national ice skating athlete to be inducted into the national records book, following her former teammate Bryna Ang, who earned a place in 2024 as the first Malaysian female to compete in the junior World Cup short track speed skating championship. 'The recognition honours Ashley's participation in both the 2017 Asian Winter Games in Sapporo and the 2025 edition held earlier this year in Harbin, China. 'Her return to the international stage eight years after her debut, and her selection as one of Malaysia's official flagbearers at the Harbin Games, marked a full-circle moment in a journey shaped by resilience, unwavering dedication, and love for the sport,' it said. The award was presented today at the Sunway Pyramid Ice Skating Rink, where Ashley first laced up her ice-skates. Meanwhile, MBOR chief operating officer Jwan Heah praised Ashley's outstanding contribution to Malaysian sports, noting that competing on ice at the Asian Winter Games is no easy feat, and she has done it not once, but twice. 'Malaysia is a tropical country where snow and ice are not readily available, nor are sports like skiing and ice skating part of our curriculum. And yet we are constantly inspired by athletes like Ashley who break boundaries,' he said, adding that Ashley's journey is living proof that with grit, belief, and heart, anything can be achieved. Ashley began skating at the age of 10 and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of Malaysia's most recognisable names in winter sports. In addition to her Asian Winter Games appearances, Ashley has earned a bronze medal in the 1000m event and took home gold in the 3000m women's relay at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Qatar Tribune
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
OCA election to draw interest from int'l sporting community
The upcoming OCA election is expected to draw significant interest from the international sporting community, amid growing global challenges and the need for dynamic leadership that promotes transparency, cooperation, and innovation across the Asian sports landscape. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Kuwait City, the Olympic Council of Asia is one of the most prominent continental sports organizations. It brings together 45 National Olympic Committees and plays a pivotal role in coordinating regional sports activities, supporting development initiatives, and enhancing cooperation in governance, infrastructure, and institutional capacity building. The OCA also oversees the organization of major multi-sport events including the Asian Games, Asian Winter Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Asian Beach Games, and the Asian Youth Games - competitions that continue to elevate Asia's sporting profile on the world stage.
South China Morning Post
16-07-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Chinese Olympic champion skier Eileen Gu back into training, enjoys ‘first-ever spa day'
Freestyle skier Eileen Gu is back in training and gearing up for her second Olympic cycle, following a disappointing end to the 2024-25 season that saw her miss February's Asian Winter Games in Harbin because of injury. The two-time Olympic champion posted a 45-second video on Weibo showcasing her gym routine. The clip ends with Gu performing a cork 720 with a Buick grab on a slope in Austria. In January, Gu was left badly bruised from a fall during the Winter X Games after winning gold in the Superpipe event. She then injured herself again in training while preparing for the World Cup. In March, she shared an image on Weibo with her arm in a sling and an X-ray appearing to show a broken collarbone. And with her time off, the US-born athlete has been taking time to recover both mentally and physically, going on what she called her 'first spa day ever'. Play 'I'd always thought of the need for recovery as indicative of lack – lack of fitness when it came to training volume, lack of mental resilience when it came to metabolising difficult emotions, lack of toughness when it came to taking hard hits,' Gu wrote on Instagram.
