Latest news with #Hamidaddin
Leaders
24-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Diriyah Named Among Global Eco-Friendly Destinations for 2025
The British travel platform Wanderlust has selected Diriyah as one of the Global Eco-Friendly Destinations for 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency. This remarkable recognition was driven by the successful cooperation between the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority. Both entities have submitted a comprehensive nomination featuring Diriyah's extraordinary initiatives in environmental, cultural, and tourism sustainability. Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority Fahd Hamidaddin stated that this recognition reflects Saudi Arabia's dedication to ensuring sustainability in tourism. 'This recognition stands as a testament to our strategy of empowering local partners and showcasing national destinations in international markets,' Hamidaddin added. He also noted that this achievement further strengthens the Kingdom's position on the global tourism map as the fastest-growing destination in the world. 'This international recognition highlights Diriyah's role as the cradle of the Saudi state and our dedication to preserving its heritage while applying the highest environmental and cultural sustainability standards,' Chief Executive Officer of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority Jerry Inzerillo said. Promisingly, this selection represents a living proof of Saudi Arabia's growing global presence in tourism. In line with the Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Tourism Authority has been supporting its partners across the tourism ecosystem to meet ambitious national objectives. In 2024, the Kingdom welcomed nearly 116 million visitors, and the authorities are still making bold strides to reach the goal of hosting 150 million visitors by 2030. Related Topics: Diriyah Company Boosts Saudi Tourism at Arabian Travel Market Layali Diriyah: Immersive Cultural and Culinary Experiences Diriyah Company Boosts Sports Development with Saudi Tennis Federation Short link : Post Views: 1
Trade Arabia
27-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Saudi Tourism to showcase summer offerings at ATM
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) will showcase the kingdom's unique and diverse summer destinations designed to drive business for its trade partners at this year's Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week. The move comes as the country's tourism sector continues to go from strength to strength creating significant opportunities for trade. Representatives from Saudi Arabia's booming tourism sector will be attending the Middle East's biggest travel and tourism trade show that kicks off in Dubai on Monday to build awareness of the kingdom's summer destination offering, strengthen and establish new trade partnerships, and highlight the remarkable growth potential available to business partners working with Saudi, a statement said. Saudi Arabia's ATM 2025 delegation will be led by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of STA, and will bring together 51 partners from across the tourism sector at Saudi Land, including top destination management companies, hoteliers, airlines, and major destinations ready to facilitate business transactions. The delegation will showcase Saudi's distinctive summer destinations and packages to trade partners and consumers in the GCC region, underlining the kingdom's status as a premier year-round tourism destination, with a strategic focus on priority markets such as Middle East and Africa and Asia-Pacific. Over the summer season, Saudi Arabia offers a unique and diverse range of activities and destinations that translate into attractive bookable products for partners, ranging from the pristine beaches of the Saudi Red Sea, the rich culture of Jeddah, the excitement and bustle of Riyadh, and a global events program like no other, including the Esports World Cup starting this summer. Saudi Arabia's mountainous regions including the tranquil and picturesque destinations of Aseer, Taif, and Al Baha also provide a refreshing escape during the summer season with cool weather and lush nature. These serene retreats are ideal for adventure travellers who seek natural beauty, wildlife, hiking trails, and cultural experiences. Hamidaddin said: "Our participation in ATM this year provides an important opportunity to connect with our valued trade partners, build knowledge around the diverse destinations that have made Saudi the fastest-growing tourism destination in the world, and drive tangible business results. Front and center of that will be showcasing Saudi as a unique summer destination, offering an action-packed events calendar, cool mountain regions for adventurer seekers, and pristine beaches for families and those looking to relax. These represent strong product pillars for our partners to build compelling packages. 'Having welcomed 116 million visitors in 2024, an increase of 6.4% compared with 2023, Saudi is the land of now - offering growth and opportunities like no other to trade partners across the globe. Our presence here is focused on enabling our trade partners to capitalise on this momentum. We encourage all potential and existing partners to visit Saudi Land and connect with our team to explore how we can grow together. Over the coming days, we look forward to building new long-lasting partnerships, sharing knowledge, and showcasing the wealth of opportunities Saudi has to offer." Building on the success of last year's presence at ATM, this year's Saudi Land exhibit will be set across two floors with partners showcasing hundreds of affordable, mid-market and luxury bookable products for destinations such as Jeddah, AlUla, Aseer, Riyadh, and the Red Sea. Visitors can engage with unique activations including an immersive destination tunnel, live summer deals, previews of the Esports World Cup and FIFA World Cup 2034, featured itineraries, and enjoy cultural performances throughout the event. The diversity of Saudi will also be showcased with an interactive Saudi map and activities calendar providing practical tools to help partners market the destination. At ATM 2025, Hamidaddin will deliver a keynote address about how Saudi Arabia is a leader in the global shift towards 'connection-driven' travel. This also serves as an opportunity to highlight Saudi's recent tourism infrastructure developments and increased global connectivity, emphasising the ease of doing business and bringing visitors to the country. STA and its partners are aiming to build on the successes of last year's ATM which saw the Saudi Tourism Authority win a Best Stand Design Award, the statement said.
CairoScene
09-03-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
European Tourists Visiting Saudi Arabia Increased by 24% in 2024
These figures were announced by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, at ITB Berlin 2025. Tourists from Europe visiting Saudi Arabia surged by 24% to 4 million in 2024, with spending soaring by 41% to USD 7.9 billion. These figures were announced by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), at ITB Berlin 2025. ITB Berlin is the world's largest tourism trade fair, facilitating and highlighting trade partnerships and experiences from across the world. This year, the Saudi tourism delegation, led by Hamidaddin, welcomed over 30,000 visitors to its stand, Saudi Land, and held over 760 business meetings. 'Saudi's transformation into a global tourism powerhouse is not just a vision – it's a reality in motion,' Hamidaddin said at ITB Berlin. As a hub of sports and cultural events, Saudi Arabia is becoming an attractive destination for tourists globally, with sporting events such as the Grand Prix, World Cup 2034 and Dakar Rally. Saudi Arabia also hosts a number of luxury travel destinations, coastal and desert. The 28,000 square kilometres of Red Sea coastline will host 16 resorts by the end of 2025, with 32 more planned to be constructed by 2030. AIUIa, a desert oasis and home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was also advertised at Saudi Land. Unique wellness experiences for solo women travellers and families reflect Saudi's continued efforts to showcase the Kingdom as a female-friendly destination; 44% of visitors in 2024 were women, and of those, 36% were solo travellers. Key announcements at the event included Eurowings' new airline route between Stuttgart and Jeddah, starting November 2025. STA and Riyadh-based travel agency Bonjour Saudi announced a strategic partnership to facilitate business for international firms in Saudi.
Leaders
08-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia: The World's Fastest-Growing Tourist Hotspot Beckons Europeans
Saudi Arabia has rapidly become a top tourism destination for Europeans, blending adventure, luxury, and sports, with visits surging 24% in 2024. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, announced this milestone at ITB Berlin 2025, crediting diverse offerings from mega-sporting events to luxury coastal escapes. 'Europe delivered our highest growth last year, with 44% of travelers being women,' Hamidaddin said. 'We've smashed our 2030 target early, hitting 106 million visits by 2023.' The Kingdom now eyes 150 million annual visitors, fueled by double-digit growth since 2019. Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Sports Hub Saudi Arabia now hosts more weekly events than Las Vegas, drawing icons like Ronaldo, Tyson Fury, and Max Verstappen. The 2034 FIFA World Cup will crown its rise, but 2025 already packs star-powered lineups. April brings the AFC Asian U17 Cup, while Formula One roars into Jeddah with Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari debut. Basketball's FIBA Asia Cup follows in August, and November closes with the WTA Tour Finals. 'Every major event pairs with cultural festivals,' Hamidaddin added, citing boxing, Dakar Rally, and tennis spectacles. Stretching 28,000 square kilometers, Saudi's Red Sea coast merges five-star opulence with eco-conscious development. Six Senses Southern Dunes and St. Regis Red Sea Resort now welcome guests to overwater villas and coral-rich waters. By 2025, 16 resorts will dot the shoreline, part of a 50-resort masterplan for 2030. Red Sea Global pledges 75% of islands remain untouched, while resorts run entirely on renewables. 'This vertical Riviera rivals global beach destinations,' said Hamidaddin, highlighting Neom's Sindalah Island and luxury marinas. Desert Dreams: Stargazing, Adventure & Rewilding in the Kingdom's Dunes Nearly a third of Saudi Arabia's terrain features iconic deserts like the Rub'Al Khali, the planet's largest sand sea. Winter transforms these dunes into hubs for sand healing, stargazing, and extreme sports. AlUla offers camel treks and Bedouin-style camping, while Riyadh's Red Sands and Edge of the World cliffs challenge thrill-seekers. 'Our rewilding initiatives reintroduced 21 species,' Hamidaddin noted, comparing desert tourism to African safaris or Alpine skiing. Whether chasing Grand Prix adrenaline, Red Sea serenity, or desert adventures, Saudi Arabia caters to all tastes. With visa reforms and year-round events, the Kingdom cements its status as the world's fastest-growing destination—no longer a 'best-kept secret,' but a must-visit marvel. Short link :
Leaders
05-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Shines at ITB Berlin with Immersive 'Saudi Land' Showcase
Saudi Arabia made a powerful impact at ITB Berlin 2025 with its captivating 'Saudi Land' experience, marking its third consecutive year at the event. The delegation focused on engaging with global partners, forging strategic alliances, and showcasing the Kingdom's diverse tourism offerings, reinforcing its position as a leading global destination. Saudi Tourism Authority A press release highlighted that the Saudi delegation included 45 tourism partners, led by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The group featured tour operators and major airlines, underlining Saudi Arabia's growing role as a key player in the international tourism landscape. Grand Opening, Cultural Highlights The grand opening of 'Saudi Land' featured vibrant cultural performances celebrating the nation's rich heritage. Visitors were welcomed with traditional Saudi hospitality, including dates and Saudi coffee—both recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition showcased inspiring travel experiences, curated tourism packages, and unique attractions that spotlighted Saudi Arabia's cultural and natural wonders. Immersive, Interactive Experiences Interactive zones within 'Saudi Land' provided an engaging glimpse into the Kingdom's tourism landscape. Highlights included: 'Ramadan Markets' section inspired by Jeddah's festive atmosphere. section inspired by Jeddah's festive atmosphere. 'Sports and Entertainment Zone' featuring Saudi League memorabilia and a Formula 1 simulator. featuring Saudi League memorabilia and a Formula 1 simulator. 'Heritage and Culture Section' displaying Saudi craftsmanship and UNESCO-listed heritage sites. The exhibition also spotlighted thousands of archaeological landmarks across the Kingdom. Saudi Expanding Role in Global Tourism Fahd Hamidaddin emphasized the significance of Saudi Arabia's participation, noting that the country continues to establish itself as one of the world's fastest-growing tourism destinations. He highlighted the confidence of international partners and travelers, as well as the wealth of investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's tourism sector. Since 2018, the Kingdom has hosted over 100 major international sporting events and is set to welcome even more, including: Formula 1 races The WTA Finals in 2025 The AFC Asian Cup and Olympic Esports in 2027 The FIFA World Cup in 2034 Hamidaddin reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to delivering exceptional tourism experiences that cater to all types of travelers. Business, Investment Opportunities As part of its ITB Berlin presence, the Saudi Tourism Authority launched a dedicated business platform to connect global companies, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals with investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's thriving tourism sector. The platform facilitated business meetings, unveiled new travel packages, and promoted immersive tourism experiences. Additionally, it showcased the rapid expansion of tourism in the Red Sea region—home to over 1,200 islands—along with key destinations such as AlUla and Diriyah. Related Topics : Saudi Land Forces, Pakistan Army Collaborate on Military Training World's Largest: Saudi Arabia, China's BYD Ink Landmark Battery Storage Deal Saudi Arabia Launches New Project to Restore Degraded Lands Saudi Deputy FM Joins Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for Arab Summit Short link : Post Views: 58
