Latest news with #SaudiTourism
Arabian Business
19-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi visitors to Moscow surge 470% as Russia boosts tourism ties
Moscow welcomed 52,400 Saudi tourists in 2024, a nearly six-fold increase from 9,300 visitors the previous year, as Russia's capital strengthens tourism partnerships with the kingdom, Moscow officials said during a promotional tour of Saudi Arabia. The Moscow City Tourism Committee delegation visited Riyadh and Jeddah to promote cultural exchange and position the Russian capital as a leading destination for Saudi travellers as the kingdom's outbound tourism market grows. Saudi tourism to Moscow soars ' Saudi Arabia 's growing interest in Moscow reflects the city's rising profile as a destination that blends rich history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions,' said Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. 'In the first quarter of 2025, Moscow welcomed 9,900 visitors from Saudi Arabia – it's a 1.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year,' he added. The introduction of an electronic visa system in August 2023 has played a significant role in facilitating travel, with more than 80,000 e-visas issued to Saudi nationals to date, making the kingdom the second-largest recipient of Russian e-visas, according to Moscow officials. The Russian capital has been adapting to accommodate Muslim visitors, with many hotels offering halal dining options and prayer facilities. The city has created a dedicated Muslim-friendly guide listing recommended accommodations and more than 30 halal restaurants throughout Moscow. This summer, the city will host a series of cultural festivals including the Gardens and Flowers Festival, Theatre Boulevard 2025, the Moscow Mansions programme, Moscow Jazz Festival, and Chess Boulevard, designed to offer family-friendly experiences. The tourism outreach efforts align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programme, which includes plans to build international cultural partnerships and knowledge exchange, the committee said.
Arabian Business
14-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Hilton pipeline extends to 100 properties in Saudi Arabia
Hilton has announced it has 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia this year. The global hospitality company has 14 brands either trading or in the pipeline, and has announced multiple new signings with plans to add more than 21,000 rooms in locations across the country. Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East and Africa, Hilton said: 'Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we are proud to be playing a leading role in it becoming a top global tourism destination. Hilton hotels in Saudi Arabia 'The Kingdom offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern lifestyle developments. Our diverse portfolio – spanning luxury and lifestyle, through to premium economy and midscale brands – will help broaden the appeal for today's discerning travellers. 'In line with Saudi Vision 2030, our growing hotel pipeline is set to generate over 15,000 job opportunities, with a significant focus on employing Saudi nationals.' Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said: 'We are excited about reaching 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia, as we continue to diversify our footprint and introduce more of our global brands across both established and emerging destinations. 'Our continued partnership with Al Musbah Group is testament to this growth and our commitment to supporting private sector development in the Saudi tourism industry. We are proud to have Al Musbah Group as part of our highly valued ownership community and to be working with them to introduce the region's first Spark by Hilton in Makkah. 'With two-thirds of our pipeline in Saudi Arabia already under construction, we look forward to continuing our work with new and existing owners to deliver more hotels at all price points for guests across the Kingdom.' The new signing marks the debut of Hilton's premium economy brand, Spark by Hilton, in the Middle East and Africa. The premium economy brand launched in 2023. Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah is set to open later this year, marking the brand's debut in the MEA region. The 329-guest room property will offer twin-bed and triple-bed guest rooms. Located to the east of Masjid Al Haram in Makkah's Aziziyah district, near the religiously significant area of Mina, a key site during Hajj with direct train access to Arafat, the hotel is ideally situated to serve pilgrims. Spark by Hilton adds to Hilton's growing midscale presence across established and up-and-coming cities in the Kingdom, complementing existing brands such as Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn, which together account for one-third of the company's hotel pipeline. Recent signings include Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn properties in Jeddah, Jizan, and Abha, as well as at the NEOM Community site. In Makkah, Hilton is partnering with Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Company to open the world's largest Hilton Garden Inn, featuring 1,560 guest rooms. Hilton has also partnered with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to open the region's first Home2 Suites by Hilton in the Middle East in Madinah, alongside properties under the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton brands. Hilton continues to bolster its luxury presence across the Kingdom with its iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, LXR Hotels and Resorts, and Conrad Hotels and Resorts brands. These include a multi-property agreement at The Avenues – Riyadh, the Kingdom's largest mixed-use development, which will be home to a Waldorf Astoria and a Conrad, as well as a Waldorf Astoria in Diriyah Gate – one of Saudi Arabia's iconic giga-projects, and Madinah's first Waldorf Astoria. The company has also partnered with Rua Al Madinah Holding to open three hotels in the holy city including a luxury property under the Conrad Hotels and Resorts brand, as well as with Dan Co, a PIF subsidiary, to open an LXR agritourism resort in Al Ahsa. Hilton currently operates 20 hotels in the Kingdom, with another 77 properties in the pipeline, accounting for a quarter of branded hotel rooms under construction in the country – and reaffirming the company's commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by delivering world-class hospitality experiences.
Argaam
14-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Tourism to be 2nd main contributor to Saudi economy after oil by 2030: Minister
The tourism sector will be the second largest contributor to the Saudi Arabian economy after the oil sector by 2030, Minister of Tourism Ahmed al Khateeb said, noting that the ministry aims to raise the sector's contribution to 10% of the GDP by 2030. During a panel discussion at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, the minister indicated that the number of tourists visiting the Kingdom has increased from 5 million in 2019 to more than 30 million currently, placing it among the 10 most visited countries internationally. The Kingdom eyes attracting 50 million international tourists by 2030, making it one of the five most visited countries in the world by that date.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Al-Khateeb: Tourism will become Saudi Arabia's "new oil" within a few years
RIYADH — Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb confirmed that Saudi Arabia is rapidly moving toward establishing tourism as a fundamental pillar of the national economy. Attending a panel discussion at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday, he said that the tourism sector will be equal to oil in its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, thanks to comprehensive reforms and an ambitious strategy aimed at diversifying sources of income. "Tourism will become the Kingdom's "new oil" within the next few years," he said. Al-Khateeb said that the percentage of tourism sector's contribution to GDP has now risen to five percent from three percent in 2019. "The target is to reach 10 percent by the end of the current decade, which will contribute to strengthening the national economy," he said. The minister noted that since the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has begun reforming the tourism sector by issuing easy and fast electronic visas for citizens from 50 countries, which have recently increased to 65 countries. Issuing a visa takes no more than five minutes, he said while emphasizing that this step was crucial in attracting visitors from around the world, whether for business, leisure, or religious pilgrimage. Al-Khateeb underscored that the human element represents one of the tourism sector's most important strengths. "Promising, educated Saudi youth represent a distinguished presence for guests and visitors from around the world," he said. The minister also referred to the unprecedented number of foreigners who visited the Kingdom over the recent years. "The number of visitors increased from 50 million domestic and international visitors in 2019 to 115 million last year, including 30 million visitors from abroad, placing the Kingdom among the top 10 most visited countries in the world," he said adding that the goal is to reach 50 million international visitors by 2030, making Saudi Arabia one of the top five most attractive destinations worldwide. Al-Khateeb stated that Saudi Arabia is moving forward with implementing an ambitious vision, and that the speed of implementation is the key factor. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Zawya
Young Saudis fuel strong growth in domestic tourism: research
A new research report by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reveals that Saudi Arabia's Generation Z is driving the country's tourism landscape—fueling a surge in domestic travel rooted in cultural exploration, digital engagement, and sustainability. Conducted in partnership with YouGov, the study shows that over half (54%) of Gen Z Saudis have taken a domestic leisure trip in the past six months, with 29% of respondents planning to continue travelling locally in the future. The emerging trends from the research underscore how travel has become a meaningful part of everyday life for young Saudis, not a luxury, but a lifestyle, a result which is driven by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals to increase domestic tourism to 55 million trips annually by 2030 and raise tourism's GDP contribution to 10%. 'What we're witnessing is a generational shift,' said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. 'Gen Z travellers in Saudi Arabia are increasingly choosing to explore their own backyard, not just out of convenience, but because they're proud of what the Kingdom has to offer. They're driven by a desire to connect with local culture, contribute to the economy, and travel more sustainably. At Wyndham, we're proud to support this transformation by offering stays that meet their expectations for value, comfort, and digital ease, while helping them engage more deeply with Saudi Arabia's nature, heritage, and communities.' Key Trends: Gen Z Travellers in Saudi Arabia 1. Homegrown Adventures Take Centre Stage The appetite for domestic travel is strong, with 54% of Gen Z respondents choosing to explore the Kingdom, reflecting their engagement with Saudi Arabia's fast-growing tourism ecosystem. This enthusiasm is particularly strong among young women, with 55% of female Gen Z travellers opting for local adventures, a sign of growing independence and deeper cultural curiosity. From heritage villages in Al Ula to coastal escapes in Umluj and urban culture in Jeddah and Riyadh, young Saudis are uncovering the richness of their own country. 2. Travel is a Lifestyle, Not a Luxury Among Gen Z not currently in the workforce, a remarkable 72% have travelled recently, showing how deeply travel is woven into youth culture. With increased investment in festivals, giga-projects, and local experiences, short breaks and micro-trips are gaining popularity. 3. Digital-First Discovery In line with Saudi Arabia's status as one of the most connected societies globally, 39% of Gen Z travellers cite social media as their primary source of inspiration. This digital influence is not just about where they discover destinations, it's also about why they go. A striking 64% say they enjoy travelling to places featured in their favourite movies, TV shows, or trending on social media. Furthermore, 81% are open to using AI-powered travel tools, signalling strong readiness for next-gen, tech-driven travel planning. 4. Value Over Status Gen Z is choosing experiences over extravagance, favouring accommodations that offer comfort, community connection, and affordability. Accommodations that feel like a home away from home, enable longer stays, or reflect the local character are especially popular for their authenticity. Wyndham's growing presence in Saudi Arabia, with five active brands and ambitious plans to expand further, including a recent Ramada by Wyndham signing in Makkah, underscores this shift in traveller preference. Ramada Encore by Wyndham Al Khobar Corniche, which opened in 2023, is a standout example, offering modern comfort, affordability, and local flair that captures the kind of grounded yet connected experience today's Gen Z travellers seek. It's hospitality that speaks Gen Z's language, authentic, rooted, and rewarding. 5. Sustainability is a Standard Environmental awareness is increasingly influencing the travel decisions of Saudi Gen Z. The research shows that over a third (35%) actively seek out eco-friendly hotels, while nearly half (45%) prefer using sustainable modes of transport. These preferences align closely with national efforts such as the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to promote environmental stewardship across industries, including tourism. At Wyndham, sustainability isn't an add-on; it's built into how we operate. Six out of our 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia have earned the Level 1 Wyndham Green Certification or higher—including Wyndham Garden Dammam, which has achieved Level 5, the highest tier in our program. The hotel leads on multiple fronts: it partners with local firms to recycle paper, hazardous materials, and e-waste, earning monthly green certification reports; it engages guests through digital screens and in-room messaging on towel reuse and energy-saving practices; and it's preparing to launch a solar project for its outdoor areas. For Gen Z, responsible travel isn't a trend, it's the baseline. Regional trends confirm this momentum: Across the GCC, Gen Z travellers are setting new expectations for how, why, and where they travel. In the UAE, for example, this generation is driving a shift toward local getaways, cultural discovery, and immersive experiences, often influenced by what they see on TikTok or Instagram. They're choosing hotels that reflect their values: eco-conscious operations, flexible tech-enabled services, and stylish spaces that feel social and shareable. While Saudi Arabia's Gen Z market is at an earlier stage of evolution, it's moving rapidly in the same direction. With one of the youngest populations in the world and a bold national agenda to develop its tourism and cultural economy, the Kingdom is poised to emerge as a regional hub for Gen Z-driven travel. The opportunity to shape this narrative by creating hospitality experiences that resonate with young Saudis is both timely and transformative. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is transforming Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, contributing to Vision 2030 by making travel more accessible, inclusive, and purpose-driven for the next generation. The brand offers a range of brands, including TRYP by Wyndham, a lifestyle brand focusing on urban connectivity, cultural immersion, and social experiences. TRYP's design-led spaces, curated local experiences, and vibrant communal areas cater to the growing interest in cultural discovery and digital convenience among Gen Z. Wyndham's Wyndham Rewards loyalty programme and Wyndham Green sustainability framework are designed to provide value to value-conscious travellers and ensure environmental responsibility is embedded throughout the guest journey. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
