Latest news with #SaudiTourism
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Showcasing Saudi Arabia's rich heritage and unforgettable tourism destinations at Expo 2025 Osaka
Wonders of Arabia, hosted in collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and the Saudi Tourism Authority, is open from 10th to 16th July 2025 at the Expo Exhibition Center, open from 10:00 – 20:00. Across 7 days, visitors can experience the diversity of Saudi Arabia, showcasing the incredible tourism opportunities and diverse landscapes from Jeddah, the Red Sea, Diriyah, Riyadh, Aseer and AlUla. The Exhibition will also include live performances, traditional Saudi hospitality, and showcases of culture, fashion and sports. Osaka, Japan — The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is launching the Wonders of Arabia Exhibition. Curated by the Saudi Tourism Authority, Wonders of Arabia offers a snapshot of Saudi Arabia's exciting tourism offering for Japanese and global travelers. Experience Saudi Arabia from the moment you arrive. Featuring scheduled performances and impressive installations. The Welcome Zone will invite guests starting 9th July to authentic Saudi hospitality, featuring artists and musicians from the Heritage and Music Commissions of Saudi Arabia. A program of music and craft will take place on the stage. Furthermore, the Welcome Zone will present 10 Saudi Designers from the Fashion Commission to a global audience, with their costumes on display, and will also feature retail by Saudi artists. Starting 10th July, visitors move into the Main Exhibition space, they will be greeted by the warm hospitality of Saudi Hafawa, offering a traditional taste of Arabia with Saudi coffee and dates. The Exhibition will feature a range of exciting attractions, including Saudi Arabia's top tourism destinations, a Sports Hub, the Arts of Arabia, a Cultural Photobooth and giveaways. Saudi Arabia offers several unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler, whether exploring the ancient wonders of AlUla, the pristine shores of the Red Sea, or the bustling capital city of Riyadh. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in interactive exhibits, discover unique tourism initiatives, and gain deeper insights into Saudi Arabia's efforts to transform travel through Vision 2030. Dr. Ghazi bin Faisal Binzagr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, 'Since opening to tourism in 2019, Saudi Arabia has become one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world. Saudi Arabia has a great deal to offer as a destination, with 1,800 km of coastline, mountain regions for trekking, and major cities hosting world-class events. Our success has also been attributed to the effective orchestration of Saudi Arabia's tourism ecosystem, supported by the Saudi Tourism Authority. Their work aims to build the Saudi destination brand so that visitors can better understand what awaits them when they come here.' 'The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka shares with the world the impact Saudi Arabia is having. This bridge will connect Osaka to Expo 2030 Riyadh, which will undoubtedly build on this legacy by developing dedicated opportunities. We offer a warm welcome to tourists from Japan and around the world, making it a must-visit destination with diverse offerings across culture, history and cuisine' Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: 'Japanese travelers seek immersive, culturally rich, and truly meaningful experiences. With Wonders of Arabia at Expo 2025 Osaka, we're bringing an authentic taste of Saudi heritage directly to Japan as we celebrate 70 years of strong bilateral ties. We saw a 7% increase in Japanese visitors last year, and we're committed to building on that momentum by offering curated experiences designed specifically for Japanese travelers, showcasing the warmth, diversity, and hospitality that define our destination.' Saudi Arabia is the world's largest investor in tourism, committing US$800 billion to the sector and maintaining over US$500 billion in investments in new destinations across the Kingdom. It has a designated tourism office in Japan to represent it as a destination for Japanese travelers. Japanese citizens can easily access Saudi Arabia and are eligible for the eVisa program, a multiple-entry visa valid for one year from its issue date, allowing stays of up to 90 days. The Kingdom, offering a mix of cultural, historical, and adventure experiences, extends a warm welcome to tourists from Japan, making it a must-visit destination with diverse offerings. Following the exhibition, the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka invites guests to experience a range of events throughout the Expo program, featuring live performances, dances, and traditional shows. Visitors to the Saudi Arabia Pavilion can experience a wide range of Saudi culture, heritage, and art through various programs. These include Ahlan Wa Sahlan, We Are Saudi Arabia, The Botanist Augmented Reality experience, and musical and artistic performances at the Cultural Studios, as well as signature events celebrating Saudi Arabia's most important milestones, including the Saudi Arabia National Day celebrations on September 23, 2025. In addition, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion offers an exciting visitor journey across seven immersive rooms and galleries, from The Evolving Cities, Sustainable Seas, Unlimited Human Potential, and The Pinnacle of Innovation, where every visitor can see up close the Kingdom's global impact. The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is open daily from 09:00 – 21:00, inside the West Gate in the Connecting Zone (C14-01). The full program of events for the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is available on the official website: Media Contact: Email: Media@ Website & Social Media Handles: Instagram: @ksaexpo2025 X: @KSAExpo2025_ YouTube: @KSAExpo2025 LinkedIn: Saudi Arabia at Expo Facebook: KSA Expo 2025 TikTok: @ksaexpo LINE: KSA 大阪万博2025 Website:
Zawya
26-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
78.8% of Saudi travellers go solo this summer: Wego
Wego, the Middle East's online travel marketplace, has revealed a shift in travel patterns for summer 2025, highlighting a sharp rise in solo travel and a growing demand for luxury accommodations among Saudi travellers. Single travellers now account for 78.82% of bookings, driven by youth seeking personal exploration, study, or business opportunities. Luxury travel continues to dominate, with five-star hotels making up 40.92% of bookings and four-star hotels at 32.22%. The data points to a new era of Saudi tourism, driven by visa flexibility, value for money, and access to authentic cultural offerings. Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Türkiye remain the top-searched destinations among Saudi travellers, with Pakistan showing a 4.78% year-on-year surge in interest despite a 21.29% rise in airfares. European countries like Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Italy saw moderate increases in search activity, while Asian destinations like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines continue to attract tourists with their natural beauty, rich traditions, and affordable prices. Vietnam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing travel options, with a 322.43% increase in searches compared to last year. Industry experts attribute this trend to the launch of luxury halal-compliant resorts and a 43.06% drop in average airfare prices from Saudi Arabia. Armenia is also drawing increased interest from Saudi travellers, with a 142.68% jump in search volume following the government's recent decision to waive visa requirements for Saudi citizens starting July 2025. "We are witnessing a clear shift among Saudi travellers toward discovering destinations that offer deeper cultural and experiential value," said Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego. "Summer 2025 reflects this transformation in travel behavior, where the focus is not just on the destination itself, but on the richness of the journey." "The rise in interest for Vietnam and Armenia underscores the growing demand for diverse, value-driven travel experiences. At Wego, we aim to empower travellers with data and insights that help them make confident, personalised choices." -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's Al-Baha Prepares for Cultural Events
Al-Baha Region is gearing up for an exceptional summer season under the slogan 'Color Your Summer,' featuring over 500 diverse events across 80 fully equipped venues in five Saudi governorates. The lineup includes artistic and musical performances, circus festivals, magic shows, and varied recreational and cultural activities. Mayor of Al-Baha Region Ali Al-Sawat stated that the municipality and local authorities have completed early preparations by upgrading tourist sites, enhancing infrastructure, and coordinating with various government and private entities. These efforts aim to deliver a vibrant and safe summer experience that meets the expectations of both residents and visitors. He noted these events play a vital role in advancing the Kingdom's goal of establishing itself as a global tourism hub, renowned for its rich diversity and unique offerings, in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030. He further underscored that Al-Baha, with its stunning natural landscapes and distinctive tourist attractions, continues to be a key attraction for domestic and international tourism.
Asharq Al-Awsat
21-06-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Tourism Ministry Intensifies Inspection Efforts in Summer Tourist Destinations
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has intensified its inspection efforts across several summer tourist destinations in the Kingdom, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday. These inspections aim to ensure that hospitality facilities hold the necessary licenses from the ministry and comply with approved quality standards, coinciding with the launch of the Saudi Summer season. The inspection tours covered multiple regions and cities, including Aseer, Al-Baha, Taif, and Jeddah, over the past two months. The ministry's inspection teams conducted more than 2,800 visits to summer destinations. The visits assessed the quality of services provided, the availability of safety requirements, and cleanliness levels, while also confirming that facilities had obtained the necessary licenses to operate. The ministry emphasized to all hospitality establishments, including private facilities, the importance of delivering high-quality services and adhering to its approved regulations. It stressed that violators will face penalties, which may include fines of up to SAR1 million, closure of the facility, or both.
Arab News
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Color Your Summer' program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors
The Saudi Tourism Authority has launched 'Color Your Summer,' a program showcasing Saudi Arabia's natural and cultural diversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The initiative will run until the end of September. Activities will be hosted in six main destinations 'that blend the sea and mountains and merge adventure with relaxation.' The STA expects the program to attract more than 41 million visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom this year, with projected tourism spending surpassing SR73 billion ($19.47 billion). Asir will host its Summer Season, featuring 'a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events such as Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event,' as well as 'adventure trails and outdoor activities amid lofty mountains and pleasant weather, while the region's ancient stone houses evoke a rich cultural memory, adding an authentic touch for visitors.' The STA, in partnership with Jazeera Airways, recently announced that direct flights from Kuwait to Asir will be available three times a week from July 15 until the end of September, strengthening the airline's presence in the Saudi market and supporting the authority's efforts to promote various summer destinations in the Kingdom. Meanwhile, Riyadh will make its mark this summer by hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, which is set to attract visitors from around the world. 'The city is also a hub for artistic and cultural events and a variety of entertainment shows throughout the summer,' the SPA stated. Jeddah will be welcoming visitors with new beaches and luxury resorts this summer, and its diverse selection of marine activities and 'relaxation events' make it 'the right place for family and water sports enthusiasts alike,' the SPA wrote, adding: 'Visitors can explore City Walk and circus performances at Circus 1903.' Sheybarah and Ummahat islands will also be featured as part of the Kingdom's luxury tourism network. 'With their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, the islands add a maritime adventure to the portfolio of the Kingdom's destinations,' the SPA stated. Taif will greet its summer visitors this year with 'refreshing mountain breezes and the fragrant blooms of Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, nestled between traditional markets and lush orchards,' according to the SPA. 'Meanwhile, Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains cast a magical misty aura, providing experiences for adventure and culture enthusiasts steeped in the city's rich heritage and history.' And in Baha, visitors will encounter 'stunning natural beauty from the heights of the mountains to the depths of the valleys in Raghadan Forest.'
