Riyadh Air Strengthens Partnership with Saudi Tourism Authority to Promote Sector

Riyadh Air concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to boost joint cooperation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Riyadh Air concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to boost joint cooperation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh Air Strengthens Partnership with Saudi Tourism Authority to Promote Sector

Riyadh Air concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to boost joint cooperation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Riyadh Air concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to boost joint cooperation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Riyadh Air, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund, concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to boost joint cooperation as part of the national carrier’s efforts to shape the future of tourism in the Kingdom and advance air travel.

The new partnership, which was signed at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, focuses on several key areas, including new routes and destinations, joint marketing activities, sponsorship opportunities, presence at key roadshows and international events and accessibility to tourism-related platforms.

It also aims to explore collaboration in loyalty programs, leverage world-leading technology and new digital methods and engage in the Tourism Accelerator Program.

The agreement is in line with Riyadh Air’s vision to connect the Kingdom to more than 100 destinations around the world by 2030,. The two sides will cooperate to launch many initiatives and improve the level of services provided to tourists.

STA CEO Fahd Hamidaddin said: “Increasing Saudi’s connectivity with the world is a key pillar of our tourism strategy and will ensure we sustain our rapid growth and meet our new ambitious target of 150 million visits by 2030.”

The Kingdom, and Riyadh in particular, is preparing to receive millions of new tourists, thus cooperation with the key players in the sector, such as Riyadh Air, has become necessary to provide the best services and experiences to the visitors, he added.

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said: “This is another momentous day for Riyadh Air. Working alongside the STA to elevate the travel experience for our guests and those coming to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signifies what we’re all about.”

“We are elevating standards across the board in aviation to previously unseen levels. We have a shared commitment to travel and tourism in the Kingdom along with our forward-thinking approach to innovation, sustainability, and the satisfaction of our guests,” he stressed.



Tourism Minister: Saudi Arabia Sees 27% Increase in Incoming Tourists in 9 Months

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb speaks at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb speaks at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Tourism Minister: Saudi Arabia Sees 27% Increase in Incoming Tourists in 9 Months

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb speaks at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb speaks at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's tourism sector continues to achieve remarkable growth, as incoming tourist numbers surged by 27% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to a 14% increase during the same period last year, said Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb on Wednesday.

Speaking at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh, Al Khateeb underscored the sector's significant progress toward realizing the goals of Vision 2030.

International tourist arrivals for recreational purposes increased by an extraordinary 600% in 2023 from 2018, he revealed, adding that the rise has been complemented by a boost in visitors arriving for religious purposes, with the Kingdom encouraging such visitors to explore other cities to experience natural and archaeological sites.

The minister said rural tourism has also gained popularity, with increasing demand reported across the Kingdom's diverse regions. By the end of 2023, tourism's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) reached 5%, and efforts are underway to achieve a 10% contribution by 2030.

Al Khateeb highlighted the economic impact of the sector, noting a surplus of over SAR 41 billion in the balance of payments during the first half of 2024, compared to SAR 48.1 billion for the entirety of 2023. This marks a significant turnaround from 2018 when the balance recorded a deficit of SAR 10 billion, said the minister.

Employment in the tourism sector has also grown substantially, with the number of jobs increasing from 750,000 to 960,000, and localization within the hospitality sector reaching 35%, he added.

The Ministry of Tourism, under the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is investing heavily in training and developing local talent.

The ministry allocates an annual budget of SAR 375 million to support the qualification and training of up to 100,000 Saudis, including over 10,000 opportunities at world-class institutes, enabling them to take on leadership roles within the industry, Al Khateeb stressed.