Saudi Arabia actively participated in the Arabian Travel Market exhibition, currently held in Dubai, as it opened its airspace for citizens travelling abroad, following a ban that lasted more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Saudi Arabia presented its tourism vision during its participation in the event, highlighting its characteristics and capabilities in the sector. It showcased destinations, attractions and tourist experiences in the Red Sea resorts and the historical areas in AlUla governorate, Diriyah and others, while underlining its natural, cultural and social diversity.
“The Saudi Tourism Authority was keen on this strong presence with all its partners in the Saudi tourism industry to confirm the Kingdom’s readiness to open its doors to tourists, who will enjoy inspirational, pleasant and safe tourism experiences,” said Fahad Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).
He added: “We have never stopped working on developing offers and experiences for tourists from inside and outside the Kingdom, whether at the regional or global level. Through our presence in this important forum, we are keen to inspire the world with Saudi Arabia’s tourism treasures and natural climate, cultural and social diversity, in addition to our effort to build close and high-level partnerships that enrich Saudi tourism.”
The exhibition is held this year under the slogan, “A new dawn for the travel and tourism sector”, with the participation of international and regional experts and leaders, who will discuss many vital issues, such as the challenges facing the hospitality and aviation sector and the employment of technology. Gatherers will focus on the recovery from the repercussions of the pandemic, the future of the tourism sector and restoring tourists’ confidence.
Meanwhile, Hamidaddin told Reuters on Monday that Saudi Arabia was planning to soon reopen to foreign tourists, after the Kingdom announced the lifting of quarantine restrictions for certain foreign arrivals.