Saudi Arabia Prepares to Showcase New Attractions and Innovations at World Travel Market 2024

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a prominent showcase at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024, with a delegation of 61 key participants, led by His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). Joining him will be Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the STA, and a host of leaders from Saudi’s diverse tourism ecosystem, including representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Development Fund, ASFAR, Cruise Saudi, Saudia, Riyadh Air, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Company, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and groundbreaking initiatives like NEOM. The event will also highlight Saudi’s cultural and entertainment ventures such as Riyadh Season, MDL Beast, and Qiddiya.

For the first time, the Saudi Pavilion will incorporate 17 international and local hotel brands, marking its most expansive hotel representation yet. Over the three days, the Saudi delegation will announce major partnerships and initiatives, demonstrating their innovative approach to tourism, with a special announcement about a new destination by Minister Al-Khateeb scheduled for November 5 at the Saudi Pavilion.

The Saudi Pavilion will immerse visitors in the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and varied landscapes with activities that include traditional music, dancing, and culinary offerings like Saudi coffee and local delicacies. This year’s pavilion will also introduce new interactive experiences, such as a virtual jet ski ride on the Saudi Red Sea and a live DJ set by emerging Saudi female DJ, DJ Leen, in collaboration with MDLBEAST. Additionally, the pavilion will feature a Saudi PRO League sports activation and interactive technology to explore Saudi’s winter tourism offerings.

This dynamic presence at WTM London underscores Saudi’s growing appeal as a winter sun destination for European and American travelers, further promoted by the “Where Winter Lights Up” campaign, which is part of the global cinematic tourism initiative “This Land is Calling.” This campaign invites global travelers to explore key Saudi destinations like Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea, and enjoy the country’s robust calendar of events, including the Riyadh and Diriyah Seasons, the AlUla Festival, and major sporting events like the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

• On May 18 th , PM Modi to inaugurate International Tourism Expo