Saudi Arabia has been recognized for its outstanding performance at the prestigious ITB Berlin exhibition. The country's stand has been honored with two esteemed awards, namely 'best exhibitor' for the highly competitive Best of the Best category, which saw participation from 5,500 exhibitors representing 161 countries, and 'best exhibitor' for the Near/Middle East region. This remarkable achievement marks Saudi Arabia's debut at ITB Berlin. The Saudi stand, which showcased a diverse range of offerings, proved to be a major highlight of the event. With more than 45 trade partners and over 200 bookable products on display, visitors were treated to an immersive experience that showcased the country's rich cultural heritage and tourism potential. In addition to the impressive array of products, the Saudi stand also featured interactive Saudi Talks, providing visitors with valuable insights into the country's tourism industry. Attendees were also able to indulge in date tastings, a delightful experience that allowed them to savor the renowned Saudi Arabian dates. Furthermore, the stand boasted the renowned Saudi Café, where visitors could relax and enjoy authentic Saudi Arabian hospitality. The recognition received by Saudi Arabia at ITB Berlin is a testament to the country's commitment to promoting its tourism sector on a global scale. This achievement not only highlights the nation's exceptional exhibition capabilities but also positions Saudi Arabia as a leading destination in the Near and Middle East regions.
In Saudi Arabia, there is an impressive range of products and experiences available to visitors. From the beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural attractions to the rich heritage and unique Nusuk offerings, the country offers a diverse array of interactive experiences that truly bring these offerings to life.
His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, the esteemed Saudi tourism minister, officially opened the stand, which attracted the attention of important leaders in the sector, including heads of state, ministers, and CEOs.
At the prestigious ITB Berlin, the world's foremost travel trade show, Saudi Arabia made a significant impact by fostering collaboration and inspiring partner commitment. In a remarkable display of achievement, Saudi Arabia has recently celebrated the resounding success of its first-ever participation, paving the way for a plethora of new growth opportunities alongside esteemed global and European partners. The Saudi stand has garnered well-deserved recognition for its exceptional global presence, securing two prestigious awards. The first accolade, 'best exhibitor' for Best of the Best, was bestowed upon the Saudi stand based on its remarkable appeal, authenticity, and advantageous offerings for trade visitors. Additionally, the stand was also honored with the title of 'best exhibitor' for the Near and Middle East, thanks to its immersive five-sense experience, cutting-edge metaverse, and commitment to sustainable catering.
In a display of Saudi Arabia's active involvement, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb engaged in meetings with prominent travel trade entities, including TUI and FTI. Additionally, he extended a warm welcome to esteemed individuals such as ministers, presidents, CEOs, and global tourism leaders from the UNWTO and WTTC at the Saudi stand. In a momentous development, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have come together to forge a groundbreaking agreement. This landmark accord places a strong emphasis on empowering individuals by harnessing the transformative potential of e-learning.
Saudi Arabia has made remarkable strides in its commercial endeavors, particularly in the European and German markets. The country has successfully sealed 11 strategic partnership agreements with renowned travel companies and leading vertically integrated German operators. Among the notable names are Expedia, FTI, DER Touristik, Hotel Beds, and several others. This impressive feat highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering strong alliances and expanding its presence in the global travel industry.
The Nusuk platform from Saudi Arabia breathed new life into the realm of spiritual travel at the prestigious ITB Berlin event. This innovative platform played host to a series of meetings with Umrah-focused tour operators, attracting an impressive turnout of over 45 attendees. The stand not only showcased the rich history, culture, and captivating stories of Makkah and Madinah but also provided visitors with an enchanting and immersive virtual reality experience.
In a captivating display of international collaboration, Fahd Hamidaddin, the CEO of Saudi Tourism, took the helm as the host of the prestigious "Saudi Partner Talks. This remarkable event brought together industry leaders Martina Groenegres, the Managing Director of Lufthansa City Center International, and Markus Orth, the Regional Director of Lufthansa City Center. Guiding the discussion with finesse was none other than the esteemed German travel TV presenter, Kai Boecking. The focal point of this engaging dialogue revolved around the ingenious strategies employed by these partners to harness the power of international networks and propel their businesses forward.
During the course of the event, Saudi Arabia extended a warm welcome to its visitors, showcasing its genuine Arabian hospitality. The nation's vibrant culture and deep-rooted heritage were vividly brought to life through a series of immersive experiences. One such experience was the Savor Saudi' session, where attendees had the opportunity to indulge in a tasting session of dates and coffee. This session was expertly hosted by a representative from the esteemed National Center for Palms and Dates, ensuring an authentic and enriching encounter for all participants.
In a recent statement, Fahd Hamidaddin, the esteemed CEO and Member of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, expressed his views on the matter.
Saudi tourism achieved remarkable success at the highly anticipated ITB Berlin event this year. With unrivaled vision and ambition, our country is poised to become the undisputed tourism destination powerhouse of the region. As we forge ahead, our focus remains on unlocking opportunities for our partners both locally and internationally.
In a recent statement, it was revealed that the company has obtained a more profound understanding of the German and European markets. These markets have shown a strong inclination towards sun and sea products, as well as a keen interest in experiencing a rich culture and heritage. In response to this demand, the company has been diligently working towards meeting the needs of these markets. One notable achievement in this regard is the upcoming milestone opening on the Red Sea later this year. Additionally, the success of projects such as Bujairi Terrace cannot be overlooked, as it has already attracted over 700,000 visitors. The Nusuk platform has experienced a surge in demand from partners as the German market begins to acknowledge the untapped potential within the distinctive Umrah spiritual travel segment.
In an exclusive statement, the company's spokesperson emphasized the significant growth of their partners, highlighting their unwavering dedication to investing in both their partners and the sector as a whole. This investment, they assert, is a crucial step towards forging a shared future, as they eagerly harness the vast potential that lies within the market.
In an exclusive statement, Markus Orth, the esteemed Managing Director of Lufthansa City Center Regional, expressed his optimistic outlook on the partnership between his esteemed organization and Saudi Arabia. Emphasizing the immense possibilities that lie ahead, Orth highlighted the tremendous potential that this collaboration holds for the future. In a world hungry for fresh experiences, a captivating destination has emerged, offering a multitude of captivating facets that seem to stretch into infinity. This extraordinary place has seized the moment to shift its gaze towards a sustainable future in the realm of tourism. Boasting a plethora of cultural sites, a collection of top-notch resorts at the Red Sea, and a calendar filled with upcoming events, this destination has all the necessary ingredients for an exhilarating round trip. In an optimistic statement, the speaker expressed their anticipation for a robust strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia.
In a recent statement, Norbert Fiebig, the President of the German Travel Association (DRV), expressed his optimism regarding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Saudi Tourism Authority and DRV. Fiebig believes that this agreement will serve to enhance the already strong relationship between Germany and Saudi Arabia. In a bid to foster stronger ties between Saudi Arabia and Germany, a collaborative effort is being championed to enhance travel opportunities and facilitate greater interaction between the two nations. The aim is to bridge the gap and unite the people of both countries through increased travel and cultural exchange. In a statement, the individual expressed their belief that the proposed initiative would undoubtedly foster mutual understanding, respect, and friendship.
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the G20's fastest-growing tourism destination since it opened its doors to tourists in 2019. Saudi Arabia has achieved an impressive feat in the realm of international tourism. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the country has witnessed a remarkable surge of 121% in comparison to pre-pandemic levels. This surge has resulted in a staggering 93.5 million visits to Saudi Arabia in 2022. Notably, this growth has outpaced the recovery of the global tourism sector, as acknowledged by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Saudi Arabia, the global leader in tourism investment, has made a resolute pledge of $550 billion towards the development of novel destinations by the year 2030. With an ambitious vision in mind, the kingdom is diligently reimagining its tourism sector, aiming to attract a staggering 100 million visitors by the same year.
Saudi Arabia, a country with a wealth of cultural heritage, remains relatively unexplored by travelers. One of its hidden gems is Diriyah, a city that dates back 300 years and holds great historical significance as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the nation is gradually emerging as a sought-after destination for those seeking sun-soaked vacations and indulging in yachting holidays. This year, the opening of Red Sea assets has further enhanced Saudi Arabia's appeal to these leisure seekers. Jeddah, a city brimming with cultural treasures and natural wonders, offers visitors a plethora of captivating experiences. One such adventure awaits in the historical district of Al Balad, where the rich tapestry of Jeddah's past comes alive. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting ambiance of traditional Hijazi-style houses, each telling a unique story of the city's heritage. For those seeking an underwater escapade, Jeddah stands as a gateway to one of the most sought-after diving and snorkeling destinations in the Red Sea. With its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, this aquatic paradise beckons adventurers to explore its depths and witness the awe-inspiring beauty that lies beneath the surface. Whether one chooses to wander through the historical district or embark on an aquatic expedition, Jeddah promises an unforgettable journey filled with cultural discoveries and natural marvels.
