Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) announced key developments at the recently held Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. These include:
- STA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian online travel agency Travel Boutique Online (TBO) to develop destination knowledge of Saudi through new, innovative programmes on the TBO Academy platform, reaching 90,000 agents globally and targeting 25,000 visitors by 2022.
- IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a deal to open seven hotels across multiple brands in Saudi Arabia
- Saudi’s flag carrier Saudia, and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE have launched a reciprocal loyalty agreement that allows loyalty programme members to earn and redeem miles on flights across both networks.
- Hotel operator and developer Dur Hospitality has announced several expansion projects, including the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace Hotel and the Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel.
- GCC travel agency Aviareps introduced packages for AlUla, one of Saudi’s premier nature, culture, and heritage destinations.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority said:
“Saudi is driving a new model of tourism for the twenty-first century. This year’s ATM demonstrated the recognition by major global travel industry players of the tremendous opportunities our dynamic and growing tourism industry offers.”
