The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) lately organised ‘Journeys in Arabia’, an unique on-line occasion curated particularly for Journey Commerce Companions across the globe. Via the occasion, the journey choices supplied by Saudi have been highlighted.

The worldwide journey business is present process its most profound transformation. Because the panorama evolves, it’s extra essential than ever to proceed to encourage, have interaction and educate journey commerce for when the world safely re-opens and journey resumes.

Saudi Arabia is a comparatively new vacation spot on the worldwide stage. Because the genuine house of Arabia, Saudi provides distinctive, numerous and unparalleled experiences, a land of pure belongings, wealthy tradition and heritage and journey.

The digital engagement sequence, happening throughout six markets world wide, is a first-of-its-kind initiative for STA, a supply of inspiration and pleasure, designed to tell companions in regards to the numerous merchandise and experiences that Arabia provides.

The India ‘Journeys in Arabia’ webinar introduced collectively native journey commerce companions, for a possibility to listen to from thought leaders and consultants within the tourism business. 

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority initiated the occasion along with his welcome deal with. Keynote dialog ‘Journeys Make Folks’ between Abdullah Al Dakhil, Worldwide Communication Supervisor, Saudi Tourism Authority and the Indian Journalist Vir Sanghvi occurred throughout the occasion. 

Knowledgeable panel dialogue with Haitham Mattar, CCO, Saudi Tourism Authority, Benazir Nazar, CEO, Akbar Travels, Deep Kalra, Founder & Group Government Chairman, Make My Journey, Madhavan Menon, Chairman & Managing Director, Thomas Cook dinner Group, Rakshit Desai, Managing Director – India, FCM and Sheema Vohra, Managing Director, Sartha World Advertising and marketing came about within the occasion.

The session supplied insights into the present state of journey, and the alternatives and challenges in addressing the rising demand and curiosity in Saudi as a brand new vacation spot. A number of the key highlights and market insights of the dialogue have been:

* India has been recognized as one of many key supply markets, and STA’s tourism technique focuses on selling experiences associated to tradition, heritage, nature and journey in Saudi.

*  Indians, particularly the web shoppers and millennials, are late planners and consistently search new locations, inside shut proximity to India for last-minute vacation planning. Shorter-duration packages, direct flights and ease in visa (ideally e-visas)procurement might be game-changers for a brand new vacation spot like Saudi.

*  Saudi provides distinctive experiences for diving, journey sports activities, and sustainable tourism. The nation may also host the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021. These developments mirror the brand new journey motivations that Indian leisure travellers actively search in the present day.

*  Two key concerns among the many Company/Leisure market are consciousness and attractiveness. Whereas the previous will be achieved via communication and knowledge dissemination, through visible and video content material on Saudi; attractiveness will come from beautiful on-ground experiences that guests have whereas on the vacation spot.

*  The high-end Umrah market from India is a significant captive viewers, combining pilgrimage with leisure via post-Umrah leisure packages.

*  Selling distinctive locations like AlUla for marriage ceremony tourism might be an enormous draw for Saudi.

*  Lastly, client conduct has seen a drastic shift in a post-COVID world with each MICE and Leisure journey experiencing a heightened ecological sensitivity. Vacationers are in search of clear info and assurance associated to hygiene and security.

Following up on the success of the ‘Journeys in Arabia’ webinar, STA may also be internet hosting an immersive digital roadshow for India on March 2 and March 3, 2021, partnering with essentially the most related vacation spot, expertise and hospitality manufacturers in Saudi to showcase the very best of what the Kingdom has to supply.

As a part of the ‘Journeys in Arabia’ webinar sequence, the following webinar takes place for Germany, adopted by UK and Russia.