Canada Association of Tourism Employees

World Tourism wants assist, and Saudi Arabia is responding

The global tourism world and its leaders are changing. Every country is struggling for its own survival in times of pandemic as Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb and Jamaica ministers see a global solution become a global force for good for the industry.

1. COVID-19 has brought tourism to a standstill in many parts of the world since March 2020. The industry is crying out for money, help and guidance, and HE Ahmed Al Khateeb The Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia reacted in a big way.
2. Traditionally known for a religious tourism industry of 12 billion a year, Saudi Arabia developed the Red Sea Project and has spent billions of dollars developing tourism in the kingdom and now revitalizing international tourism.
3. A freshman to tourism in the western world, Saudi Arabia managed to go from being a novice on the block to the leading force in global tourism with the money available before anyone even noticed. The world is knocking on Saudi Arabia’s door, and such guests are let in and treated well. This is the Arab way.

HE Ahmed Al-Kateeb, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was President of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia from May 2016 to June 2018. Previously, he was Minister of Health. He also worked as a consultant at the Saudi royal court.

It started with the Red Sea Project, created as a unique luxury tourism destination that embraces nature, culture and adventure, setting new standards in sustainable development and positioning Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in building a state-of-the-art tourism infrastructure.

It wasn’t until September 2019 that Saudi Arabia started issuing tourist visas to citizens of western countries. Within the first 10 days, Saudi Arabia announced that 24,000 visitors were arriving in the kingdom for the first time.

It was the first time that traditional tourism became a reality for a country that, with the exception of religious tourism, was closed to the world. Religious tourism revenue was $ 12 billion in 2019.

Saudi Arabia is not only a major player in the region, it also plays an important role in stabilizing the global economy. The vision of the Kingdom of 2030 is closely aligned with the G20 headline goals of macroeconomic stability, sustainable development, empowerment of women, improved human capital and increased trade and investment flows approved by the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia, works with private and investment banks together to support developments in the private sector and incentivize further investment across the industry.

Much of the world is struggling to keep tourism in business while Saudi Arabia is investing billions to position the kingdom as a global center in the sector. With the hiring of the most powerful woman in tourism, WTTC boss Gloria Guevara, as advisor to the minister, shows that the country is serious and the intentions are clear.

Jamaica and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have held a series of meetings between the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

It seems that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is responding with friendship, money, and global brand names ready to help or brainstorm.

Saudi Arabia became the second chapter in the World Tourism Network, the organization behind the global rebuilding.travel discussion.

Tourism and opportunities are enormous in and for Saudi Arabia. WTN board member Raed Habbis from Baseera Conferences and Exhibition introduced a panel of high-level tourism guides in Saudi Arabia, but the best is yet to come.

The demand for tourism in the kingdom for western tourists is there. Visitors are ready to explore the history of the region and experience firsthand the fabulous hospitality and fascinating culture of Saudi Arabia.

Hear the December 2029 discussion