The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) left Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) with some 40 fresh partnerships in the bag, it said in a statement. The four-day event, which kicked off last week, saw STA ink agreements with airlines, hotel operators, and other players in the tourism and hospitality sectors as part of its bid to “promote the Kingdom as a year-round tourist destination,” STA CEO Fahd Hamidaddin said.

Among the highlights:

  • Riyadh Air — a fully owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund — has inked anMoU with STA to open new air routes, secure global sponsorships, and develop travel loyalty programs to “increase Saudi’s connectivity with the world.” It also inked an MoU with AlUla at the event to boost tourist volumes to the landmark heritage site;
  • China i2i — a Shanghai-based media company — inked an MoU with the authority to market for Saudi travel hubs in the Chinese market and manage and run the China Visitors Summit in Saudi (CVS Saudi);
  • Dubai-based e-commerce company Noon inked an MoU with STA that would see it create seasonal campaigns promoting travel to the Kingdom in addition to providing exclusive deals and key Saudi events booking to its users;
  • MJS Investment — a Riyadh-based hospitality company — also sealed an MoU with the authority to co-launch unique tourism experiences in the Kingdom, including Saudi culinary tours and courses;
  • Quintessentially — a luxury lifestyle management tool — signed an MoU with theauthority to promote Saudi historical and cultural sites, Arabian hospitality and introduce the company’s luxury products and services into the local market;
  • Egylière — an Egyptian luxury travel agency — inked an MoU with STA to introduce and promote Saudi luxury tourism destinations on its online platform;
  • Jetex — a global private jet operator — inked an MoU with the authority to market for luxury local destinations within its Elite program database, and promote Jetex products within the local tourism market;
  • Trofi — a Saudi food and hospitality company — signed an MoU with STA aimed to promote local tourism.
Tags: