Friday, February 9, 2024
In a groundbreaking development, the Saudi Tourism Authority and Switzerland Tourism have established a strategic alliance to enhance cooperation in the tourism domain. This significant agreement was formally ratified at the headquarters of the Saudi Tourism Authority by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, and Livio Gotz, Director GCC at Switzerland Tourism. Among the distinguished attendees were HE Guy Parmelin, Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research, along with Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen, the Swiss Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a pioneering endeavor between the two tourism bodies, aims to nurture the growth of the tourism sector, promote each other’s attractions, and facilitate collaborative tourism ventures between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland. It sets a precedent for international cooperation in tourism. A pivotal facet of this partnership involves identifying joint marketing strategies to highlight the distinct offerings of both nations. Emphasis will be placed on various specialized tourism sectors, including sun and sea, cultural and heritage, and rural tourism, with combined promotional campaigns designed to entice travelers seeking unique experiences. This strategic promotion endeavors to enhance the visibility and appeal of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland as premier tourist destinations catering to diverse traveler preferences.
Furthermore, the Saudi Tourism Authority and Switzerland Tourism will collaborate to leverage cutting-edge technology within the industry to enhance the travel experience for visitors, employing innovations to create a seamless end-to-end journey. This collaboration will involve closer cooperation between local tourism agencies and operators, paving the way for additional partnerships and mutual value creation between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland.
Commenting on the partnership, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and a Member of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority stated: “We are thrilled to embark on this historic collaborative journey with Switzerland Tourism, which is the first of its kind between Saudi and any tourism board.
“Last year, Saudi saw an 84% increase in the number of visits from Switzerland and this new agreement will help build on that progress – with increased collaboration unlocking valuable opportunities for growth in both countries.
“This partnership not only signifies the convergence of two rich and diverse tourism landscapes but also emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in fostering sustainable and enriching travel experiences.”
Livio Goetz, Director GCC at Switzerland Tourism (ST) comments: “Saudi Arabia holds immense importance as a key market for ST, being the largest market within the GCC. Notably, 40% of all overnight stays in the GCC are generated from Saudi Arabia. To bolster its presence and appeal to Saudi guests, ST has new dedicated representative based in Riyadh. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the proximity and visibility of Switzerland as a premier holiday destination. Saudi travelers, contributing 300,000 hotel nights annually (2022) exhibit a record average daily spending of CHF 420.”
The Saudi Tourism Authority and Switzerland Tourism will continue to work together to organize events, exhibitions, and conferences in both countries, aiming to promote tourism development in alignment with the objectives outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and fostering a shared vision for the future of the tourism industry.
With a target of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030, Saudi Arabia stands as one of the world’s fastest-growing destinations, undergoing a transformation to become the most dynamic year-round tourism hub globally. Enhancing connectivity to the world through the $100 billion Saudi Aviation Strategy, the country is currently linked to over 128 destinations, including Switzerland. Presently, operations include three weekly flights from Geneva to Riyadh, accommodating 330 seats, and four weekly flights from Geneva to Jeddah with a capacity of 564 seats. Additionally, Zurich offers connectivity to Riyadh with three weekly flights, providing over 300 seats.
Switzerland is integrated into Saudi’s e-Visa program, which also caters to Schengen, US, and UK visa holders, streamlining access to Saudi Arabia and significantly simplifying travel arrangements. This strategic partnership between the two nations marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and sets the stage for future collaborations with Switzerland, a pivotal European market.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
