The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has marked a significant milestone with its first-ever exhibition at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia-Pacific 2024 in Singapore. Leading this inaugural presence was Eng. Eyad Jan, Trade Markets Director for Southeast Asian Markets, who shared his enthusiasm and insights on LinkedIn.
“I had the pleasure to lead Saudi Tourism Authority first exhibition in ILTM Asia 2024 held in Singapore. Having over 400 meetings with luxury travel agencies from across all Asian Markets, we were thrilled to witness the great excitement of luxury travellers to explore and visit Saudi Arabia,” said Eng. Eyad Jan. This debut at ILTM Asia-Pacific underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a premier luxury destination.
ILTM Asia-Pacific is one of the most prestigious events in the luxury travel calendar. It brings together high-end travel advisors, luxury travel suppliers, and destinations from around the world, but even more so from the important outbound markets of China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia. The event is crucial for fostering relationships and generating new business opportunities within the Asia-Pacific region. For STA, participating in ILTM Asia-Pacific provides an invaluable platform to showcase Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning luxury travel offerings and to network with key players in the industry.
Saudi Arabia: the next must-visit destination
With representatives at the event from the Red Sea, Diriyah, Neom, AlUla, and other destinations across the nation, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a top destination for luxury travellers. “With the opening of many luxury offerings and experiences in the Red Sea, Diriyah, Neom, AlUla and other cities across the country, infused with heritage and culture of the true Home of Arabia, Saudi Arabia is next must visit destination for all travellers around the world!” said Jan. These developments reflect the country’s rich heritage and culture, offering travellers a unique blend of history and modern luxury.
Eng. Eyad Jan extended his gratitude to all partners and organisers who contributed to the success of the event. “Thank you all our travel trade partners for meeting with us, and thank you ILTM Organizers for the excellent organization. Thank you Red Sea, Diriyah, Boutique Group, Neom and Saudi Silk Road for dedication making this event successful. Thank you great team in Saudi Tourism Authority for yet another milestone in promoting our beloved country,” he added. This collective effort has set a strong foundation for future collaborations and initiatives.
Importance of the Asian market
The Asian market holds significant importance for Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy. Countries like China and India are key targets due to their large populations and growing number of affluent travellers seeking new luxury destinations. Additionally, countries with substantial Muslim populations, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, show a keen interest in Saudi Arabia due to its religious significance, with the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah being key attractions. The presence of STA at ILTM Asia-Pacific is a strategic move to tap into these burgeoning markets and to attract high-end travellers from across the region.
STA’s participation in ILTM APAC comes hot on the heels of Saudi Arabia’s “Approved Destination Status” (ADS) for China, which came into force this month, ushering in a new era of tourism and economic partnership.
Officially kicking-in on July 1st, 2024, this pivotal milestone follows the signing ceremony held on September 26, 2023, in Beijing, where His Excellency Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Harbi, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to China, Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Tourism Authority, and Du Jiang, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, P.R. of China, formalised the agreement.
The ADS designation will unlock new avenues for collaboration, building on existing partnerships in Saudi Arabia, such as the alliance with UnionPay, which is accepted by half a million merchants across the Kingdom. Chinese visitors will benefit from seamless payment routes and enhanced travel experiences, supported by initiatives like the VisitSaudi.cn portal in Mandarin, Mandarin signage at Riyadh airport, and joint marketing campaigns with leading travel trade partners.
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Read also: Officially “China Ready” from July 1
Photos: Saudi Tourism Authority – Eng. Eyad Jan
