Saudi Arabia became a global success story for International Travel and Tourism- a miracle unfolding.
When His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman developed his vision of how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should develop by the year 2030 he had tourism on his mind – in a big way.
In a FOX News interview in September, the Crown Prince said: “Saudi Arabia targets tourist visits ranging between over 100 and 150 million by 2030.”
In the same interview, he added:
When you want to diversify your economy, you want to work on all sectors, including tourism. If you want to have tourism, you need to develop your culture, entertainment, and sports sectors, as you need to create a calendar for events.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
HE Ahmed bin Aqil al-Khateeb as the minister of tourism for Saudi Arabia
When the Crown Prince and his cabinet appointed HE Ahmed bin Aqil al-Khateeb as the minister of tourism for the kingdom in 2019 he didn’t know COVID would take over-tourism, but he knew there was no one more qualified for this position. With a well-funded approach and a vision for the future of his country, he was spot on.
When HE Aqil al-Khateeb got working on implementing the Crown Prince’s vision he put a dream team together, he put activities and procedures in place, that exceeded expectations again and again, unparallel what was ever done in any country for the sector.
When HE Aqul al-Khateeb responded to emergency calls during COVID from tourism ministries around the globe and helped like a first responder would do (without asking for anything in return), he made many friends everywhere, even seeing dancing with the Hon Minister Bartlett in Jamaica, who has made his new friendship with his Saudi Arabian counterpart a priority for tourism development in the Caribbean.
It put the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia not only as the go-to place in World Tourism but made it a natural center of this sector, and a center of tourism-related initiatives, events, and entertainment.
Party until you drop in Riyadh– the world would have never associated the Saudi Kingdom with a city of openness, and fun, and young people exchange progressive views, but tourism made it possible.
With all the mega-billion Dollar projects developing, with all the international attention, Saudi Arabia has been able to maintain a special uniqueness in the world of tourism, which comes from the soul and deep cultural roots of hospitality, like the Chocolate girl demonstrated to this author.
Tourism is nothing new to the kingdom, with millions of Muslims traveling on Dhu al-Hijjah in Hajj, and during the month of Ramadan to perform Umra. However nonreligious tourism was new and developed from nothing becoming an important part of the economy. Electronic visas helped to transform a country with mostly young people encouraged to be part of the vision and the Saudi Dream.
Who is behind this dream team of tourism professionals, political figures, and the international team of experts?
Analyzing this team and their qualifications explains how this Saudi miracle is possible, changing tourism not only in Saudi Arabia but around the globe.
Princess Haifa Al Saud: Saudi Vice Minister of Tourism
She played a leading role in the successful transformation of the tourism ecosystem, including the development and execution of the National Tourism Strategy.
Her Highness holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of New Haven, USA, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from London Business School, UK.
She has been instrumental in the successful transformation of the tourism industry, overseeing the implementation of the National Tourism Strategy.
The tourism sector now includes various entities such as the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Tourism Authority, Tourism Development Fund, Tourism Development Council, Air Connectivity Program, and Saudi Red Sea Authority.
Princess Haifa serves on the Board of Directors for the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Qiddiya Investment Company, Tourism Development Fund, Taif Development Authority, AlAhsa Development Authority, and Saudi Red Sea Authority. Additionally, she is a member of the Quality of Life Program Committee, Tourism Development Council, and Executive Committee of the Doyof Al Rahman Program and Saudi Arabia’s participation at the Expo.
Princess Haifa is also involved in steering committees for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, and Doyof Al Rahman Program, and serves as a member of the Oversight and Monitoring Committee.
Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive Officer and a Member of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority.
He is responsible for delivering on the Authority’s mandate to promote Saudi Arabia. He leads the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) in driving and coordinating marketing and communication efforts, developing destination concepts and value propositions, setting up partnerships with relevant stakeholders to promote destinations domestically and globally, and conducting research and studies to define and deliver tourism experiences.
Before taking on his current role, Fahd held the role of Chief Investment, Strategy, Programs, and Tourism Marketing Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, where he played a pivotal role in launching the first global tourism marketing campaign and launching the electronic visa. Previous roles include Chief Commercial Officer at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and Chief of Marketing and Competitiveness at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA).
Fahd is a member of the board of trustees of Prince Mohammad bin Salman College for Business and Entrepreneurship. He also sits on the boards of the Red Sea Authority, Cruise Saudi, the General Authority for Conventions and Exhibitions, the Qiddiya Investment Company, the Tourism Development Council, and several other government boards and committees.
Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Development Fund
Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Development Fund
Qusai Al-Fakhri has been CEO of the Saudi Tourism Development Fund since June 2020.
The Tourism Development Fund was established by Royal Decree in June 2020 to empower one of the Kingdom’s most rapidly growing industries. With USD 4 Billion in capital, TDF aims to facilitate local and international investors’ access to high-potential tourism investments across key destinations in the Kingdom.
Anchored by the National Tourism Strategy, the development of Saudi’s tourism sector is driven by a bold ambition to bolster Saudi’s reputation as a top tourism destination in the world. With unwavering government support, the National Tourism Strategy is the cornerstone to achieving the aspirations of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Fakhri has more than 20 years of experience in the banking, investment, and real estate development sectors.
He received his bachelor’s degree in finance from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in 2000.
Before his role as CEO, Al-Fakhri served as an investment adviser to Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb from October 2019 to June 2020. He was also the co-founder of Tiraz Al-Arabia, a real estate development company in Riyadh. He worked there from January 2011 to October 2019 and was CEO of Al-Ajial Holding from February 2018 to September 2019.
Al-Fakhri was head of institutional coverage at Societe Generale Saudi Arabia from November 2010 to August 2014 and head of brokerage at Jadwa Investment from May 2006 to November 2010.
He also worked as vice president of capital markets at SHUAA Capital from 2005 to 2006. He was also the senior business development manager at Samba Financial Group from 1999 to 2005. Al-Fakhri was also an independent board member for several investment funds and joint-stock companies.
“TDF is here to be the partner in success for investors who are ready to ride this growth wave.”
Qusai Al-FakhriChief Executive Officer, TDF
Eng. Mohammed Al Asiri, Acting CEO Saudi Red Sea Authority
Eng. Mohammed Al Asiri, Acting CEO Saudi Red Sea Authority
The Red Sea is pioneering a brand-new luxury regenerative tourism destination along the west coast of Saudi Arabia. One of the world’s last true hidden treasures.
The Red Sea is surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system and spans over 28,000 square kilometers with an archipelago of more than 90 untouched islands, pristine beaches, dormant volcanos, sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons, and historical cultural sites.
Its landscapes are as varied as they are breathtaking.
The Red Sea is a crossroad of land and sea with a rich cultural backdrop full of fascinating history.
Offering world-leading experiences alongside natural simplicity, and underpinned by a smart framework, guests are guaranteed enriching escapes with a boutique twist. The Red Sea will be ready to welcome the first guests in 2023.
By 2030 it will be home to 50 hotels, 8,000 rooms, up to 1,000 residential properties, and its international airport.
HE Gloria Guevara, Special Advisor to HE Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism
The team that is leading the Saudi Tourism Industry is also international. With HE Gloria Guevara, it’s a winning approach by the minister of tourism to get the advice of internationally recognized leaders.
The former Mexican Tourism Minister, and WTTC CEO, HE Gloria Guevara made Saudi Arabia her new home in May 2021, when she was appointed to the post of chief special advisor to HE Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom.
Gloria joined the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia in May 2021 to support the impressive transformation that is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Previously she was the minister of tourism for Mexico, and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council, and regarded as the most powerful woman in tourism at that time.
She holds a BS in Computer Science from Anahuac University and an MBA from Kellogg School of Business, Northwestern University.
Gloria sits on the board of American Express Global Business Travel and was also formerly on the boards of HSBC Mexico, Playa Hotels & Resorts, and other important organizations.
Like so many foreign consultants working in various fields in Saudi Arabia, Gloria summarized her experience in Saudi Arabia by saying:
“In my entire career, I have never witnessed something of this magnitude, and I feel honored to be part of this unprecedented transformation and contribute with my little grain of sand.
The diverse heritage, landscapes, and culture of all 13 Saudi regions, from north to south, from east to west, are a very rich and fascinating journey.
Through multiple trips for leisure or business, I had the chance to appreciate beautiful destinations, and I can say that Saudi is one of the most unique places in the world…
…but the best of this country is not the heritage, the culture, the delicious gastronomy, or the history of the natural assets, the best of Saudi is by far the Saudi people. The famous ‘Hafawa’ is part of their DNA and hospitality that has been transferred since the beginning of Arabia.“
The goal for 2030 was 100 million visitors to the Kingdom. We will accomplish that before 2030.
HE Gloria Guevara, Special Advisor Minister of Tourism Saudi Arabia
This winning tourism team in Saudi Arabia does not end here.
This group is complemented by a well-coordinated and motivated team behind the scenes. Associates work long hours, love their jobs, understand the vision, and are rewarded by exceeding expectations.
There are many good people, both Saudi Nationals and Expacts. They include Hisham Alsharif, and Mansour Abdullah, just to name a few.
eTurboNews publisher Steinmetz was told by a high-ranking official during a previous meeting at 10 pm in a conference room within the ministry offices located in the diplomatic quarters of Riyadh:
We don’t work like bureaucrats. This is a ministry run the way a successful private business should work. All of us love our jobs.
(eTN): Miracles Still Happen in Tourism | re-post license |Â post content
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