The recent alliance between the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Trip.com Group marks a significant global partnership. This joint venture seeks to bolster inbound tourism to Saudi Arabia in alignment with the nation's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. Through this collaboration, Saudi Arabia is anticipated to welcome 350,000 more tourists during the agreement's tenure.
This agreement aims to attract more visitors from burgeoning markets such as China, India, and 20 European nations, encouraging them to discover the enchanting destinations of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi tourism brand will receive exposure across all platforms operated by the Trip.com Group, encompassing Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, Travix, and MakeMyTrip. The collaboration will involve multiple endeavours to increase media exposure for Saudi Arabia's tourism growth, create engaging content, utilise AI capabilities, and adopt innovative payment technologies. These initiatives are focused on optimising the partnership's impact. STA and Trip.com Group will work together to enhance AI-based travel services and payment options. These resources will aid travellers in planning itineraries, arranging flights, and conducting transactions seamlessly.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, expressed his excitement about the partnership, highlighting their dedication to creating mutual benefits and exploring innovative marketing strategies. He noted that Saudi Arabia's development is currently in progress, expressing excitement about Trip.com Group's role in contributing to its progress. They aim to attract over 250,000 additional tourists to Saudi Arabia in the coming year.
Schubert Lou, COO of Trip.com, echoed this sentiment, underlining their team's commitment to showcasing Saudi Arabia's appealing attractions through enhanced collaboration in products, technology, and marketing efforts.
Global Brand Promotion: The Trip.com Group will showcase the Saudi brand across its various global platforms, including Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, Travix, and MakeMyTrip.
Significant Growth and Evolution: This partnership aligns with a remarkable growth and transformation period in the global tourism sector.
Utilizing Expertise: Leveraging Trip.com Group's proficiency in technology, content creation, and AI development, Saudi Arabia's exceptional tourist offerings will be strategically highlighted to a global audience.
Inbound Travel Enhancement: The agreement focuses on burgeoning markets like China, India, and 20 European nations to attract more tourists to discover Saudi Arabia’s captivating attractions.
Media Exposure and Content Creation: The collaboration aims to amplify media coverage of Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion through engaging content.
AI and Payment Innovations: STA and Trip.com Group will work together to develop AI-based travel products and seamless payment solutions, enhancing travellers’ experiences.
In 2020, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) was founded to facilitate the expansion of Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism sector. Under the Ministry of Tourism, the STA is responsible for advancing the nation's travel and tourism industry.
Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider that comprises several well-known brands, including Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. They aim to “pursue the perfect trip for a better world.” It assists global travellers in making well-informed and economical bookings for travel products and services while facilitating partners in aligning their offerings with users through a comprehensive aggregation of travel-related content and resources. This is facilitated through an advanced transaction platform encompassing apps, websites, and round-the-clock customer service centres.