Dubai’s Emirates, Saudi Tourism Authority ink agreement to underpin inbound tourism in the kingdom

Dubai carrier Emirates and the Saudi Tourism Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost inbound tourism into Saudi Arabia.

The new agreement aims to capitalise on Emirates’ network of over 120 cities to amplify the Saudi Arabian experience for leisure travelers, a statement said. Under MoU, both entities will explore opportunities to jointly collaborate on key initiatives to enhance the kingdom’s global tourism competitiveness, including promotional activity and travel trade support across global source markets.

We’ve signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with @SaudiTourism to boost travel and tourism to Saudi Arabia. The agreement aims to raise awareness across our network for leisure travellers to experience the Kingdom’s unique attractions. https://t.co/VFktJJjsOa pic.twitter.com/ZnapvIenyt

— Emirates Airline (@emirates) February 17, 2022

The airline will also explore opportunities to align its schedules from key source markets in its network to its gateways in Saudi Arabia, providing greater connectivity for its customers.

Emirates has been facilitating tourism and trade in the kingdom since 1989, developing its operations to Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, Dammam and today serves the four gateways with 53 weekly flights, including A380 services to Jeddah.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates operates inaugural flight to Terminal 1 at Jeddah airport

The airline has also carried more than 25 million passengers to and from the kingdom since the start of its services.

“The memorandum of understanding signed between the Saudi Tourism Authority and Emirates Airline will enable us to reach over 120 destinations around the world and attract tourists from these destinations to various Saudi destinations,” said Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and board member of the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Sir Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline said: “We’re proud to strategically partner with the Saudi Tourism Authority and support its efforts to unlock the immense potential and attractions of the kingdom’s vibrant culture, heritage and stunning biodiversity to the world. We have a shared objective to contribute to the kingdom’s broader tourism plans to attract a diverse range of visitors, strengthen awareness of its iconic sites, and make them more accessible through enhanced connectivity.”

Emirates also inked an agreement with Turespaña, Spanish Tourism Institute this month, to help boost trade and tourism to Spain.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates signs agreement with Turespaña to underpin tourism to Spain

Another MoU with Maldivian, the national airline of Maldives, was also sealed to explore opportunities.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates signs MoU with Maldivian to explore partnership opportunities