The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has launched Saudi Summer Program 2024, in a ceremony held under the patronage of the Saudi Tourism Minister and Chairman of STA, Ahmed Al Khateeb, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Under the slogan “Saudi Summer is Next Door,” the program will extend over four months until the end of September across 7 tourist destinations. It will include more than 550 tourist products and 150 special offers for families and children, adventure lovers, those seeking luxury tourism and recreation, and those interested in culture and history.
The ceremony was attended by World Tourism Organization Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, and over 250 key partners from the public and private sectors.
Seven Destinations
The tourist destinations included in the Saudi Summer Program 2024 are Aseer, Al Baha, Taif, the Red Sea (a new destination), Jeddah, Riyadh, and AlUla. This year, the Program will see the return of Jeddah Season and the launch of Aseer Season, featuring many activities and events tailored for families and children.
In addition, it will feature organizing the Esports World Cup in Riyadh for the first time, as well as multiple boxing tournaments in Riyadh and Jeddah.
In his speech, Al Khateeb highlighted the global tourism trends and the growth achieved by the Kingdom, which was evident in the record-breaking numbers of tourists which led Saudi Arabia to top the UN World Tourism list and the G20 nations list.
Al Khateeb said: “Saudi Arabia is committed to establishing the Kingdom’s status as a tourist destination worldwide, boosting growth in tourism sector, and cooperating with partners from the public and private sectors, to deliver the best tourist initiatives and programs, including Saudi Summer Program 2024.”
Great Achievements
During the ceremony, Pololikashvili praised the great strides achieved by the Saudi tourism sector. He said: “The great accomplishments of Saudi tourism sector are a result of the proper planning of those in charge of the sector and the huge potential of the Kingdom, seen in its diverse climate, spectacular natural landmarks, and the hospitality of Saudi people.”
The Program’s slogan “Saudi Summer Next Door” is an invitation to discover the beauty and diversity of Saudi tourist destinations. This diversity is embodied in simple words that reflect the unique features of each destination, such as “Closer,” “Cooler,” “More Beautiful,” and “More Affordable.”
The Saudi Summer Program 2024 comes at a time when visiting the Kingdom has become easier, smoother and safer through facilities provided, including making the eVisa available to citizens of 66 countries, reducing the total price of the eVisa by 20%, and increasing the number of weekly flights from Gulf cities to Saudi summer destinations to 1,100.
Moreover, GCC residents can benefit from the GCC residents visa, which provides them multiple entries and a stay of up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia during a year.
