UAE is not only known for its oil and other reserves but is also known as the land of innovation, luxury, opulence, and technology and offers the best of attractions in the world. And taking inspiration from the UAE, other countries in the Middle East, like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are announcing major projects and developments to boost tourism. And the efforts are clearly paying off since Saudi Arabia has become the world’s second-fastest-growing tourism destination. As per the data from the World Tourism Organization (WTO), Saudi’s international tourism exceeded the pre-pandemic levels in the Q1 of 2023 by 64 per cent, with about 7.8 million tourists visiting the country in the first few months of 2023. Read on for all the deets.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia To Get World’s First Transformers Indoor Theme Park
The data from WTO ranked Saudi Arabia as the 13th most visited destination by international tourists in 2022. Saudi moved 12 places up on the index; in 2019, it bagged the 25th position. As per the data, 16.6 million international tourists visited Saudi for all travel purposes in 2022. And on the international tourism revenue index, Saudi climbed up 16 positions and bagged 11th place in 2022, compared to 27th place in 2019.
Saudi Attracted 16.6 Million International Tourists In 2022
Saudi’s efforts to position itself as a tourist-friendly destination and put the country on the global tourism map are paying off. From planning varied promotional campaigns to introducing easy visa and travel procedures, the authorities want to make the nation accessible and travel-friendly for visitors across the globe. All these efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic reform plan – put forth by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – to diversify the country’s economy and develop its non-oil sectors.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia To Launch A High-End Luxury Cruise For Ultra-Rich
The Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, said that the ministry will renew its cooperation with partners from varied public and private sectors and move towards transforming the Kingdom into a global tourism hub. In fact, Saudi Arabia is all set to get the world’s first-ever Transformers-themed indoor theme park. Sprawling over 10,000 square metres- the theme park is being constructed in collaboration between Saudi Entertainment Ventures(SEVEN) and Hasbro. The indoor entertainment theme parks will open at three of Seven’s entertainment destinations in Saudi Arabia.
The First Transformer Centre Will Open In Riyadh
Offering immersive and unique attractions and experiences, the first Transformer entertainment centre will open in Al Hamra, Riyadh. The indoor theme park, once open, will attract visitors of all ages, and all three of them will have themed attractions representing Autobot’s heroics and the scheming of the Decepticons.
Visitors will not only get to live in the world of Transformers with all the ride-based attractions but will also get a chance to buy plenty of merchandise, of which some will be developed for the attractions. Now, we are sure all these rides, immersive experiences and shopping will make you hungry; hence, to satiate your hunger- the theme park will also have themed food and beverages.
The latest deal between Hasbro and SEVEN lets both companies bring the world’s first Play-Doh attractions to Saudi Arabia. And over the next 10 years, you can expect around eight Play-Doh theme parks in Saudi Arabia.
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