After Suspension due to Covid 19.. ITB Berlin Comes Back with Eye-catching Saudi Presence
Saudi Tourism Authority CEO: The Kingdom Witnessing Rapid Growth in Tourism Sector
By: Salma Yassin
Amid 180 countries world-wide, Saudi Tourism Authority took part, for the first time, in the International Tourism Exhibition “ITB” held in Berlin on March 7th, after the exhibition’s temporary suspension during Covid 19 pandemic.
About 45 country’s tourism stakeholders from public and private sectors, tourism companies, tour operators & airlines, participated in the 3-days event; offering 200 various tour packages besides amazing interactive shows that showcased Saudi heritage, climate diversity and hospitality of the Saudi community.
Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin stated that KSA is currently witnessing a rapid growth in tourism sector; as about 93.5 million local and international visitors headed to KSA in 2022; the number of international visitors rose by 575% compared to the previous year. The spending also reached 185 billion riyals in 2022, rising by 93% compared to 2021.
He pointed out that the Tourism Authority has inked over 18 international strategic agreements in 100 countries worldwide; it considers Germany as one of the top international market targets.
