Germany aims to see tourism levels from KSA return to pre-COVID levels by 2023

As part of its global efforts, the GNTB has launched a marketing campaign to help boost numbers from the region. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 26 June 2021
Follow

Germany aims to see tourism levels from KSA return to pre-COVID levels by 2023

  • From June 25, Germany will reopen to international tourists who have been vaccinated

The number of tourists from Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is likely to be down by around 50 percent in 2021, compared to 2019, but the EU country is aiming to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023.

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) last week announced that from June 25 Germany will reopen to international tourists who have been vaccinated.

“Germany recorded 1.6 million overnight stays from the Gulf region in 2019, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia being one of the most important markets,” Yamina Sofo, GNTB’s director of sales and marketing for the Gulf, told Arab News.

“We anticipate that there will be a strong growth in interest from travellers from across the region, especially during the summer months. Germany is aiming to achieve 800,000 overnight stays from the region, which attributes to 50 percent of the 2019 figures. Germany aims to reach similar figures to 2019 by 2023,” she added.

As part of its global efforts, the GNTB has launched a marketing campaign to help boost numbers from the region.

“Our seasonal campaigns including ‘German.Local.Culture,’ are a key focus for us during the coming months, and form the core of our promotional efforts across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC. The campaign aims to inspire travellers to journey off the beaten track when exploring Germany this summer,” Sofo said.

Under the new rules, tourists wishing to enter the country must provide proof that they have received an approved coronavirus disease vaccine, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, within the previous 14 days of arrival.


Diriyah Co. partners with Midad to develop Four Seasons hotel in Diriyah 

Updated 07 January 2026
Follow

Diriyah Co. partners with Midad to develop Four Seasons hotel in Diriyah 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund-backed developer, Diriyah Co., has signed a joint development agreement with Midad Real Estate Investment and Development Co. to construct the Four Seasons Diriyah Hotel and private residences. 

The partnership will strengthen collaboration between the two companies through the development of the luxury Four Seasons Diriyah, which will feature 159 rooms, alongside private Four Seasons residences, spanning approximately 235,000 sq. meters within Diriyah’s master plan. 

The project’s total value is projected at SR3.1 billion (approximately $827 million), encompassing both land acquisition and construction expenses. 

Midad is one of the Kingdom’s leading real estate developers, expanding its portfolio of high-end projects and maintaining numerous strategic partnerships with prominent global brands, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted name in luxury residential and hospitality development across Saudi Arabia. 

This partnership marks the first major collaboration between Diriyah Co. and Midad, supporting Diriyah’s plans to develop 40 luxury hotels across its two main projects: the 14-sq.-km Diriyah Project and the 62-sq.-km Wadi Safar Project, a premium destination that blends lifestyle, culture, and entertainment. 

Commenting on the agreement, Minister of Tourism and Secretary-General of Diriyah Co., Ahmad Al-Khatib, said: “The Kingdom continues to set new standards in developing tourism destinations, with Diriyah at the forefront.” 

He added that such partnerships enhance the world-class experiences Saudi Arabia offers and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading destination in this sector. 

Diriyah Co. CEO Jerry Inzerillo commented that the Four Seasons Diriyah Hotel and Residences will be one of the Kingdom’s largest luxury hotels. 

“We are proud to announce this joint development with Midad, one of Saudi Arabia’s top real estate developers. This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to enabling Saudi partners to contribute to Diriyah’s transformative journey and confirms Midad’s confidence in the opportunities the project presents,” Inzerillo added. 

Midad CEO Abdelilah bin Mohammed Al-Aiban said: “This project is a pivotal milestone for our company, allowing us to bring the Four Seasons experience to one of the Kingdom’s most prominent heritage destinations.” 

He added: “We are excited to deliver a project that embodies design excellence, world-class service, and sustainable value, while contributing meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s tourism, cultural, and economic ambitions.” 

The collaboration comes amid rapid progress on the SR236 billion Diriyah project, which has awarded construction contracts worth more than SR101.25 billion to date. 

Diriyah is expected to contribute approximately SR70 billion directly to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, create more than 180,000 jobs, accommodate 100,000 residents, and host around 50 million annual visitors. 

The development will feature contemporary office spaces accommodating tens of thousands of professionals across technology, media, arts, and education, complemented by museums, retail destinations, a university, an opera house, and the Diriyah Arena.  

It will also offer a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes, alongside nearly 40 world-class resorts and hotels distributed across its two primary master plans.