Saudi, Spain to strengthen global tourism as Kingdom prepares to host UNWTO summit


Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb spoke at the Saudi-Spanish Investment Forum in Riyadh on June 5. (Supplied/File)
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Updated 06 June 2022
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Saudi, Spain to strengthen global tourism as Kingdom prepares to host UNWTO summit


RIYADH: Buoyed by strong bilateral trade totaling $3.5 billion annually, Saudi Arabia and Spain look to play a key role in strengthening global tourism as both the countries continue to share strong business relationships. 

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 116th Executive Council of the UN World Tourism Organization on June 7-8 in Jeddah, with around 180 participants worldwide, it can benefit from Spain’s expertise and experience in the tourism sector. 

“There is a great opportunity in front of us and together we will seize it,” said Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, during the Saudi-Spanish Investment Forum in Riyadh on Sunday.

 The two countries announced a partnership last December within the UN World Tourism Organization to revitalize and strengthen the tourism sector after the pandemic. 
“We are showing the world that collaboration and partnership will help protect jobs and livelihoods across the world,” said Al-Khateeb.

He also added that Saudi Arabia has now become one of the world’s most compelling places to invest. 
The minister said the Saudi-Spanish Infrastructure Fund with a capital of $1 billion will finance infrastructure projects in the Kingdom, in addition to another fund worth $5 billion for private sector investments.

“We look to Spain with respect for what it has achieved domestically and internationally, and that’s in the heart of our model of Vision 2030,” he added.

Al-Khateeb highlighted the state’s giga-projects which are currently under development, including AlUla, The Red Sea, NEOM, Diriyah Gate and Qiddiya. 

“The momentum of opportunities in these projects is incredible,” said Al-Khateeb.

Backed by its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key player in the world to revive the tourism sector post-pandemic.  

Recent findings of a survey, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the Saudi Tourism Ministry,  found Saudis to be the most optimistic about the prospect of taking either a holiday or business trip abroad in the next six months, reflecting the strong performance of the Saudi economy.

The two-day UNWTO event that Saudi Arabia will host in a few days time will deliberate on all necessary measures to implement the council’s decisions and recommendations to support the sector.
The organization opened its first regional office in Riyadh in May 2021, to act as a hub for the UNWTO to coordinate policies and initiatives across 13 Middle East countries.

UNWTO sees the tourism sector as one of the most critical aspects of economic growth and an essential pillar for development.

 


Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

Updated 35 min 4 sec ago
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Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

  • Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
  • Emirates said it temporarily suspended it's operations out of Dubai

RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.

Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace.

The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities.

Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings.

The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.

Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures.

The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center.

Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.

Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”

The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required.

Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.  

All flight operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International are suspended until further notice, according to a post by Dubai Media Office on X.

Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily suspended its operations from its hub Dubai.

The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. 

The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.  

Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens.

It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.  

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.

Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.