TOURISM is Recovering but not yet at Pre- Health Crisis Levels

Global tourism seems to be having a strong comeback despite certain markets missing and some nations still implementing covid restrictions, in addition to the situation in Ukraine. However, the levels are not yet back to pre-pandemic levels.

International tourist arrivals worldwide have more than doubled, up 130% in January 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. European and American travellers are the strongest markets. However, international arrivals in January 2022 were still 67% lower than before the pandemic.

Most regions have seen travellers return and rebound from the low levels of early 2021, with Europe faring 3 times better and the Americas twice as well.

The Middle East is seeing a boom with arrivals up 89% on 2021, and Africa is positive with figures up 51%, but they are both way off their 2019 figures.

Unsurprisingly, travellers are falling in the Asia-Pacific region as several destinations remain closed. In January, international tourist arrivals were down 93% from pre-pandemic levels. Chinese tourists were the world’s biggest spenders, but are limited in travelling.

The Caribbean and South America are seeing tourists return. Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Aruba and Jamaica are among the 20 most popular destinations, with figures exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

In Europe, tourists are travelling to the secure destinations of France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Iceland, but still not at the 2019 level. France is the only close to 2019 figures

NEW BREED OF SAUDI HOSPITALITY TO PUT KINGDOM ON GLOBAL TOURISM MAP

As Saudi Arabia has been opening up its nation to the world, it has development many state of the art facilities and attractions to bring the world’s tourists to its door.

As part of its diversification away from the oil industry, it has developed an ambitious multi-billion-dollar plan to turn the Red Sea into a tourist attraction. This new international luxury tourism destination will set high standards for sustainable development and bring about the next generation of luxury travel.

The development will offer unprecedented investment options and allow visitors to explore the 5 untouched treasures of the west coast of the Kingdom: the archipelago of over 90 islands with stunning coral reefs, dormant volcanoes and pristine nature reserves. The destination covers an area of 28,000sq.km, is located between Umluj and Al Wajh, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

By 2030, annual visitors will be capped at 1 million to ensure an exclusive experience as well as alleviating environmental impacts and protecting the local heritage, nature, and culture for future generations. It will contribute UK£4.7 billion per year to GDP.

The project will ensure it enhances growth in supporting sectors like renewable energy, clean transportation, low-impact building and construction, sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, and wildlife management.

Al Ula

GREAT BRITAIN AND SAUDI ARABIA AGREE BILATERAL TOURISM AGREEMENT

Top officials from both Great Britain and Saudi Arabia have met to discuss and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations as well as discuss how best to support each other as well as regional and international issues of common interest.