Page 40 - August 2020

SPECIAL FEATURE: TOURISM & RETAIL INVESTMENT

Prior to the outbreak, it was Millennials that were driving connect with Millennials, you’ll also have the bonus of The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Another key project in this revitalisation of tourism
growth in the travel and tourism industry. At the beginning putting your company in great stead to connect and stay Heritage will become the Ministry of Tourism, under in the Kingdom will be the Arabian Dream KSA project,
of the pandemic it was Millennials that kept travelling to relevant with tech-savvy Generation Z, Generation X and new minister Ahmed Al-Khatib. And the General Sports which will see the development of the world’s largest
the very last moment, and it is likely to be Millennials that Baby Boomer travellers as well. Authority is to become the Ministry of Sports, with Prince mixed-use entertainment and shopping centre of its kind
will lead the way in reclaiming the skies, seas and highways Social media sits at the very heart of the Millennial’s Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal as its minister. at Akaria’s Al Widyan site in Riyadh. Estimated at $5bn to
as soon as the opportunity is fully presented. travel experience. Sharing images and videos helps the One of the major projects at the head of this tourism develop, this new destination will comprise theme parks,
For travel providers, it is now more important than ever Millennials traveller to document and preserve memories drive is The Red Sea Project, one of the landmark water parks, recreational and sports facilities, retail dining,
to use technology that resonates with this key generation, of their adventures – and serves to inspire others to Kingdom’s landmark “giga” projects that will focus solely shopping centres and hospitality components, coupled with
because these digital natives are not just an important document and share their own adventures in turn. But the on its nascent tourism sector. By the time it’s completion the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create a
group in their own right. joy in sharing and the inspiration it provokes relies upon in 2030, The Red Sea Project will deliver up to 8,000 hotel truly different visiting experience for all its visitors when it
As one would probably expect, Millennials’ swift adoption those adventures being different, something which is even room keys across 22 islands and six inland sites in a project is completed.
of travel tech and natural use of digital platforms is already more important in the wake of the coronavirus. of approximately 28,000sq km – an area roughly equivalent
visible in in their younger Generation Z counterparts. Across the world, the tourism sector is beginning its to the size of Belgium. IN CONCLUSION
But once this pandemic is over, we’re also likely to see a ascent back to where it was, and there is no better example One of the projects being backed by the Public It may be hard to imagine an end to the current crisis,
swathe of newly tech-savvy Baby Boomers and Generation of this than Saudi Arabia, whose 2030 vision is nothing if not Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and developed by but it will come. So as we ahead to brighter days, travel
X following in Millennials’ digital footsteps. ambitious. Vision 2030 sets out sweeping regulatory, budget Qiddiya Investment Company, Qiddiya is set to be an providers will need to ensure they have the technology
With the arrival of the coronavirus, technology usage and social reforms that will be implemented over the coming entertainment megaproject that will be established in and understanding to help them stay relevant across
amongst Baby Boomers and Generation X has taken a huge decade as the nation sets about curbing its reliance on crude Riyadh and commenced construction at the beginning of all the generations of people who are adapting to this
and necessary leap forward. Now that they have experienced oil production and export and instead plans to transform its last year. Composed of five primary projects, these projects new normal.
just how easy it is to shop, communicate and find entertainment tourism industry as it opens its doors to the world. include resorts, parks, and city centre. Phase one will be In just a matter of months, we’ve all had to adapt to
online, these two groups are just as likely to embrace digital The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) opened in 2023 and will feature “Six Flags Qiddiya” as a a world of isolation, separation and distancing. But once
options when it comes to post-pandemic travel. will become the Ministry of Investment, led by former Energy family attraction. Located 40km from Riyadh, Qiddiya we’re past this current crisis, millions of people will seize
By having a social media presence, utilising travel and Minister Khalid Al-Falih, the new Minister of Investment. SAGIA will be more than twice the size of Walt Disney World the opportunity to visit loved ones and simply enjoy the
hospitality apps and providing digital options that really Governor Ibrahim Al-Omar has been relieved of his post. Orlando in Florida, US. freedom of travel once again.

QIDDIYA THE RED SEA PROJECT
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Red Sea Coast, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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