This comes as part of the Kingdom's efforts to consolidate its position on the global tourism map, especially after the successive successes during the past 18 months, which has seen an outstanding increase in the domestic tourism by 96%, as a result of focusing on developing new tourism opportunities, empowering investors and attracting many new tourism service providers and packages to the market.

Efforts are currently focused on international markets to activate fruitful partnerships from around the world, especially as the international travel sector has started to recover from the repercussions of the pandemic.

Also the significant drop in the rate of coronavirus infections in the Kingdom below the global average, and the comprehensive health program that contributed to the complete immunization of more than 60% of the KSA’s population has seen a boost for travel.

This is in addition to what the Kingdom is witnessing in terms of the improvement in the quality of life, and the launch of various quality and international entertainment events.

On this occasion, the Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “We are gratified with the Kingdom’s participation in one of the most important international exhibitions in the travel and tourism sector, out of our conviction in the Kingdom’s position and its leading role in inspiring the global tourism sector at this important time when the world is recovering from the repercussions of the pandemic."

He added that the challenges arising from the coronavirus pandemic highlighted the need for international cooperation at all levels to drive growth in the global tourism sector.

This exhibition represents an opportunity to meet with partners who share the same message to find common solutions to various global challenges, he said, noting that the event is a unique chance to highlight the huge opportunities in the tourism sector to attract partners, and highlight the Saudi tourism treasures to attract visitors from all over the world.