In an effort to bolster the Kingdom’s tourism industry, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has launched the Saudi Summer Program 2024, themed ‘Saudi Summer is Next Door’. This ambitious initiative aims to draw both local and international tourists by showcasing the diverse attractions and unique experiences across Saudi Arabia.

The program, which spans four months until the end of September, highlights seven key destinations: Aseer, Al Baha, Taif, the Red Sea, Jeddah, Riyadh, and AlUla. It offers over 550 tourism products and more than 150 special offers and packages, catering to families and children. Among the notable events this summer, the program will feature the return of the Jeddah Season and the debut of the Aseer Season. High-profile events such as the Esports World Cup in Riyadh and multiple boxing tournaments in Riyadh and Jeddah are set to attract a global audience.

At the launch event, Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the STA Board, emphasised Saudi Arabia’s rapid growth in tourism. He highlighted the Kingdom’s record-breaking tourist numbers, which have earned it top spots on the UN World Tourism list and among G20 nations. “Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformative period in tourism, driven by our vision to position the Kingdom as a premier global destination,” said Al Khateeb. “The Saudi Summer Program 2024 is our commitment to showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unparalleled hospitality. We invite tourists to explore our seven unique destinations and take advantage of the exceptional offers and packages designed to create unforgettable memories.”

STA CEO Fahd Hamidaddin also commented on the program’s goal to highlight the unique climatic, natural, and cultural diversity of Saudi destinations. The campaign slogan “Saudi Summer is Next Door” invites tourists to discover the magic and variety of Saudi Arabia’s attractions.

The launch event was attended by prominent figures including the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, and over 250 key strategic partners from the public and private sectors. Pololikashvili praised Saudi Arabia’s impressive strides in tourism development, attributing the success to strategic planning and the country’s diverse climates and stunning natural landmarks.

Efforts to make visiting Saudi Arabia more accessible have also been intensified. The eVisa is now available to citizens of 66 countries, with a 20 percent reduction in its total price. Additionally, the number of weekly flights from Gulf cities to Saudi destinations has increased to 1,100. GCC residents can benefit from a multiple-entry visa allowing a stay of up to 90 days per year. This year will also see an addition of 25,000 hotel rooms to accommodate the growing number of tourists.

In conclusion, the Saudi Summer Program 2024 represents a significant push to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination, inviting visitors to experience its rich and diverse offerings.

Here’s the video of the launch event: