Building upon their impressive presence in recent years, Middle Eastern destinations are captivating audiences at ITB Berlin 2024 with a vibrant showcase of their cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings.
This year’s spotlight shines brightly on the region, attracting visitors across various exhibition halls.
Oman Takes Center Stage as Official Host Country:
Expanded Presence: As the official host country, Oman boasts a staggering 800-square-meter display in Hall 2.2, marking a significant increase compared to 2023. This grand exhibition reflects their unwavering commitment to the tourism industry and the vast experiences they offer.
Adventure Awaits: An additional stand dedicated to Adventure Travel in Hall 4.1 highlights Oman’s unique landscapes, perfect for those seeking thrilling activities.
The Region Soars:
Bahrain and UAE: Joining Oman are Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), showcasing their dedication to promoting their tourism sectors on a global scale.
Emirates Airline: The UAE’s participation, particularly with the presence of Emirates Airlines, emphasizes the crucial role of strong air connectivity in driving regional tourism growth.
Saudi Arabia: A Landmark Year and Bold Ambitions
Celebrating a Milestone: Fresh off a monumental achievement, Saudi Arabia takes center stage in Hall 4.2. They celebrated attracting a record-breaking 100 million tourists in 2023 at the event, titled “Breaking Records, Building Bridges.”
Unveiling Grand Designs: This prominent display showcases their extensive and ambitious tourism projects alongside their remarkable cultural heritage.
A Collaborative Spirit: The event served as a platform to unveil collaborative prospects within the Kingdom, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a robust tourism ecosystem.
Economic Momentum: While the focus at ITB Berlin lies on tourism, it’s worth noting that Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rebounded on Tuesday, gaining 58.22 points, indicating positive economic activity.
Saudi Arabia in the Spotlight:
High-Level Participation: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, attended the opening ceremony, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to the global tourism industry.
Jeddah’s Rich Heritage: The Jeddah Historical Program is actively promoting the revitalized historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Unique Experiences: The program emphasizes the 34 heritage hotels offering a blend of tradition, history, and modern amenities.
Cultural Significance: Their participation aims to position Jeddah as a leading destination on the cultural tourism map.
Strategic Partnerships: The Saudi pavilion hosted over 45 agencies, including public and private sector representatives, showcasing the Kingdom’s potential in tourism.
International Recognition: Saudi Arabia’s achievements were recognized, including topping the UNWTO list for tourism growth and leading the G20 in attracting foreign visitors.
Jordan and Qatar: Adding to the Rich Tapestry:
Jordan: Jordan boasts a significant presence, further solidifying the region’s diverse offerings.
Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways secures a space within Hall 4.2, solidifying the region’s focus on fostering a robust tourism ecosystem, with airlines playing a vital role in connecting travelers.
Anas Khabir \ ADQ KHABIR 2024 Photo and video source: ADQ KHABIR
