Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, May 2. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
15.04.2024 - 04:33 / breakingtravelnews.com
Surround yourself and your family with the lush greenery, natural thermal springs and lively markets of Al Ahsa. Home to one of the biggest oases in the world and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Ahsa boasts tall, beautiful date palms.
Take a break and fully immerse yourself in nature as you climb the limestone hills of Al Qarah, reaching the top to digest the spectacular view it offers before exploring the hive of caves and passageways cut into the rock.
Next, you can make your way to Al Ahsa National Park for a family picnic, or go to the King Abdullah Environment Park and enjoy the water fountain light shows as well as the playgrounds, football stadium, mazes and theater.
Don’t leave without experiencing Yellow Lake’s (also known as Asfar Lake) unforgettable captivating view from sitting on golden sand dunes, bonding with your family, and creating lasting memories. Before you leave, take a stroll through Souq Al Qaisariya, one of the oldest markets in Saudi, to stock up on spices, traditional scents, and souvenirs to take back.
You can also book a tour here starting from SAR 700 (£147) for a group of 5 people if you’re looking for a guided adventure where you will visit Dar Altorath Museum, Al Qarah Mountain, take a tour of Prince’s School museum and indulge a delightful lunch at a local house for a truly authentic experience among other stops.
2. Jabal Shada, Al Baha
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South of Jeddah, the Jabal Shada nature reserve is a lesser-explored biodiversity hot spot where unusual rock formations, and flora and fauna that are endemic to the region can be found in quantity. It is also home to unique geological formations of caves that are engraved with Thamudic writings and drawings that date back 3,000 years.
For a unique treat, you can visit and spend the night in one of the caves where Saudi architect Mohammed Nasser Al Shadwee has carved out eye-catching architectural structures, where you can enjoy the comforts of modern living as the cave resorts include bedrooms, kitchens, and balconies with breathtaking views, and simultaneously explore Jabal Shada’s natural wonders.
Choose from a variety of activities to book and do together as a family including hiking, climbing and biking, where you might be able to spot the endangered Arabian Leopard on your next hike.
3. Unveiling the Red Reefs of the Red Sea Dive into the untouched allure of the Red Sea’s hidden red reefs, a paradise waiting to be explored. Visitors can snorkel or dive into crystalline waters, discovering vibrant coral gardens and a kaleidoscope of marine life. From schools of fish to elusive sea turtles, this underwater expedition promises awe-inspiring moments for every member of the family.
4. Safari in Sharaan
In the
Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, May 2. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
Are Saudi Arabia’s new tourism offerings too pricey? That’s the sentiment on the ground at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Riyadh this week.
Radisson Hotel Group continues to intensify its efforts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Saudi 2030 vision for hospitality. Building on a robust five-year expansion and transformation plan, the Group aims to establish itself as the preferred brand for owners, partners, and guests by strengthening its presence in major and secondary cities across the Kingdom.
Saudi is emerging as a wellness capital, with its diverse regions championing bespoke wellness experiences. Its awe-inspiring natural landscapes are the perfect backdrop to reset and restore travellers – think pristine waters, lush green mountains, fresh air, outdoor oases and rolling desert dunes, plus a boost of vitamin D to mark the end of winter.
Radisson Hotel Group continues to intensify its efforts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Saudi 2030 vision for hospitality. Building on a robust five-year expansion and transformation plan, the Group aims to establish itself as the preferred brand for owners, partners, and guests by strengthening its presence in major and secondary cities across the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia plans to open the first region of its Neom megacity by the end of the year.
Saudi Arabia is projected to have 320,000 new hotel rooms by 2030 as the Kingdom ramps up efforts to accommodate an annual influx of 150mn tourists, both domestic and international, according to a report by global property consultancy Knight Frank. This massive expansion of the hospitality sector is central to achieving Saudi Arabia’s goal of increasing the travel and tourism industry’s contribution to the economy from nearly 6% to 10% by the end of this decade, the report stated.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expected to deliver 320,000 new hotel rooms – with a development cost of US$37.8 billion – by 2030 as part of its unprecedented investment in infrastructure, tourism transformation and real estate, according to industry data released ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia, 29 April to 1 May.
With the spotlight on sustainability like never before, the hospitality industry the world over can – and is – playing a key role in supporting government ESG initiatives and green goals.
Halo Space was founded in 2021 with the goal of improving access to space tourism.
Saudi Arabia is pushing tourism.
Marriott International has dressed one of its top general managers as Lawrence of Arabia to promote its new resort along the Red Sea. Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is expected to be the most expensive hotel ever operated in Saudi Arabia – commanding rates of more than $3,400 a night when it opens on May 26.