QnA International will host the 3rd Kingdom Business & Luxury Travel (KBLT) Congress on September 25-26, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention. This event aims to connect global markets with Saudi travelers, focusing on the future of outbound luxury and business travel from Saudi Arabia.
With Saudi Arabia’s outbound travel market expected to exceed $43 billion by 2025, the KBLT Congress is crucial for linking international travel providers with key influencers in Saudi Arabia’s luxury and business travel sectors. Seera Group’s research highlights Saudi travelers’ demand for exceptional quality, bringing together high-level decision-makers from ministries, private offices, travel agencies, and corporate sectors.
Saudi travelers seek unique experiences, according to Costandinos Christofi, Senior Sales Manager at City of Dreams Mediterranean. “Saudi travelers want memorable experiences and cultural exposure,” he said. “They also prefer destinations that respect their cultural values and dietary needs.”
Christofi noted Saudi travelers’ last-minute booking habits and preference for unique summer destinations. “Their spending is typically higher, favoring high-quality accommodations and amenities,” he added. City of Dreams Mediterranean caters to these needs with luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and family-friendly facilities.
Festim Hasanaj, Co-Founder of Destination Complete, emphasized understanding Saudi travelers’ specific cultural and religious needs. “We see growing interest in new destinations, especially colder regions and experiences like the Northern Lights,” he said. “We ensure luxury within Scandinavian simplicity.”
Natali Oniani from the Georgian National Tourism Administration observed a shift towards destinations offering unique, cultural, and exclusive experiences. “There is growing interest in nature-based tourism, wellness retreats, and sustainable travel,” she said. “Saudi travelers, especially younger generations, seek destinations prioritizing sustainability.”
Oniani also noted that Saudi travelers are willing to spend more on premium experiences, including luxury accommodations and bespoke travel experiences. “There’s a clear move towards higher spending on comfort, cultural authenticity, and personalized service,” she added.
Jiman Jung, Regional Director of the Korea National Tourism Organization, highlighted safety and family-oriented destinations as priorities for Saudi travelers. “Korea meets these needs with its modern amenities, halal food, and family-friendly attractions,” he said. “We’ve seen a 100% growth in arrivals from Saudi Arabia, partly due to direct flights and visa-free entry.”
QnA International’s Director, Sidh NC, concluded, “Outbound business travel from Saudi Arabia increased by 38% between 2022 and 2023, with the market expected to reach over $43 billion by 2025. The KBLT Congress will provide Saudi travelers with new, memorable travel opportunities.”