In a bid to harness the immense potential for tourism growth, several Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are forging stronger partnerships with China. The tourism sector is emerging as a crucial bridge for fostering international connections and boosting economic prosperity. Saudi Arabia, in particular, views China as a key market, crucial for realizing its Vision 2030 goals, while Qatar capitalizes on its recent hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to attract Chinese tourists. This strategic alliance is set to reshape the tourism landscape in the Middle East and foster greater cross-cultural exchanges.
Saudi Arabia Targets Chinese Tourists to Achieve Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a visionary economic diversification plan, has set ambitious goals to make tourism a cornerstone of the nation’s prosperity. Under this plan, Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, with tourism contributing 10 percent to its GDP. Among these visitors, the kingdom has its sights set on welcoming 3 million tourists from China. Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of Asia-Pacific markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasized China’s importance, stating it will become one of Saudi Arabia’s top two source markets. Aldabbagh’s enthusiasm is rooted in the recent surge of travelers from the Asia-Pacific region, with over 4.1 million visiting in the first eight months of this year—a remarkable 15 percent increase from 2019.
Qatar Leverages 2022 FIFA World Cup to Attract Chinese Travelers
Qatar, another Middle Eastern nation, is making significant strides in strengthening its ties with China in the tourism sector. The 2022 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Qatar, has provided a unique opportunity to draw the attention of Chinese tourists. Philip Dickinson, Vice President of International Markets at Qatar Tourism, outlined their comprehensive strategy that places China in the “tier one” group of priority markets among the 15 worldwide. The “360-degree approach” involves increasing marketing efforts, working with industry players, and engaging directly with individuals.
Qatar Tourism’s statistics reveal a surge in Chinese tourists’ interest in the country, especially after the successful hosting of the World Cup. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 67,000 Chinese tourists visited Qatar. This year, despite pandemic challenges, the number of Chinese visitors reached 40,000 in the first eight months, signifying an enduring appeal.
Dickinson elaborated on the campaigns undertaken to foster this interest, encompassing consumer marketing, public relations across digital and social channels, and strategic spending on marketing campaigns. Qatar’s substantial investment in promoting itself in China seeks to capitalize on the World Cup’s ripple effect, establishing a lasting bond between the country and Chinese travelers.
China Expands Outbound Destinations, Boosting Gulf Tourism
China’s role in this burgeoning partnership is equally pivotal. In August, China expanded its list of outbound destinations for tour groups to cover 78 destinations worldwide, including Qatar. This development lays the groundwork for a surge in Chinese tourists visiting the Gulf nation. The move has been widely welcomed by Middle Eastern countries seeking to attract Chinese travelers, bringing them closer to realizing their tourism goals.
As Chinese tourists increasingly explore the global landscape, their interest in destinations like Qatar is on the rise. This expansion in the list of outbound destinations aligns with the Chinese government’s commitment to facilitating and promoting international tourism, contributing to greater global cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
The collaborative efforts between Middle Eastern nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with China in the tourism sector, promise significant benefits for all parties involved. These partnerships will reshape the tourism landscape in the Middle East, fostering cultural exchange and economic prosperity, while catering to the preferences of Chinese tourists. As both regions strengthen their ties, the world can anticipate a surge in travel and a more interconnected global community.
