During the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, industry leaders Ben Elliot and Brent Montgomery highlighted the exponential growth in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and tourism sectors. Elliot emphasized new luxury developments, such as Sindalah, and the potential of heritage sites like AlUla. Montgomery discussed the emerging content opportunities in the region, indicating a notable shift in international perceptions of Saudi Arabia as a travel destination.
At the Future Investment Initiative conference held in Riyadh, industry leader Ben Elliot emphasized the remarkable surge in entertainment and tourism prospects available in Saudi Arabia over recent years. Elliot, founder of the luxury services firm Quintessentially, conveyed his insights on the dramatic advancements in dining, hospitality, and cultural tourism that now enrich the kingdom’s appeal to both local and international visitors. During a panel discussion, Elliot remarked, “You’ve seen an avalanche, in the last five years, of opportunities for people not just in Saudi but people traveling to Saudi.” He cited the opening of Sindalah, a luxurious island resort on the cusp of the NEOM megacity project, as a pivotal addition to the country’s burgeoning hospitality options. Elliot predicted that in three years, Sindalah would emerge as a premier holiday destination for diverse visitors, stating, “That — if we’re sitting here, God willing, in three years time — will be an extraordinary holiday destination for all manner of people, not just people from Saudi.” He further recognized AlUla, an ancient city renowned for its intricate rock carvings dating back approximately 2,000 years, as another significant region for tourism in the kingdom. The introduction of Saudi Arabia’s first tourist visa system in 2019 marked a transformative moment for AlUla, enabling unprecedented international access. Elliot remarked, “It’s amazing. But we wouldn’t have had any of these conversations three or four years ago; none of it was opened up. So I think everything is changing very fast. The key thing is to make sure that everything is done fastidiously well, not to rush some of those things.” Additionally, Brent Montgomery, the CEO of Wheelhouse Entertainment, acknowledged the potential of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector amid a world increasingly interconnected through digital platforms. He asserted, “I think there’s a lot of opportunity to show and experience this region in non-fiction,” emphasizing the global reach of content created in regions outside North America. Montgomery elaborated on the shift in how content is distributed, noting the immediacy with which shows reach international audiences today compared to the historical delay that producers faced in the past. He expressed optimism regarding the rapid changes occurring within the entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has been undergoing a significant transformation in its entertainment and tourism sectors, particularly following the introduction of reforms aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil revenue. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative has been instrumental in promoting new investments in cultural tourism, activating attractions such as AlUla, and developing luxury resorts like Sindalah under the NEOM project. This newfound emphasis on tourism and entertainment is seen as a way to engage a broader audience, attract international visitors, and enhance the overall economic landscape of the nation.
The Future Investment Initiative conference highlighted the extensive opportunities emerging in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and tourism sectors, with industry leaders like Ben Elliot and Brent Montgomery underscoring the rapid developments and potential for future growth. The opening of luxury resorts and historical sites signifies a pivotal shift in the nation’s approach to tourism, marking Saudi Arabia as a rising destination on the global stage.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
