Launched in alignment with the signing of a new strategic agreement between nations, penned by the Saudi Ministry of Culture alongside officials from China’s Ministry of Culture & Tourism, the Saudi Travel Festival exhibition took place at Beijing’s Tian Tan Garden, ending 26 October.
One of the Saudi Arabia’s leading destinations for global tourists, AlUla attracts increasing numbers of visitors from China and on the whole international traveler visitation increased by 44% in 2023. The new exhibit acted as a prominent platform to showcase the diverse cultural and heritage attractions available to Chinese tourists in AlUla.
Beautiful photographs and videos of AlUla featured throughout the exhibition, displayed alongside striking images of Diriyah Gate, the ancient heritage site northwest of Riyadh that is being extensively regenerated as part of Vision 2030.
The new agreement, and the recent exhibition, follows China’s successful hosting of the AlUla, Wonder of Arabia exhibition at Beijing’s Forbidden City UNESCO World Heritage Site in January this year. Showcasing AlUla’s natural landscapes along with items from the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) archaeological collection, the exhibit featured rare artefacts never displayed to the public before.
AlUla, Wonder of Arabia attracted over 221,000 visitors
A resounding success, AlUla, Wonder of Arabia attracted over 221,000 visitors, with organizers extending its run by an extra month to meet demand.
The exhibit coincided with RCU signing a strategic partnership with the Cultural Heritage Administration of China’s Henan province, aimed at preserving heritage while supporting RCU’s goal to enhance its global network within the framework of expanding Saudi-Chinese partnerships.
Dr. Abdulrahman AlSuhaibani, VP of Culture – Tourism, at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “RCU and AlUla are proud to support the new agreement between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and China’s Ministry of Culture & Tourism and to contribute to expanding and evolving the close bonds our nations and peoples continue to share and benefit from.”