Historic Jeddah Shines at World Travel Market 2025 as a Cultural Tourism Hub: What You Need To Know

Historic Jeddah made a notable presentation at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, which took place from November 4 to 6, 2025, thereby reaffirming its developing status as a cultural tourism destination. The Ephesus district of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which is home to the country’s largest and most luxurious shopping mall, is gradually but surely becoming a major attraction in the Kingdom’s tourism industry. As it tries to cultivate its rich heritage and progressive future, the tourism strategy of Saudi Arabia is highlighting Historic Jeddah, the City of the Future. The participation of Historic Jeddah at WTM 2025 was both a global magnet and a significant milestone in the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030 that sought to make the Kingdom’s tourism offerings more diverse.

Historic Jeddah, also known as Al‑Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its unique architecture and its historical significance as a trading port for pilgrims heading to Mecca. This participation at WTM London not only showcased Jeddah’s past but also emphasised the ongoing rehabilitation and revitalisation of the district to meet future tourism demands.

Strategic Partnerships and New Tourism Initiatives

At the event, Historic Jeddah signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to further boost its tourism initiatives. These agreements are aimed at enhancing visitor engagement, developing tourism packages, and supporting local talent.

The first MoU, signed with Discover Saudi, focuses on integrating cultural and tourism programs, ensuring that Historic Jeddah’s heritage identity is strongly represented in future tourism offers. The second partnership with the Saudi Tour Guides Association aims to train local guides to professional standards, enhancing the visitor experience through better storytelling and deeper connections with the district’s landmarks.

Further collaborations with Deira Tours and Seyaha were established to expand the tourism routes and experiences within the district, adding fresh layers to Jeddah’s tourism portfolio. These partnerships aim to establish Jeddah as a hub for both local and international visitors, creating a seamless and engaging cultural experience that blends tradition with modernity.

Interactive Showcases and Digital Engagement

The Historic Jeddah Pavilion at WTM 2025 was more than just a display; it featured interactive showcases and digital exhibits designed to immerse visitors in the district’s cultural and historical richness. One highlight was the digital display of archaeological discoveries, which allowed attendees to explore Jeddah’s deep-rooted history via QR codes and interactive platforms.

Additionally, the teamLab Borderless Museum in Jeddah offered special packages during the event, reinforcing the city’s appeal to tech-savvy travellers interested in combining culture with modern digital art experiences. Jeddah’s Google Arts & Culture presence also drew attention, providing virtual tours that allowed people worldwide to explore the district’s heritage sites and uncover stories of its past.

These efforts are part of the larger initiative led by the Saudi Ministry of Culture to align the country’s tourism development with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to preserve and promote Saudi Arabia’s architectural heritage while positioning it as a global cultural tourism destination. The goal is not only to preserve the city’s historical sites but to also bring innovation and sustainable development into the cultural sector.

Historic Jeddah’s Growing Appeal as a Cultural Hub

Located on the Red Sea coast, Jeddah has long been an important port city, acting as a crossroads for pilgrims, traders, and adventurers. Its rich Hijazi architecture, reflected in the intricate wooden rawasheen (overhanging windows), coral-stone buildings, and vibrant souks (markets), provides an authentic representation of Saudi Arabia’s unique cultural identity.

The ongoing revitalisation of Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, is central to the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to preserve the Kingdom’s heritage while enhancing its global appeal as a tourism destination. The district’s development is focused on restoring historic buildings, improving public spaces, and increasing cultural and economic activities.

In 2018, the Saudi Ministry of Culture launched the Jeddah Historic District Program, focusing on the area’s architectural and cultural integrity while promoting sustainable development. The revitalisation includes providing tourists with guided heritage routes, digital services, and curated content that enhances visitor engagement.

Impact on the Tourism Sector and Global Recognition

Jeddah’s participation in WTM London 2025 is a clear indication of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing push to position its cultural tourism sector at the forefront of the global market. As the country continues to diversify its tourism offerings beyond the traditional pilgrimage route, cities like Jeddah are emerging as key destinations for cultural, historical, and modern tourism experiences.

The development of Historic Jeddah as a global cultural destination not only attracts heritage tourists but also appeals to younger, digitally engaged travellers. By blending traditional heritage with cutting-edge technology, Jeddah is setting a precedent for sustainable cultural tourism that respects its past while embracing its future.

Jeddah’s Future as a Global Cultural Destination

Historic Jeddah’s participation at WTM 2025 has underscored the city’s growing role as a premier cultural tourism destination. Through strategic partnerships, digital engagement, and continued revitalisation efforts, Jeddah is positioning itself as a unique blend of heritage, innovation, and sustainability. As Saudi Arabia continues to pursue the goals of Vision 2030, Jeddah is set to become a cornerstone in the Kingdom’s tourism offerings, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its rich history and vibrant future.

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