World Travel Market London 2025 Saudi Arabia’s Historic Jeddah Shines as a Premier Cultural Destination and Secures Key Global Partnerships for Tourism Growth

At the World Travel Market London 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Historic Jeddah made a remarkable impression, showcasing its transformation into a premier cultural destination. The city not only highlighted its rich heritage and ongoing revitalization efforts but also secured significant global partnerships aimed at boosting its tourism growth. These collaborations reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals, which focus on preserving cultural landmarks while positioning the Kingdom as a top international destination for travelers seeking authentic and immersive experiences. The event underscored Historic Jeddah’s increasing importance in global tourism, offering visitors a blend of ancient charm and modern innovation.

The Historic Jeddah pavilion was a prominent feature at the WTM, setting itself apart from other international destinations with its immersive exhibits and digital experiences. Journalists and tourism professionals from around the world engaged with the pavilion’s representatives, gaining insight into the district’s extensive rehabilitation projects. These projects are aimed at preserving Jeddah’s unique heritage while simultaneously transforming the area into a thriving cultural and tourism hub. This aligns with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in tourism and culture.

A key highlight of Historic Jeddah’s participation in the WTM was the signing of four significant memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with national organizations aimed at advancing the district’s tourism and cultural offerings. The first MOU, signed with Discover Saudi, focuses on the development of integrated tourism programs that showcase the depth of Historic Jeddah’s cultural history. This partnership will offer immersive experiences to global visitors, positioning Historic Jeddah as an essential gateway for cultural tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Another agreement, made with the Saudi Tour Guides Association, is focused on enhancing the qualifications of local tour guides. By offering professional training and skill development, this partnership aims to improve visitor engagement and ensure that tourists receive the best possible experience as they explore the historical district. Through this initiative, Historic Jeddah will provide a higher standard of service, further cementing its reputation as a top-tier destination for heritage tourism.

In addition, a third MOU was signed with Deira Tours, focusing on expanding the district’s tourism offerings by creating new routes and experiences. This collaboration will diversify the tourism landscape in Historic Jeddah, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a variety of activities that cater to different interests, from history and culture to modern leisure experiences. The introduction of these new routes will help to reinforce the district’s status as a key attraction for both local and international travelers.

A fourth agreement with Seyaha aims to create specialized content and tourism experiences that celebrate the unique cultural identity of Historic Jeddah. This partnership will focus on offering deeper insights into the district’s architectural heritage, local traditions, and historical significance, allowing visitors to connect more meaningfully with Saudi Arabia’s cultural legacy.

The pavilion at WTM also showcased a variety of tourism products and interactive features that highlight Historic Jeddah’s cultural and historical value. One notable offering was the guided heritage tours, which allowed visitors to explore iconic landmarks such as the district’s traditional Hijazi architecture, coral-stone buildings, wooden rawasheen, and centuries-old mosques. Additionally, a digital display of archaeological findings was accessible through QR codes, providing a modern touch to the historical experience. Special packages for the teamLab Borderless Museum, an innovative cultural venue, were also featured, combining cutting-edge technology with cultural exploration.

Historic Jeddah also highlighted its digital presence through Google Arts & Culture, offering virtual tours of the district. This initiative allows global audiences to experience the area’s rich heritage and historical narratives from anywhere in the world, making it easier for people to engage with the district’s unique cultural offerings. By combining traditional heritage with digital innovations, Historic Jeddah is making its cultural treasures more accessible and engaging for a global audience.

This focus on global exposure is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger strategy to promote its cultural assets in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The initiative aims to preserve the Kingdom’s architectural heritage while enhancing its economic potential through tourism. Historic Jeddah’s participation in WTM exemplifies this vision by positioning the district as a key destination for cultural tourism in the region.

Located in the heart of Jeddah city, Historic Jeddah is one of the oldest urban settlements on the Red Sea coast. Historically, it has been a hub for pilgrims, traders, and travelers from across the Islamic world. Its distinct Hijazi architectural style, which includes ornate wooden windows (rawasheen), coral-stone structures, and traditional markets, led to its inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2014.

To further preserve and enhance the district’s significance, the Saudi Ministry of Culture launched the Jeddah Historic District Program in 2018. This program has focused on restoring historic buildings, revitalizing public spaces, and promoting cultural activities that engage both local residents and visitors. As part of these efforts, Historic Jeddah is becoming a more vibrant and accessible tourist destination, offering a balance of traditional heritage and modern amenities.

At World Travel Market London 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Historic Jeddah showcased its transformation into a premier cultural destination while securing key global partnerships to drive tourism growth, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

In addition to preserving the district’s physical and cultural assets, the destination management team ensures that visitors have a seamless experience, with services including guided tours, a unified call center, and digital tools that enhance the tourism experience. With these initiatives in place, Historic Jeddah is well on its way to becoming one of Saudi Arabia’s most important cultural and tourism destinations, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader goals of sustainable development and cultural promotion.

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