Dubbed as "Arabian Winter", the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) on Thursday announced the launch of the Saudi Winter season. The tourism campaign, which began on Dec.10, 2020, and will run until the end of March 2021, is expected to attract visitors to more than 17 destinations across the Kingdom. During the season, visitors will be provided with as many as 300 packages and experiences offered by over 200 private sector establishments. Saudi nationals and non-Saudi residents traveling as families, in groups or as individuals, as well as GCC nationals, will have the opportunity to utilize these offers that will help them explore and discover the Kingdom's geographical and climate diversity. Destinations will include the heart of the Kingdom, Riyadh, the region of Ad Diriyah, and the northern tourist destinations of Tabuk, Al Jouf, Ha'il, and AlUla. Eastern locations cover Dammam, Khobar, and Al-Ahsa, with Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, Yanbu, and Umluj in the west. Southern locations feature the plateau of Taif, to Al Baha, Asir, and Jazan. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also the chairman of the Board of Directors of STA, said: "The Saudi winter season is an extension of the concerted efforts of the entire Saudi tourism ecosystem, including its partners in the government and private sector, to provide an enjoyable, exciting and optimal tourist experience. Visitors will enjoy the Kingdom's climate diversity and pleasant weather during this time, the various tourist activities, as well as the charming nature and environmental diversity of deserts, dunes, plains, valleys, beaches, and heights." Commenting on the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on winter events, Al-Khateeb added: "We have been working in coordination with health authorities and stakeholders to apply the necessary precautions and protocols at all destinations, sites, and facilities to ensure a safe and enjoyable tourist experience." STA CEO Fahd Hamidaddin, said: "The STA's efforts and initiatives are being renewed with the launch of the Saudi Winter season, following on from the tremendous successes achieved by the Saudi Summer season. We have worked closely with our partners to create high-quality packages and enjoyable tourist experiences that are compatible with the wonderful winter climate and natural diversity of the Kingdom." — SG
