{"id":122634,"date":"2026-08-02T17:25:20","date_gmt":"2026-08-02T14:25:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/?p=122634"},"modified":"2026-08-02T17:25:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T14:25:20","slug":"saudi-tourism-authority-and-mastercard-announce-collaboration-to-further-advance-tourism-growth-across-the-kingdom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/?p=122634","title":{"rendered":"Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard announce collaboration to further advance tourism growth across the Kingdom"},"content":{"rendered":"[mhc_section admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0633\u0645&#8221; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; specialty=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_fullwidth_menu admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0627\u0626\u0645\u0629 \u0628\u0639\u0631\u0636 \u0643\u0627\u0645\u0644&#8221; menu_id=&#8221;56&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; submenu_direction=&#8221;downwards&#8221; 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fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; specialty=&#8221;off&#8221; transparent_background=&#8221;off&#8221; gradient_background=&#8221;off&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; gradient_style=&#8221;horizontal&#8221; inner_shadow=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;off&#8221; video_hide=&#8221;off&#8221; video_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_advanced_padding=&#8221;off&#8221; remove_padding=&#8221;off&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; column_paddings=&#8221;padding-0pct&#8221; column_match_heights=&#8221;off&#8221; background_leak=&#8221;off&#8221; background_leak_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_leak_size=&#8221;50&#8243; separator_top=&#8221;off&#8221; separator_bottom=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image_size=&#8221;cover&#8221; background_image_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; background_image_position_x=&#8221;center&#8221; background_image_position_y=&#8221;center&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221; animation_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; mobile_2_pr_row=&#8221;off&#8221; mobile_reverse=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_row admin_label=&#8221;\u0635\u0641&#8221;][mhc_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][\/mhc_column][mhc_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243;][mhc_text admin_label=&#8221;\u0646\u0635&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221;]\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul dir=\"ltr\">\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard collaborate to launch cross-border tourism campaigns, bringing together Mastercard Economics Institute\u2019s (MEI) data-driven insights, technology and curated priceless experiences to unlock tourism growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Ain Alalam &#8211; Rashad Iskandrni<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>2 August 2026: <\/strong>The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Mastercard have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in further positioning Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination of choice.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">The STA will work with Mastercard to further position the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a destination of choice through global campaigns and initiatives to attract international travelers from targeted markets to contribute to achieving Saudi Arabia\u2019s goal of welcoming 150 million visitors by 2030. \u00a0The collaboration will also leverage Mastercard&#8217;s data and insights to support the STA with detailed analysis and activities including segmentation, spend analysis, travel trends, event impact measurement, and predictive analytics to inform marketing strategies and policymaking.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">Additionally, through this collaboration, the Mastercard Economics Institute will deliver data-driven insights to support the Saudi Tourism Authority\u2019s analysis of travel flows, consumer spending, and evolving consumer behavior patterns. These insights will support more targeted campaign development and help measure tourism impact over time, while both organizations will also collaborate on thought leadership initiatives that promote sustainable tourism growth.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-122632 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-08-02-at-3.32.59-PM-900x600.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-08-02-at-3.32.59-PM-900x600.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-08-02-at-3.32.59-PM-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-08-02-at-3.32.59-PM-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-08-02-at-3.32.59-PM-1080x720.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-08-02-at-3.32.59-PM.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">This will be complemented by Mastercard&#8217;s priceless platform, which will be leveraged to curate and promote exclusive, culturally rich experiences across the Kingdom, showcasing its diverse heritage and attractions. Mastercard\u2019s technology and expertise will aim to drive visitor engagement and spend through enhancing loyalty and rewards programs. Together, these capabilities form a connected approach combining insights, data, and curated experiences to help attract and engage visitors.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\u201cThe collaboration between the Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard will help attract more visitors and promote Saudi Arabia\u2019s destinations across priority markets in the GCC, the region, and internationally. This collaboration is part of our broader approach to building strategic partnerships with leading global partners, which continue to advance the STA\u2019s objectives and support the wider Saudi tourism ecosystem in line with Vision 2030\u201d, said <strong>Abdullah Aldakhil, Official Spokesperson for the Saudi Tourism Authority.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">&#8220;At Mastercard, we see a powerful opportunity to redefine the future of tourism through innovation and collaboration. Saudi Arabia&#8217;s vision to build a sustainable and world-class tourism sector aligns closely with our mission to use technology and insights to unlock possibilities. By combining data-driven insights with authentic experiences, we are creating priceless experiences that fuel economic growth and showcase the Kingdom&#8217;s cultural vibrancy on a global stage,&#8221; said <strong>Saud Swar, country manager, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant, Mastercard.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">This collaboration underscores Mastercard\u2019s commitment to supporting data driven growth and innovation of Saudi Arabia\u2019s tourism sector, enhancing the visitor experience, and contributing to the Kingdom\u2019s broader economic diversification ambitions.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>About Mastercard <\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we\u2019re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__http:\/www.mastercard.com__;!!N96JrnIq8IfO5w!msWfgeJjHcasfVVdJ-wI24msWTp1y7Yhh0vyWPmqX_RMoy1GZM3nNODtnZunDE8ea505cCkJ9gfYPO_JFMdwjdDmBY6tNIw$\">www.mastercard.com<\/a><\/p>\n[\/mhc_text][\/mhc_column][\/mhc_row][\/mhc_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[mhc_section admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0633\u0645&#8221; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; specialty=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_fullwidth_menu admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0627\u0626\u0645\u0629 \u0628\u0639\u0631\u0636 \u0643\u0627\u0645\u0644&#8221; menu_id=&#8221;56&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; submenu_direction=&#8221;downwards&#8221; fullwidth_menu=&#8221;off&#8221;] [\/mhc_fullwidth_menu][\/mhc_section][mhc_section admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; transparent_background=&#8221;off&#8221; gradient_background=&#8221;off&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; gradient_style=&#8221;horizontal&#8221; inner_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;off&#8221; video_hide=&#8221;off&#8221; video_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_advanced_padding=&#8221;on&#8221; remove_padding=&#8221;on&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; column_paddings=&#8221;padding-0pct&#8221; column_match_heights=&#8221;off&#8221; background_leak=&#8221;off&#8221; background_leak_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_leak_size=&#8221;25&#8243; separator_top=&#8221;off&#8221; separator_bottom=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image_size=&#8221;cover&#8221; background_image_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; background_image_position_x=&#8221;center&#8221; background_image_position_y=&#8221;center&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221; animation_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; mobile_2_pr_row=&#8221;off&#8221; mobile_reverse=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221;][mhc_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][mhc_image admin_label=&#8221;\u0635\u0648\u0631\u0629&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ainlogo.png&#8221; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;off&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;off&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221; hoverfx=&#8221;scaleup&#8221; sticky=&#8221;off&#8221; image_mask=&#8221;off&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;0&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_center_on_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":122631,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-122634","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-coverage"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122634","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=122634"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122634\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":122635,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122634\/revisions\/122635"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/122631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=122634"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=122634"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=122634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}