Qatar and Saudi Arabia Forge New Tourism Pact to Deliver Shared Growth by 2030
The two Gulf neighbours sign a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen marketing ties, air connectivity and niche-travel collaborations under their national 2030 visions
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Visit Qatar and the Saudi Tourism Authority marks the beginning of intensified tourism cooperation between Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement, which focuses on joint promotion, enhanced air links and shared tourism-product development, aligns with both states’ long-term diversification strategies.
Under the terms of the pact, the two tourism authorities will coordinate efforts to represent each country’s attractions, jointly participate in international travel exhibitions and deliver unified marketing campaigns targeting global travellers, particularly those drawn to beach, culture and heritage tourism.
A significant pillar of the MoU is the establishment of seamless travel packages that encompass both countries, enabling visitors to navigate Qatar and Saudi Arabia in a single itinerary.
The agreement also outlines mechanisms for data sharing, technology integration and coordinated tour-operator engagement.
The deal is embedded within the frameworks of Qatar National Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030, both of which identify tourism as a strategic pillar of economic diversification and sustainability.
By combining assets such as Qatar’s modern event infrastructure and Saudi Arabia’s historic sites and mega-projects, the two nations aim to raise their international tourism profile and generate long-term employment and investment opportunities.
Observers noted that the timing of the MoU follows earlier bilateral steps including Qatar’s delegation presence at Riyadh’s international book fair and the creation of a joint Culture, Tourism and Entertainment Committee under the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.
The agreement also includes provisions for enhanced air connectivity, tour-operator link-ups and digital tools to enhance visitor experience.
For example, Qatari and Saudi agencies will collaborate on joint flights, multi-destination visas and unified promotional platforms across the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
For Saudi Arabia, the partnership offers access to Qatar’s established flow of regional visitors and event-driven tourism.
For Qatar, deeper links with the kingdom expand its source-market base and reinforce its status as a regional hub.
The MoU emphasises sustainability, local community involvement and the creation of value-added tourism experiences rather than volume-only growth.
Both sides have committed to reporting jointly on progress, establishing measurable milestones and integrating this cooperation into their broader economic-planning frameworks.
With both countries now presenting a united front in global travel markets, the pact signals a new chapter of intra-Gulf collaboration — and an evolution of tourism from competition to shared strategic growth.
The agreement, which focuses on joint promotion, enhanced air links and shared tourism-product development, aligns with both states’ long-term diversification strategies.
Under the terms of the pact, the two tourism authorities will coordinate efforts to represent each country’s attractions, jointly participate in international travel exhibitions and deliver unified marketing campaigns targeting global travellers, particularly those drawn to beach, culture and heritage tourism.
A significant pillar of the MoU is the establishment of seamless travel packages that encompass both countries, enabling visitors to navigate Qatar and Saudi Arabia in a single itinerary.
The agreement also outlines mechanisms for data sharing, technology integration and coordinated tour-operator engagement.
The deal is embedded within the frameworks of Qatar National Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030, both of which identify tourism as a strategic pillar of economic diversification and sustainability.
By combining assets such as Qatar’s modern event infrastructure and Saudi Arabia’s historic sites and mega-projects, the two nations aim to raise their international tourism profile and generate long-term employment and investment opportunities.
Observers noted that the timing of the MoU follows earlier bilateral steps including Qatar’s delegation presence at Riyadh’s international book fair and the creation of a joint Culture, Tourism and Entertainment Committee under the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.
The agreement also includes provisions for enhanced air connectivity, tour-operator link-ups and digital tools to enhance visitor experience.
For example, Qatari and Saudi agencies will collaborate on joint flights, multi-destination visas and unified promotional platforms across the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
For Saudi Arabia, the partnership offers access to Qatar’s established flow of regional visitors and event-driven tourism.
For Qatar, deeper links with the kingdom expand its source-market base and reinforce its status as a regional hub.
The MoU emphasises sustainability, local community involvement and the creation of value-added tourism experiences rather than volume-only growth.
Both sides have committed to reporting jointly on progress, establishing measurable milestones and integrating this cooperation into their broader economic-planning frameworks.
With both countries now presenting a united front in global travel markets, the pact signals a new chapter of intra-Gulf collaboration — and an evolution of tourism from competition to shared strategic growth.