Duration: 9 Months
Client: Saudi Tourism Authority
Industry: Tourism

  • Challenge

    Design an accelerator program to solve challenges faced by industry leaders in the tourism sector to elevate visitor experience in Accommodation, F&B, Events & Attractions and Transport.

  • Outcome

    The program engaged more than 600 service providers, qualified over 100, and selected 13 to implement their solutions. It generated commercial opportunities exceeding 100M SAR with total investments surpassing 350M SAR, and secured over 10 MoUs to strengthen partnerships.

  • Impact

    By piloting innovative tourism solutions and empowering local providers, the program drove sector-wide innovation, enhanced visitor experiences, and positioned Saudi Arabia as a leader in smart and sustainable tourism.

Saudi Arabia Embraces Innovation and Progress with Game-Changing Tourism Accelerator Program. In 2019, Saudi Arabia made a bold move by opening its doors to international tourism, marking a new era of growth and opportunity for the kingdom. In alignment with the nation’s Vision 2030 National Tourism Strategy, ambitious goals were set, including attracting 100 million visits by 2030, contributing 10% to the GDP, and generating over 1 million new jobs in the tourism sector.

To drive progress and facilitate transformative change, Saudi Arabia launched the Tourism Accelerator Program in August, which recently celebrated its successful conclusion, leaving a lasting impact on the burgeoning tourism industry. The Tourism Accelerator Program was meticulously designed to foster collaboration among major industry players and implement cutting-edge technological solutions. Over 10 innovative technologies have been introduced, and these trailblazing advancements are now being scaled up across the kingdom, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global contender in smart tourism.

The core objectives of the Tourism Accelerator Program were to:- Devise a robust, long-term sustainability strategy

  • Create an agile operating model for rapid pilot launches
  • Collaborate with leading tourism entities to pilot groundbreaking tech solutions
  • Forge powerful partnerships and stimulate cooperation within the industry

 

The program’s remarkable outcomes have significantly bolstered Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. These include sourcing over 600 solution providers, onboarding 130 organizations and industry leaders, and conducting 15 triumphant pilots in seamless experience and digital innovation. Additionally, the program produced 100MM potential business at an investment value of 350MM, facilitated 10+ MOUs, and forged 7+ strategic partnerships for the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).The Tourism Accelerator Program’s landmark achievements also encompass organizing the first-ever Saudi event for the STA and participating in the inaugural Saudi Tourism Forum. Garnering a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 75, a participant satisfaction score of 83%, and a 90% partner commitment for the program’s second phase, the accelerator has set a new precedent in the tourism industry. The overarching vision behind the accelerator was to cultivate a culture of disruptive innovation, empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and bridge the digital competency gap within the tourism and hospitality sectors. By fostering a thriving ecosystem of innovators and trailblazers, the program has set the stage for Saudi Arabia to emerge as a leader in smart tourism and ensure the nation’s continued prosperity in this rapidly evolving industry. For more information on the Tourism Accelerator Program.

Extra Reference:

Industries

  • Education