Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and JCB International (JCB) have entered into an agreement aimed at boosting tourism in Saudi Arabia by extending their services to JCB cardholders worldwide.
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GLOSaudi Tourism Authority (STA) and JCB International (JCB) have entered into an agreement aimed at boosting tourism in Saudi Arabia by extending their services to JCB cardholders worldwide.
Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of Asia Pacific Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasized the potential of this collaboration to enhance the tourism industry by providing added convenience and security to Japanese travelers and other Asian tourists who prefer cashless payment options. This partnership is expected to increase Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness as a destination for international visitors and support the goal of establishing the country as a leading global tourism hub.
The partnership with JCB opens the door to various opportunities for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Japan. It’s worth noting that Japan is among the 57 countries eligible for Saudi’s e-visa and visa-on-arrival programs, offering special benefits like a complimentary one-night hotel stay for tourists traveling onwards with the national airline, SAUDIA, as part of Saudi’s 96-hour Stopover Visa program.
Furthermore, initiatives include the Japanese language VisitSaudi.ja portal featuring collaborative marketing campaigns with prominent travel trade partners to promote Saudi Arabia to Japanese holidaymakers. Travelers can take advantage of exclusive hotel offers from local destination management companies (DMCs) and access attractive vacation packages, allowing them to explore the authentic essence of Arabia on their own terms.
Yoshiki Kaneko, CEO of JCB International, expressed his excitement about the partnership, seeing it as an excellent opportunity to offer JCB cardmembers exciting travel experiences in Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the uniqueness of both Japan and Saudi Arabia as destinations, each with captivating natural beauty, culture, and history. Kaneko also noted the extensive work undertaken with leading local banks in Saudi Arabia to ensure a seamless experience for JCB’s 154 million card members in the country. This partnership marks a significant stride in enhancing tourism, simplifying travel, and fostering greater cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
About Saudi Tourism Authority
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), established in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destination’s travel programmes, packages and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country’s assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi’s destination brand locally and overseas.
STA operates 16 representative offices worldwide, serving 38 countries.
Find out more about Saudi’s tourism at the Visit Saudi website: https://www.visitsaudi.com/.
About JCB
JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and, since 1981, expanded worldwide and established a network of 43 million merchants worldwide. JCB Cards are issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 154 million card members.
(SOURCE: JCN Newswire)
