Saudi Arabia Banks on Cristiano Ronaldo to Boost Tourism Industry
Dubai: Saudi Arabia is placing a daring wager that Cristiano Ronaldo can boost tourism in the same way that oil did for the economy in the past. There was more to the Portuguese superstar’s 2022 transfer to Al Nassr than just football.
Using sports and entertainment to draw tourists, change attitudes, and support the kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives was the first act in a new national strategy.
By 2030, Saudi Arabia hopes that tourism will account for 10% of its GDP, up from the current 3%.
In order to get there, it is creating a jam-packed schedule of international events, including luxury experiences, music, sports, and cultural festivals, that are expected to attract millions of tourists annually.
I #StayedForMore even though I came here to pursue what I love. The world-class events, the people, and the enthusiasm that take me by surprise every day.
Cristiano Ronaldo influence When Ronaldo arrived in Riyadh, Saudi football’s profile immediately increased.
His debut with Al Nassr increased Saudi Pro League broadcasting deals, sold out stadiums, and skyrocketed the team’s social media following. In addition to seeing him perform, fans now come to Riyadh and Jeddah to take in Saudi Arabia’s latest sights.
Since then, other celebrities like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and N’Golo Kanté have joined, but Ronaldo is still the mainstay. He is the international brand Saudi Arabia uses to maintain football’s prominence in the world.
A visitor-friendly calendar The monarchy is coordinating Ronaldo’s fame with a year-round entertainment campaign, as evidenced by the recently revealed Saudi UNREAL Calendar.
Formula in Jeddah, the ATP Next Gen Finals, and the WTA Finals in Riyadh. music festivals such as Azimuth and MDLBEAST Soundstorm. AlUla offers a variety of cultural events, such as desert polo and heritage excursions.
Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season are examples of seasonal festivals that transform cities into centres for fashion, food, and entertainment.
The plan is straightforward: attract tourists for a football game, then retain them for historic events, concerts, or beach festivals.
Why this is important Ronaldo provides Saudi Arabia with international exposure, something that money cannot purchase.
He serves as a conduit to audiences around the world, bringing Saudi football into the discourse. Foreign buyers are now drawn to match tickets. Al Nassr games are used to market tour packages.
As tourists mix sport and leisure, hotels, restaurants, and airlines profit from extended stays.High-risk wager There are hazards associated with this strategy.
Star signings are expensive, and infrastructure, accessibility, and visitor experience—rather than just celebrity appeal—are key factors in the success of tourism.
Ronaldo, however, is seen by Saudi leaders as a catalyst. He might persuade admirers to travel across countries to watch him perform, and he might even persuade them to learn more about Saudi Arabia.
SOURCE : GULF News
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