AusLeisure

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 15th October 2023 aimed at boosting tourism in Saudi among JCB cardmembers globally – in particular among Japanese tourists.

This partnership signifies an important step in enhancing tourism, facilitating travel, and fostering greater cultural exchange between Saudi and Japan.

Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of Asia Pacific Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) enthused "we are thrilled to partner with JCB International, a global leader in payment and technology. This is a great opportunity for our tourism industry, as it will offer more convenience, familiarity, and security for Japanese travellers and other Asian tourists who prefer to use cashless payment methods. We believe this collaboration will enhance the appeal of Saudi as a destination for international visitors and support our vision of becoming a leading global tourism hub."

The partnership with JCB is anticipated to unlock various opportunities for cooperation between Saudi and Japan. Notably, Japan is one of the 57 countries eligible for Saudi's e-visa and visa on arrival, with special benefits such as a free one-night hotel stay for tourists flying onwards on SAUDIA as part of Saudi's 96-hour Stopover Visa program.

Other key initiatives include VisitSaudi.ja portal in Japanese and joint marketing campaigns with leading travel trade partners to create excitement all year round. Japanese holidaymakers can also take advantage of special hotel offers from local Destination Management Companies (DMC), with attractive deals inviting them to discover the true home of Arabia on their terms.

Yoshiki Kaneko, President and Chief Executive of JCB International Co., Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership sharing "This is a great chance for us to promote exciting travel experiences to Saudi for our cardmembers. Like Japan, Saudi is a truly unique destination, with fascinating nature, culture and history."

He added "we've been working closely with the leading local banks in Saudi such as SNB, Alinma Bank, Riyad Bank, ANB, and Bank Al Jazira on merchant and ATM enablement to ensure JCB's 154 million card members enjoy a seamless experience in Saudi."

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi's tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destination's offering through programs, packages and business support.

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 43 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 154 million cardmembers. 

Related Articles

17th October 2023 - Saudi Arabia’s NEOM adds to its sustainable tourism destinations

26th September 2023 - EpicSurf to bring real surfing indoors for first time in Saudi Arabia

23rd September 2023 - Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman dismisses ‘sportswashing’ criticisms

21st September 2023 - Saudi Arabia’s Alula showcased at ecological restoration conference in Darwin

20th September 2023 - Saudi Arabia hosts global Tourism leaders to celebrate World Tourism Day 2023

19th July 2023 - Early-bird tickets now available for Fit Summit’s 2024 EMEA Festival in Saudi Arabia

17th July 2023 - Merlin Entertainments Chief Executive looks at opportunities in Saudi Arabia

25th May 2023 - Azulik AlUla desert eco-resort to be developed in Saudi Arabia

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.