Saudi Arabia is experiencing a remarkable surge in opportunities within the entertainment and tourism sectors, as noted by industry leader Ben Elliot at the Future Investment Initiative conference. Key developments such as the Sindalah luxury resort and the historical site of AlUla are cited as pivotal attractions for both national and international visitors. Furthermore, the increasing interconnectedness of the entertainment industry presents new content opportunities that reflect the region’s narratives on a global stage.
RIYADH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant advancements in its entertainment and tourism sectors, described by industry leader Ben Elliot as an “avalanche” of opportunities benefiting both domestic residents and international visitors. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, Elliot, founder of Quintessentially, emphasized that these developments in dining, hospitality, and cultural tourism enrich the experiences available in Saudi Arabia. Elliot noted the recent opening of Sindalah, a luxury island resort that is a key component of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s NEOM megacity project, predicting it will become an exceptional holiday destination within three years. He further commended AlUla, an ancient city renowned for its historical rock carvings and dwellings that date back approximately 2,000 years, which has recently become accessible to international tourists following the establishment of the tourist visa system in 2019. He remarked, “It’s amazing. But we wouldn’t have had any of these conversations three or four years ago; none of it was opened up. So I think everything is changing very fast. The key thing is to make sure that everything is done fastidiously well, not to rush some of those things.” Brent Montgomery, CEO of Wheelhouse Entertainment and a noteworthy Hollywood producer, added to the discussion by highlighting the vast potential for the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia. He observed that the interconnectedness of today’s world creates opportunities for the development of diverse content outside of traditional hubs like North America, stating, “I think there’s a lot of opportunity to show and experience this region in non-fiction.” According to Montgomery, the rise of global platforms such as Netflix allows content creators to distribute their work swiftly across various regions, enhancing the visibility and appreciation of regional narratives on an international scale. He concluded, “It used to be that when many of us TV producers would make a show in one region, it would take two or three years to hit other regions. Now, these programs hit immediately and I think people want to see it in other places.”
The discussion surrounding Saudi Arabia’s progress in entertainment and tourism underscores the country’s significant transformation over the past few years. The opening of the tourist visa system in 2019 marked a pivotal moment in granting access to international tourists, thus allowing the Kingdom to showcase its rich cultural heritage and modern attractions. Events such as the Future Investment Initiative conference serve as platforms for leaders in the industry, like Ben Elliot and Brent Montgomery, to share insights on the burgeoning opportunities available in Saudi Arabia’s evolving market. This transformation aligns with the broader vision of Saudi Arabia’s leadership to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a premier global tourism destination.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s strides in the entertainment and tourism sectors are being recognized as unprecedented opportunities for growth and development. Leaders such as Ben Elliot and Brent Montgomery have articulated a clear vision for the future, where attractions like Sindalah and AlUla not only enhance domestic tourism but also attract international visitors. The rapid advancement of content distribution channels further amplifies the potential for showcasing the region’s rich culture to a global audience, marking a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
