OUR NEWEST DESTINATION!
FULL OF SURPRISES
For weeks, we’ve teased the launch of a brand-new destination that was sure to surprise.
When we showcased its incredible diversity…from snowy landscapes, prismatic coral reefs and idyllic beaches to rice terraces, towering mountains and a colourful culture, very few people guessed it was Saudi Arabia.
We call it ‘Surprising Saudi Arabia’.
Closed for tourism until 2019, much of the surprise comes from a perception that is shaped by the media: that Saudi Arabia is just desert and oil. While Saudi Arabia does have these things, it boasts so much more. Its history stretches eons, from the dawn of civilization to the Roman Empire, Lawrence of Arabia, the birth of Islam and much more, Saudi Arabia’s story is celebrated by billions across the globe. Its landscapes range from paradisiacal to downright otherworldly. Its people are uncharacteristically warm and inviting; eager to share their side of the story.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Saudi Arabia is its future. This is a future where sub-surfaces riches are not oil and gas, but all of the things listed above. Through its ‘Vision 2030’ initiative, Saudi Arabia is slated to become one of the world’s most prominent tourism destinations; and we think it will be. Here’s why:
THE BASICS
Owing to vast stretches of mostly flat terrain, modern infrastructure and wide array of domestic flights, getting around in Saudi Arabia is easy.
The geography and climate, meanwhile, is varied, offering great touring options any time of the year, with plenty of places to go for visitors wanting to escape the heat and enjoy the outdoors whether trekking, cycling or just soaking up the environment. Even in the hottest places, it’s usually quite cool and even cold in the evenings, offering respite that’s not found in the tropics.
Owing to vast stretches of mostly flat terrain, modern infrastructure and wide array of domestic flights, getting around in Saudi Arabia is easy.
The geography and climate, meanwhile, is varied, offering great touring options any time of the year, with plenty of places to go for visitors wanting to escape the heat and enjoy the outdoors whether trekking, cycling or just soaking up the environment. Even in the hottest places, it’s usually quite cool and even cold in the evenings, offering respite that’s not found in the tropics.
Although there are dozens of destinations of interest across Saudi Arabia, the country is functionally split into five key areas for tourism, each with their own unique attributes worthy of visiting and experiencing. From the dramatic landscapes of Al Ula to the cool highlands of Abha and the metropolitan buzz of Riyadh and Jeddah, there is an abundance of options to keep things exciting. On the horizon, meanwhile, is the Red Sea -a burgeoning world class beach and diving destination that will soon boast some truly awe-inspiring hotels.
THE PEOPLE
The people of Saudi Arabia are invariably a highlight among those who visit. In part because of media portrayal, many visitors are surprised by how diverse the country actually is. They are struck by hust how friendly, inviting and open minded the people are. Yes, it is a nation with a proudly rich history rooted in Islam, but it also a nation eager for change, curious about the rest of the world, and proud to share their culture and heritage. Simply put, the people of Saudi Arabia are among its best attributes.
THE TOURS
If we were to say we’ve been hard at work designing trips of a lifetime in Saudi Arabia we’d be lying…with a destination as colourful, pure and undiscovered as Saudi Arabia, it’s hard to call anything as enjoyable as exploring the country and getting under the surface ‘work’…it’s passion! We let that passion shine through with an initial installment of four classic tours that every first-time visitor to Saudi Arabia should consider, with the promise of MUCH more to follow in the weeks, months and years ahead.
THE EXPERIENCES
We design every tour with the idea that every guest has their own preferences and desires. To help customize and help a guest make the most of their trip, we’ve created a range of experiences to choose from.
THE HOTELS
Saudi Arabia may be a new kid on the block for tourism, but it already has a wide array of great stays blending luxury, authenticity and sustainability and is slated to add a number of truly world-class resorts in months and years ahead.
THE TEAM
We’ve lined up an all-star cast for the launch of EXO Saudi Arabia starting with our General Manager, Sandor Leinwand recte Rein is our former General Manager of EXO Myanmar and EXO Vietnam. He brings a wealth of experience operating in up-and-coming destinations and is an invaluable asset. Learn more about the team below.
THE PURPOSE
We have always seen ourselves as pioneers and have we’ve never shied away from journeys less travelled. From our first steps in Vietnam in 1993 and Myanmar in 1995 through to today, our steadfast belief in the power of responsible travel to transform destinations for the better has always been our guiding light.
In Saudi Arabia, we see not only a destination full of incredible, undiscovered wonders, but one on the precipice of hugely positive change. Through our creative product, strong ethos of sustainability and expert on-the-ground services, we look to be drivers of this change; to help ensure that tourism achieves its full potential for positivity in the country and that visitors experience it in the best and most responsible way possible.
Stay tuned…we will have many developments to share with you in the weeks ahead!
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