The post Short-haul flights carry over twice as many UK passengers as long-haul: AirHelp appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Short Haul Flights

AirHelp has conducted an in-depth analysis comparing short-haul and long-haul flights departing from the United Kingdom between January and September this year.  The findings point to growing pressures on short-haul operators, which are carrying more passengers than ever and are facing mounting disruption levels, cancellations, and compensation claims.

Surging passenger volumes

AirHelp revealed that over 54.6 million people travelled on short-haul flights (covering distances between 0 and 1,500 km) during this period. Of these passengers, 25% – approximately 13.7 million – experienced a disruption. Notably, 671,000 people had their flights cancelled, and 530,000 were eligible for compensation from their airline.

In comparison, 22.5 million UK passengers flew on a long-haul flight (exceeding 3,500 km), with 27% (6 million) facing disruptions. Among them, 564,000 people had their flights cancelled, and 485,000 passengers qualified for compensation between January and September.

These figures highlight that short-haul flights carried 2.5 times more passengers than long haul flights. While the disruption rates are similar, short-haul flights saw higher rates of cancellations and compensation eligibility. This suggests that short-haul carriers are dealing with unprecedented operational pressures. With rising passenger volumes and tighter turnarounds than long-haul routes, short-haul networks are becoming more vulnerable to knock-on delays and cancellations – impacting millions of travellers.

Leading airlines by passenger volume

When looking at short-haul flights, EasyJet emerged as the most popular airline, carrying more than 14.2 million passengers from the UK between January and September. British Airways followed closely with 11.7 million people, while Ryanair transported 11.1 million passengers.

British Airways, the UK’s flag carrier, was also popular in the long-haul category, flying over 5.8 million passengers. Other major players included Emirates, with over 2.2 million people, and Virgin Atlantic Airways, which welcomed 2 million on its long-distance routes.

Top travel destinations

Between January and September, the most popular short-haul destination for UK passengers was within the United Kingdom, with 14 million people flying domestically. Spain followed with 6.5 million passengers, while Ireland, France, and Germany each attracted between 4.7 and 4.9 million travellers, highlighting the strong preference for European travel among short-haul flyers.

Long-haul passengers, on the other hand, favoured North America and the Middle East. The United States was a clear leader, welcoming over 7.8 million UK passengers – more than double the next most popular destination, the United Arab Emirates at 2.9 million. India, Canada, and Qatar were also popular, each receiving between 1.3 and 1.4 million passengers during this period.

Best and worst performing routes

Several short-haul flight paths stood out for their punctuality, with routes from Dyce Airport to Bergen Flesland and Sola in Norway both achieving an impressive 94% on-time departure rate. Flights departing from Liverpool to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport also saw high punctuality at 91%. However, not all short-haul routes fared well – Birmingham to Milan Bergamo saw 60% of passengers impacted by disruptions, followed by Birmingham to Madrid–Barajas Airport (57%) and Manchester to Bergamo (56%).

Long-haul flights showed even stronger punctuality on select routes – all of which arrived in China. London Heathrow to Shenzhen led the way with 96% of flights departing on-time, closely followed by Heathrow to Beijing Daxing (95%) and Edinburgh to Beijing Capital (92%). On the other hand, disruption was significant on routes from Manchester to Cairo, where 77% of passengers were affected, and London Gatwick to Raja Sansi and Ahmedabad, with 72% and 71% disruption rates, respectively.

AirHelp’s CEO, Tomasz Pawliszyn concluded, “Our latest analysis highlights the scale and complexity of flight disruptions affecting UK passengers. While short-haul flights carry significantly more passengers, they also experience higher rates of cancellations and compensation eligibility. These insights are crucial for helping passengers make informed travel decisions about air travel based on more than just the price of a flight. Our goal is to equip them with the right information and encourage airlines to improve reliability across the board.”

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The post Thailand Tops Global Aviation Safety Scores at 91.35%, Surpassing the Global Average by Over 20%: CAAT appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced the results of the audit on the civil aviation safety oversight system under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP CMA) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), conducted from 27 August to 8 September 2025.

The preliminary results, covering only the areas under CAAT’s direct responsibility showed a preliminary score as high as 91.35%, nearly 20% above the global average of 70.50%.

The audit covered all eight key areas, namely:
1. Primary Aviation Legislation and Civil Aviation Regulations (LEG)
2. Civil Aviation Organization (ORG)
3. Personnel Licensing (PEL)
4. Aircraft Operations (OPS)
5. Airworthiness of Aircraft (AIR)
6. Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG)
7. Air Navigation Services (ANS)
8. Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA)

The preliminary results, covering only the areas under CAAT’s direct responsibility -namely legislation, civil aviation organization, aircraft operations, airworthiness, personnel licensing, air navigation services, and aerodromes – showed a preliminary score as high as 91.35%, nearly 20% above the global average of 70.50%. ICAO will be sending a draft report to be reviewed within 90 days after the audit is completed, and the official scores are expected to be announced on ICAO’s website around February 2026.

Thailand achieved a perfect score of 100% in two areas – Aviation Legislation (LEG) and Civil Aviation Organization (ORG) -exceeding the global average by 20–30%. This is ample evidence that Thailand currently has a modern and comprehensive aviation legal framework aligned with international standards, along with a strong, well-structured civil aviation authority on par with the world’s leading aviation nations. It also demonstrates how far Thailand has come since being placed under the ICAO “Red Flag” in 2015, underscoring the country’s progress towards becoming a globally recognized aviation hub.

Thailand’s Aviation Safety Development Path

• January 2015: Thailand (then under the Department of Civil Aviation) underwent an audit that identified 33 Significant Safety Concerns (SSC). As a result, ICAO issued a “Red Flag,” with Thailand’s Effective Implementation (EI) score at 33.53%.
• September 2017: CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand) resolved all deficiencies, leading ICAO to remove the Red Flag; the EI score rose to 41.11%.
• May 2019: All remaining deficiencies were addressed (except in AIG, due to ICAO’s shortage of AIG experts). The EI score increased to 65.83%.
• September 2021: ICAO conducted an Offsite Validation focusing solely on AIG, with the EI score recorded at 66.08%.
• January 2022: ICAO updated its audit protocol from the PQ2017 Edition to PQ2020 for the USOAP-CMA, affecting the Effective Implementation (EI) scores of all states. Thailand’s EI score was adjusted to 61.60%.
• July 2025: ICAO introduced the new PQ2024 Edition, the latest set of criteria for USOAP-CMA audits.

Preliminary Results

• Current Score (before the audit): 61.60%
• Preliminary Score: 87.71%
• Preliminary Score (for areas under CAAT’s direct oversight – legislation, civil aviation organization, aircraft operations, airworthiness, personnel licensing, air navigation services, and aerodromes): 91.35%
• Global Average: 70.50%

CAAT devoted the full expertise of its personnel to prepare for this USOAP CMA audit, the largest in the past decade since 2015. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of CAAT explained CAAT’s approach to the ICAO assessment that “ICAO provides Thailand with a checklist, questions, and guidance – the same procedure applied worldwide. Each CAAT division responsible for its respective area must work with its own team, covering legislation, operational procedures, and inspections of operators to ensure compliance with CAAT standards, thereby demonstrating the Authority’s oversight capability. Afterwards, ICAO reviews what CAAT has documented, such as regulations and operating procedures, to verify whether CAAT officials enforce them correctly, including applying penalties when operators or licensed personnel violate rules or laws. All these elements contribute to the high scores awarded by ICAO. This process reflects a comprehensive and transparent implementation of aviation law in line with international standards.”

CAAT will perpetually enhance and uphold the standards through ongoing development. Significantly, this achievement was not accomplished by CAAT solitarily but through the collaboration of all stakeholders – including Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd., Airports of Thailand Plc., the Department of Airports, the Civil Aviation Training Center, airlines, and all relevant partner agencies. Their collective efforts drove this mission to success, giving confidence that Thailand will continue to advance steadily towards becoming a safe and reliable aviation hub for the region and the world.

“Normally, ICAO conducts audit programs for its 193 member states, with around 12–20 countries assessed each year. Given Thailand’s high score in this audit, it is expected that, in terms of managing safety risks among member states, there will likely be a considerable interval before Thailand is reviewed again. Over the past decade, Thailand has been among the countries most frequently audited by ICAO. In addition, the checklist used by CAAT for this assessment was the latest 2024 version, which is more efficient. From now on, ICAO will be using this checklist to evaluate all member states before the cycle returns to Thailand,” Air Chief Marshal Manat concluded.

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The post August 2025 Traffic Results show continued growth in international passenger demand: AAPA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Preliminary August 2025 traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed continued growth in international passenger demand, on the back of strong business and leisure travel activity across the region and globally.

In August, Asia Pacific airlines carried 34.3 million international passengers, an 8.8% increase compared to the same month last year. Traffic, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), grew by 9.1% year-on-year, underpinned by strength in longer-haul markets. The average international passenger load factor remained elevated at 82.9%, with the 9.2% expansion in available seat capacity closely matching demand growth.

International air cargo markets also continued to expand in August, spurred by stockpiling activity as businesses sought to mitigate tariff-related price pressures. Alongside the sustained demand for e-commerce shipments, international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), recorded a 5.4% year-on-year increase. Offered freight capacity grew by 5.5% year-on-year, resulting in a marginal 0.1 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 59.5%.

Commenting on the results, Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, said, “Both passenger and cargo markets have continued to demonstrate resilience in the face of global challenges, including protectionist trade measures and ongoing supply chain constraints. During the first eight months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried 258 million international passengers, a 10.8% increase compared to the same period last year, while international air cargo demand grew by 6.4%. Shifts in trade flows, driven by higher tariffs, also lent support to cargo traffic growth from the region’s major manufacturing hubs.”

Looking ahead, Menon said, “The region’s carriers remain cautiously optimistic, with travel demand expected to stay resilient, underpinned by continued expansion in global economic activity, particularly in Asia. On the cargo front, the near-term outlook is likely to be shaped by further developments in global trade policy and inventory cycles.”

“Persistent supply chain constraints and associated pressures on operating costs will continue to pose challenges, underscoring the need for airlines to remain agile in responding to market demand, and for continued vigilance in cost management. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines are well-positioned to navigate the wider economic and operational challenges that present themselves in the coming months.”

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The post Over 380,000 Discounted Singapore Airlines And Scoot Tickets On Sale At The ‘2025 Time To Fly Travel Fair’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) Time To Fly travel fair returns in October 2025, offering more than 380,000 discounted tickets across SIA and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot. Promotional fares are available on eligible SIA flights for travel from January to September 2026, and on Scoot flights from November 2025 to October 2026.

SIA’s customers can enjoy promotions on more than 200,000 return tickets across Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class from Singapore to 77 global destinations, including Brisbane, Frankfurt, Ho Chi Minh City, San Francisco, and Taipei.

Scoot will offer discounts on over 180,000 one-way fares across ScootPlus and Economy Class from Singapore to 61 destinations across its Asia-Pacific and European network. These include new destinations Chiang Rai, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Tokyo (Haneda), and Vienna.

Online sales run from 24th October to 6th November 2025 via the SIA and Scoot websites and mobile applications, and through appointed travel agents.

A Time To Fly physical travel fair will run from 24th to 26th October 2025 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, halls 401, 402, and 403, featuring deals from more than 30 participating travel agents and partners.

Vinod Kannan, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Singapore Airlines, said: “Time To Fly has become an annual highlight for our Singapore-based customers. This year, between Singapore Airlines and Scoot, we are offering more than 380,000 discounted tickets across 122 destinations worldwide, alongside exclusive offers at the three-day fair. This gives our customers greater choice and fantastic value as they plan their 2026 holidays with family and loved ones.”

Calvin Chan, Chief Commercial Officer, Scoot, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the Time To Fly travel fair once again and together with SIA, offer our customers an exciting range of promotions not only for the year-end holiday season, but also the coming year. We look forward to having even more travellers journey with Scoot, creating memorable travel stories at even greater value.”

Highlights at the physical fair include exclusive giveaways, headlined by a grand lucky draw prize where one winner will receive three pairs of SIA Business Class return tickets to Beijing, Manila, and Sydney, with hotel accommodation in each city. Additional prizes include SIA Business Class return tickets to Denpasar, Osaka[3], and Male with hotel stays, as well as Scoot vouchers worth up to S$2,000.

The top Kris+[4] and Pelago[5] spenders at the fair will each win SIA Economy Class return tickets with hotel stays to Phuket and Melbourne respectively. A three-day, two-night hotel stay in Singapore will also be awarded to the top KrisShop[6] spender. Customers who spend S$2,500 or more using a Mastercard credit or debit card stand a chance to win S$100 worth of Pelago or KrisShop vouchers[7].

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The post GIC International Catering and Air China start cooperation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Since mid-September 2025, a new airline has joined the client portfolio of GIC International Catering (GIC), a specialist for tailor-made in-flight catering at Frankfurt Airport for currently 21 airlines: GIC is now exclusively responsible for the catering on the direct connection from Frankfurt to Chengdu operated by one of China’s largest airlines, Air China. The long-haul flights connect Germany with the capital of Sichuan Province.

Passengers can look forward to carefully prepared meals that combine European influences with authentic flavors from Chinese cuisine, for example tender beef fillet with roasted potato cubes, buttered snow peas, and thyme demi-glace, or aromatic Kung Pao chicken with crisp vegetables and rice. GIC places particular emphasis on quality, freshness, and an appealing presentation of the dishes, which allows for moments of enjoyment in every service class.

“With Air China, we are starting an exciting new partnership that makes diverse flavors at the highest level tangible. Therefore, it is our goal to offer all guests unique culinary delights – authentic, fresh, and always with attention to detail,” says Göksel Yildirim, CEO of GIC International Catering. “We are also particularly pleased about the new collaboration because our companies share values such as hospitality and a love for excellent food.”

With this new partnership, GIC strengthens its position as a premium provider for international airline catering at Frankfurt.

25 years of experience in airline catering

The family-owned company from Kelsterbach, near Frankfurt Airport, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and currently produces up to 5,000 meals a day for international airlines, business jets, private charter flights, as well as for schools and events. On a production area of 2,500 square meters, 170 employees ensure smooth logistics and the implementation of the highest quality standards. With Air China, GIC has gained another new customer within a short period. Recently, the company announced the collaboration with the Cuban airline Cubana, which will take-off in December 2025.

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The post Haikou, China: Where the City Becomes a Stage, and Art Belongs to All appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Caption: A bird’s-eye view of the 2025 Praising Haikou Lawn Concert.

From September 28 to October 8, Haikou, the capital of China’s Hainan Province, won global attention with its colorful public art activities. Nearly 150 events, including lawn concerts, opera salons and street parades, have transformed this “Land of International Performing Arts” in the East into a boundless palace of art.

“The art of paper cutting can be worn!” Mohammed from Sudan was impressed by children wearing costumes inspired by paper cutting at the 2025 Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show. “In Haikou, art is everywhere.” This holiday, he and his friends immersed themselves in the artistic atmosphere of the “Coconut City.”

Indeed, the city exudes a special vibe during the 2025 Haikou Art Week. In a century-old village, models walk on the volcanic stone runway wearing traditional Mamian skirt; at the Qilou Old Street, several Eastern and Western art exhibitions are staged; on the grassland of the Evergreen Park, drone performances light up the night sky… Tourists can experience a cultural journey that combines tradition and modernity under the sky, by the seaside, and on the streets.

“This trip is particularly meaningful. My kids not only learned about history but also developed artistic inspirations,” said a father from northern China after enjoying a symphony concert. “This is not something you get in the classroom.”

The 2025 Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show, inspired by paper cutting, drew a large audience.（by ZhangLiyun）

The 2025 Haikou Art Week, with its wide array of events, provides an opportunity for global tourists to embrace local culture, showcases the charm of the city as a high-quality vacation destination, and boosts tourism consumption. During the National Day holiday, Haikou welcomed 1.1345 million tourists and generated a tourism revenue of 1.414 billion yuan.

It is worth noting that art is not something only available during holidays but an ingredient of daily life in Haikou. In recent years, while constantly building brands such as the Haikou Art Week, reading corners and art exhibitions have also been arranged in libraries, communities, and shopping malls. These efforts have fostered a new artistic ecosystem that is accessible for all, allowing citizens to enjoy culture and art at their doorsteps. The flourishing artistic vitality is transforming Haikou into a better place.

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The post ITB Asia 2025 opens its biggest edition yet appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

ITB Asia 2025 opened at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sanda Expo and Convention Centre today, 15th October.

Now in its 18th edition, ITB Asia is currently welcoming more than 18,000 travel professionals, dignitaries, and members of the media to a tripartite event that consists of ITB proper, MICE Show Asia, and Travel Tech Asia.

That said, the 2025 run also has the event’s biggest spatial footprint since 2008 as it encompasses five halls across two levels of the massive venue.

Centred on the theme Future Forward: Transforming Travel and Tourism in a Changing World, ITB Asia seeks to explore the latest trends shaping the industry, particularly the evolution of related technologies, sustainability, and innovation; evolving travel expectations, and the increasing importance of the global and regional MICE sector.

Ruetz: ITB Asia 2025 mirrors platform’s increasing importance for the sector

In his opening remarks, Messenger Berlin senior vice-president David Ruetz cited how the event is a reflection of its growing strength, diversity and global importance of this platform.

He declared in his opening remarks: “We are welcoming over 1,500 buyers, the highest participation to date. I am also delighted to announce that we are thrilled to welcome first-time participants at ITB Asia this year from Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Hungary, Tamil Nadu, Da Nang, and Kaohsiung City Government, broadening ITB Asia’s international reach.”

New for 2025

ITB Asia 2025 also marks the debut of the Experiences & Attractions Highlight Zone where Disney Cruise Line, Mandai Woodlake Wildlife Reserve, and Resort World Sentosa take centre stage.

2025 also sees larger delegations from Central Asia and Africa,along with a greater presence of Indian state tourism boards which could prove a boon to Singaporean tourism in particular.

Local travel and tourism firms are also well-represented this year, serving as a reflection of the country’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive.

Tech and the future of tourism

Ruetz added: “Travel tech plays a vital role in shaping the future of travel and tourism, enabling digital transformation and improving customer experience and driving efficiency across the industry.”

Indeed, participants at the event will gain insights from industry experts on the subject, coming in from such major players as TripAdvisor, Fraser’s Hospitality, Jack Morton Worldwide, and Amadeus among others.

These talks and other activities reaffirm ITB Asia’s role as the premier platform for knowledge, exchange, and strategic industry insights.

With regard to the participation of the travel tech sector at ITB Asia, Ruetz pointed out: “Our show floor has expanded around 15 percent and over 45 percent of the exhibitors in this section are new, demonstrating the sector’s strong innovation and demand across the travel tech ecosystem.”

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The post From Coral Reefs to Desert Canyons, Saudi’s Solar-Powered Red Sea EDITION Reimagines What Desert Luxury Looks Like appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality scene just got a striking new symbol of its transformation. The Red Sea EDITION, the first hotel to open on Shura Island, has officially launched — a solar-powered, design-driven sanctuary that fuses modern minimalism with the raw beauty of the desert and sea. More than just another opening, it marks a turning point in how the Kingdom is reimagining luxury — shifting from opulence to authenticity, from spectacle to soul.

The launch comes at a time when Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is rewriting its global narrative. With over 100 million visitors in 2024 and an ambitious goal of 150 million by 2030, the country is no longer a “next” destination — it’s happening now. Under Vision 2030, over $800 billion is being invested into tourism infrastructure, from giga-projects like NEOM and Diriyah to coastal marvels such as The Red Sea, positioning the Kingdom as the world’s newest frontier for design-led, sustainable travel.

At the heart of that story now sits The Red Sea EDITION — a collaboration between Marriott International, EDITION Hotels, and Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer known for its regenerative tourism philosophy. The hotel’s arrival signals the start of Shura Island’s next chapter — an archipelago of 90 untouched islets surrounded by coral gardens and crystalline lagoons. Every detail of the resort embodies RSG’s ethos: solar-powered systems, locally sourced materials, and architecture that doesn’t dominate the landscape but flows with it.

“The opening of The Red Sea EDITION marks a significant milestone in the brand’s continued growth across the region,” said George Fleck, EDITION’s Global Brand Leader. “As our second property in Saudi Arabia, this resort captures EDITION’s commitment to creating experiences that feel connected — to place, to people, to purpose.”

The 240-key resort is sculpted from rammed earth and natural oak, with coral-stone floors and undulating rooftops shaped like reefs. Suites come with private plunge pools and terraces that open to sweeping Red Sea views, blurring the line between indoors and out. Guests arriving via Red Sea International Airport are taken across the country’s longest internal bridge to reach Shura Island.

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The post From Tennis Titans to Global Icons: Riyadh Season 2025 Powers Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Boom appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious cultural festival, Riyadh Season 2025, has officially opened, setting the stage for a record year of entertainment, tourism, and international collaboration. The festival, which runs through early 2026, is a centrepiece of the Kingdom’s drive to transform itself into one of the world’s leading destinations for large-scale events.

Now in its sixth edition, Riyadh Season has evolved from a local celebration into a global tourism magnet, drawing millions of visitors annually and spotlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing prowess in event management, creative industries, and visitor experience. This year’s opening parade — featuring over 3,000 performers, themed floats, and giant balloons — signalled the grand scale that has become the festival’s hallmark.

Riyadh Season is more than an entertainment spectacle — it’s a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s “Unreal Calendar” of year-round events designed to drive tourism, diversify the economy, and position the Kingdom as a major global leisure hub. The calendar, unveiled by the Saudi Tourism Authority and fronted by football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, exemplifies how mega-events are being used to attract international visitors and sustain momentum across the tourism sector.

This year’s festival spans six major zones blending heritage, technology, and entertainment, including the House of Hype, showcasing global fashion trends, and the MrBeast Zone, marking the YouTube star’s first major activation in Saudi Arabia. Boulevard World will celebrate Saudi and global cultures, with installations from Turkey, Iran, and Africa, while Kingdom Arena, Via Riyadh, and The Groves will host concerts, sporting championships, and cultural showcases for visitors from around the world.

Riyadh Season 2025 will feature some of the biggest global names in sports and entertainment. The Riyadh Comedy Festival, one of the largest stand-up gatherings worldwide, will bring together Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Aziz Ansari, and Russell Peters. In sport, The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition will see Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner compete, while the WWE Royal Rumble makes its Middle East debut — a symbolic milestone in Saudi’s growing global sports footprint. Other headline events include the WTA Finals Riyadh and MDLBEAST Soundstorm 25, further strengthening the Kingdom’s positioning as a dynamic, inclusive, and entertainment-driven destination.

The festival’s digital-first approach also reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to connect with younger, tech-savvy audiences. Collaborations with digital creators like MrBeast, KSI, and iShowSpeed introduce hybrid online-offline experiences, while new Saudi, Khaleeji, and Syrian productions under the General Entertainment Authority spotlight regional storytelling, theatre, and music. This mix of global appeal and cultural authenticity has become Riyadh Season’s signature — celebrating Saudi creativity while engaging international audiences.

Since its inception in 2019, Riyadh Season has emerged as a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil by investing heavily in tourism and events. The festival attracted more than 20 million visitors in 2024, and 2025 numbers are expected to exceed that, aided by major infrastructure enhancements, including a cable car network linking key venues and expanded public transport.

Saudi Arabia has earmarked $800 billion for tourism development, with the sector projected to contribute $16.5 billion to GDP by 2030. Mega-events like Riyadh Season are central to this transformation — boosting international arrivals, supporting job creation, and showcasing the Kingdom’s capacity to host world-class cultural and sporting spectacles

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