The Private Sector’s Role in Saudi’s Travel Ambitions

For this bonus episode, Skift CEO Rafat Ali is joined by Almosafer CEO Muzzammil Ahussain to discuss the evolution of the travel industry in Saudi Arabia, the significance of Saudi travelers on the global stage, and the impact of recent changes in visa regimes. Ahussain shares his personal journey from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia, the growth of Almosafer, and the company's upcoming IPO plans. The discussion also touches on the effects of COVID-19 on domestic travel and the dynamics between online and offline booking methods.

Ali and Ahussain walk through the evolving landscape of travel in Saudi Arabia, highlighting trends such as last-minute bookings, the growth of religious tourism, and the challenges of talent retention in a rapidly expanding market. Ahussain also emphasizes his company's ambitious vision for the country's development, the changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia in the West, and the integration of AI to enhance business operations. The discussion also touches on the importance of women's roles in the workforce and the potential for significant growth in the tourism sector leading up to major events like the World Cup.

Read more about tourism at Skift’s tourism hub: https://skift.com/tourism

Takeaways

• Almosafer is the largest travel and tourism company in Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi travelers are high spenders and significant for global tourism.
• Visa regimes for Saudis are becoming more accessible, boosting travel.
• Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia has seen a significant increase post-COVID.
• WhatsApp is a key sales channel for Almosafer.
• The company is preparing for an IPO to enhance its market presence.
• The future of travel in Saudi Arabia looks promising with ongoing investments. 80% of bookings in Saudi Arabia are four and five star.
• 40% of hotel bookings are made within 48 hours.
• The average booking window is about 10 days.
• Religious travel presents a significant growth opportunity.
• Riyadh to Dubai is one of the most profitable routes globally.
• Saudi Arabia's development is driven by ambition.
• Talent retention is a major challenge in the growing market.
• AI is being leveraged to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• The period from 2027 to 2030 will be crucial for Saudi Arabia's growth.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Al-Musafir and Its Significance

05:24 Muzzammil's Journey: From the US to Saudi Arabia

09:01 The Global Importance of Saudi Travelers

11:44 Changes in Visa Regimes and Travel Trends

15:57 Impact of COVID-19 on Domestic Travel in Saudi Arabia

18:58 Al-Musafir's Growth and Future IPO Plans

21:10 The Dynamics of Online vs Offline Travel Booking

23:29 Understanding Saudi Arabia's Travel Trends

26:36 Growth Opportunities in Religious Travel

29:21 The Most Profitable Routes in the World

31:16 Ambition vs. Reality in Saudi Development

33:41 Changing Perceptions of Saudi Arabia

36:32 The Role of Women in Saudi Workforce

37:26 Talent Retention Challenges in a Growing Market

38:35 Leveraging AI for Business Growth

42:33 Future Vision Post-IPO