Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard collaborate to launch cross-border tourism campaigns, bringing together Mastercard Economics Institute’s (MEI) data-driven insights, technology and curated priceless experiences to unlock tourism growth.
Riyadh : The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Mastercard have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in further positioning Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination of choice.
The STA will work with Mastercard to further position the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a destination of choice through global campaigns and initiatives to attract international travelers from targeted markets to contribute to achieving Saudi Arabia’s goal of welcoming 150 million visitors by 2030. The collaboration will also leverage Mastercard’s data and insights to support the STA with detailed analysis and activities including segmentation, spend analysis, travel trends, event impact measurement, and predictive analytics to inform marketing strategies and policymaking.
How the Saudi Tourism Authority will use Mastercard data
Additionally, through this collaboration, the Mastercard Economics Institute will deliver data-driven insights to support the Saudi Tourism Authority’s analysis of travel flows, consumer spending, and evolving consumer behavior patterns. These insights will support more targeted campaign development and help measure tourism impact over time, while both organizations will also collaborate on thought leadership initiatives that promote sustainable tourism growth.
This will be complemented by Mastercard’s priceless platform, which will be leveraged to curate and promote exclusive, culturally rich experiences across the Kingdom, showcasing its diverse heritage and attractions. Mastercard’s technology and expertise will aim to drive visitor engagement and spend through enhancing loyalty and rewards programs. Together, these capabilities form a connected approach combining insights, data, and curated experiences to help attract and engage visitors.
“The collaboration between the Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard will help attract more visitors and promote Saudi Arabia’s destinations across priority markets in the GCC, the region, and internationally. This collaboration is part of our broader approach to building strategic partnerships with leading global partners, which continue to advance the STA’s objectives and support the wider Saudi tourism ecosystem in line with Vision 2030”, said Abdullah Aldakhil, Official Spokesperson for the Saudi Tourism Authority.
“At Mastercard, we see a powerful opportunity to redefine the future of tourism through innovation and collaboration. Saudi Arabia’s vision to build a sustainable and world-class tourism sector aligns closely with our mission to use technology and insights to unlock possibilities. By combining data-driven insights with authentic experiences, we are creating priceless experiences that fuel economic growth and showcase the Kingdom’s cultural vibrancy on a global stage,” said Saud Swar, country manager, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant, Mastercard.
This collaboration underscores Mastercard’s commitment to supporting data driven growth and innovation of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, enhancing the visitor experience, and contributing to the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification ambitions.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Global Tourism Appeal
The partnership between the Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard highlights the growing role of data-driven marketing in shaping international travel demand. By analysing visitor spending patterns, travel preferences and market trends, tourism stakeholders can better understand what motivates travellers to choose a destination and tailor campaigns to meet their expectations.
For Saudi Arabia, this approach offers opportunities to showcase the Kingdom’s diverse tourism experiences to different international audiences. From the cultural heritage of AlUla and Historic Jeddah to Riyadh’s entertainment attractions and the Red Sea’s luxury coastal resorts, the country offers a broad range of experiences for leisure travellers, families and cultural explorers.
The use of predictive analytics and event impact measurement can also help tourism authorities assess campaign performance and identify opportunities for future growth. Understanding how visitors respond to major events, seasonal promotions and destination experiences can support more informed marketing decisions and improve the allocation of tourism investment.
Mastercard’s Priceless platform adds another dimension by connecting travellers with curated experiences that highlight local culture, hospitality and attractions. Such initiatives can encourage visitors to explore beyond traditional sightseeing and develop a deeper connection with the destinations they visit.
As Saudi Arabia works towards welcoming 150 million visitors by 2030, partnerships combining global reach, consumer insights and destination storytelling could play an important role in attracting new audiences and strengthening the Kingdom’s position in the international tourism market.
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Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.
