Monaco courts Saudi Arabian tourism
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Saudi Arabia has consolidated its position as Monaco’s leading GCC source market, according to the president of the country’s Government Tourist & Convention Authority.Speaking in Riyadh, Michel Bouquier said the Kingdom accounted for almost 40% of all tourists from the GCC visiting Monaco in 2011.”The number of outbound travellers from KSA to Monaco has steadily risen year on year. Arrivals from Saudi were up 19.7 % in 2011 (H1) when compared to the same period last year,” he added.Bouquier is in Saudi Arabia to promote ‘Destination Monaco’ and is organizing a series of events as part of the mega campaign including travel trade shows in Riyadh and Al Khobar that seek to highlight the many attractions of the Principality to trade partners while strengthening relations. Monaco’s economy is primarily geared towards finance, commerce and tourism, with tourism and related industries accounting for nearly a fifth of the country’s gross domestic product.Outbound tourism in Saudi Arabia is currently growing at a rate of 10% year on year with 8 million people forecasted to travel abroad by 2012. Last year, 4.5 million Saudis, representing nearly a quarter of all citizens, travelled overseas and spent about $33bn. Saudi travellers are among the biggest spenders and contribute significantly to global tourism.As part of its promotional campaign Monaco is also rolling out for the first time in KSA ‘Monaco Private Label’ program that’s one of the world’s most prestigious programs and a private invitation to individuals identified as worthy of enjoying exclusive access to Monaco’s many elite offerings. “Monaco Private Label is a means of appreciation for the Principality’s most valued elite visitors, and we are here to reaffirm the value we place on our relationship with our loyal guests from KSA,” said Bouquier. Forty ‘connoisseurs of luxury’ have been nominated to receive the ‘keys to Monaco’ – becoming the program’s first members from the country to enjoy a lifetime of privileged access to the many charms of the city. Bouquier said, “Monaco Private Label lets one live the unique experience of Monaco at a level of elegance that money cannot buy”.
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