SAUDI ARABIA. Paris Saint Germain and Argentina footballer Lionel Messi visited Jeddah this week after the Saudi Tourism Authority named the high-profile star as its official brand ambassador.
The appointment of one of the world’s best-known sports celebrities to promote tourism underlines the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s highly ambitious plans to grow the value of the sector in the country.
Messi – who flew into Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport on Monday for his official unveiling in the ambassadorial role – has become an icon in the football world after more than 20 years on the books of Barcelona and scoring more than 750 senior career goals for club and country.
Lionel Messi receives a traditional Saudi Arabian welcome at King Abdulaziz International Airport (Image: Saudi Tourism Authority)
In a message posted on Twitter, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: “I am pleased to welcome Lionel Messi to Saudi Arabia. We are excited for you to explore the treasure of the Red Sea, the Jeddah Season and our ancient history. This is not his first visit to the Kingdom and it will not be the last.”
The appointment of one of the most world’s best-known sports celebrities underlines the Kingdom’s highly ambitious plans to grow the value of tourism in the country.
Note: The Saudi Travel & Tourism Ecosystem Report will be published in coming days by The Moodie Davitt Report. It will take a deep dive into one of the world’s most exciting, environmentally conscious, investment-heavy and fast-growing travel, tourism and aviation markets.
For details, contact Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com
