Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global sporting destination is reshaping far more than its events calendar. As the Kingdom prepares to host a growing portfolio of international tournaments, from Formula 1 and international football to golf, boxing and e-sports, sport is increasingly recognised as a powerful driver of tourism demand, investment attraction and long-term destination positioning.
As David Thomson, Senior Vice President – Development, The First Group Hospitality, puts it: “Mega-events can put a city on the map. When managed well, they reposition a city in the minds of investors and travellers.”
Four leading hospitality executives share their perspectives ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS Saudi Arabia, taking place from 22-24 June at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh.