JoinMyLife Club delves into the enchanting world of Arabia Saudita’s burgeoning tourism scene, with Bruno Mars headlining a historic outdoor concert in AlUla, Middle East. Explore the luxury and allure of this emerging travel destination.

Bruno Mars Takes Center Stage: On the evening of Friday, September 29, the captivating melodies of Bruno Mars and his musical ensemble echoed through the historic town of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, mesmerizing a diverse audience from around the globe. Attendees included Arabs, Filipinos, Chinese, Japanese, French, Turks, English, and Spaniards.

Hours before the event, the website proudly displayed: “Sold Out. Success.” However, there were exclusive black access wristbands and numerous purple ones for the rest. Those fortunate enough to secure these bands will proudly wear them in the coming days, a symbol of their journey, their tourism adventure, and their place in history.

In this particular locale, producing a concert isn’t primarily about ticket sales and beverage revenue (as alcohol consumption is not permitted). Instead, the true message was something like this: “We want to announce to the world that we are preparing to join the top ten countries in tourist arrivals, as recognized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).”

Saudi Arabia’s Recent Embrace of Leisure Tourism: It’s crucial to understand that Saudi Arabia has only recently opened its doors to leisure tourism. Four years ago, they did so for the first time, but the process was halted due to the pandemic. Travelers require an electronic visa to enter the country, and air connectivity poses no issue (layovers in Europe often resolve travel logistics).

Before this, there was business tourism (with strict entry requirements) and religious tourism (for visits to holy sites). The new segments include nature, adventure, culture, and even sports events (a recent example being the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk boxing match in Riyadh).

To become the best, you must learn from the best. In line with this philosophy, the local royalty enlisted Gloria Guevara, former Secretary of Tourism for the Mexican government and former CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Her role is nothing short of a star advisor in the tourism industry.

Saudi Arabia is integrating tourism into its Vision 2030 agenda, setting an ambitious goal of welcoming 100 million tourists (domestic and international) by that year. In 2022, 16.7 million international tourists arrived to explore various attractions, and by the end of the first quarter of the current year, that number had already surpassed nine million.

Exploring Riyadh, Jeddah, or AlUla, you’ll sense the ongoing transformation, the emergence of luxury, and the construction boom. Local customs are gradually evolving, and there’s a notable presence of private aviation. Public restrooms are readily available and free, showcasing the growing hospitality culture.

Tourism is rapidly expanding in this desert landscape, providing a serene backdrop for reflection on the grandeur of nature and the respect it commands. Notably, during Bruno Mars’ concert, attendees were observed indulging in canned energy drinks, perhaps to heighten their experience, though not necessarily advisable.

Gloria Guevara’s Role: Gloria Guevara continues to play a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism journey, extending invitations to prominent CEOs worldwide to explore the wonders of the country. Her fond memories of Mexico add a personal touch to her efforts.

Arabia Saudita’s flourishing tourism sector, as exemplified by Bruno Mars’ iconic concert, signifies a new era of luxury and exploration. JoinMyLife Club invites you to discover the evolving charm of this captivating travel destination, where the past blends seamlessly with the promise of a bright future.