Saudi Arabia's Al Tayyar Travel Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with national tourism authority VisitBritain to promote tourism to Britain from the kingdom.

The MoU was signed between Ossama Maayeh, deputy CEO of Al Tayyar Travel Group, and Sally Balcombe, CEO of VisitBritain.

The MoU outlines areas of collaboration between the two organisations including information exchange on tourism market trends as well as other technical and statistical data; organising promotional activities; establishing an incentive system for promotion of Great Britain in the Saudi market and training and skills development of talents to aid in promoting the destination.

In 2014, Britain witnessed a record breaking year as it welcomed 144,000 visitors from Saudi Arabia, spending £365 million - a 15 per cent increase in visits and a 13 per cent increase in visitor spend from Gulf country. 

While London remains a firm favourite for Saudi visitors, there are a large variety of regional Britain destinations that VisitBritain will be working with Al Tayyar Travel Group to promote.

 “This agreement is an important step to further strengthens our close relationship with Al Tayyar Travel Group,” said Balcombe. “Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest emerging markets for VisitBritain; we have witnessed a constant growth in visitor numbers and are keen to get more Saudi nationals visiting the regions and exploring more of the Great British holidays on offer across England, Scotland and Wales. From zip-lining in Wales or enjoying a stroll on the coast to sampling local produce in the Scottish highlands, our countryside offers the very best of Britain. The variety on offer will suit the needs of family travellers, luxury seekers and Saudi youth. We are looking forward to working with Al Tayyar Travel Group to bring the best of Britain to Saudi nationals.’’  - TradeArabia News Service