Lufthansa City Center International names Saudi Arabia Preferred Destination 2022
Frankfurt, 3 February: 17 international Lufthansa City Center agencies from 12 countries just returned from 6 days FAM trip to Saudi Arabia. This was the first in-person activity planned to launch the annual co-operation between Lufthansa City Center International (LCCI) and Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). LCCI has named Saudi Arabia as one of its Preferred LCC Destinations of the year 2022 for all countries outside Germany.
From 12-18 January, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has invited international Lufthansa City Center agencies to explore the kingdom and gain relevant destination expertise to promote Saudi Arabia as Preferred Destination in 2022. LCC agencies from Austria, Belgium, Armenia, Dominican Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, UAE and UK participated. The programme included the buzzling cities of Jeddah and Riyadh along with historic and natural sights such as Al Badia, Unesco World Heritage old town and Alula and Elephant Rock. Further highlights on the agenda were King Abdullah Economic City, Hegra, Maraya Concert Hall, as well as Skybridge and the National museum and Diriyat Biennale Foundation in Riyadh.
This FAM trip was the first in-person activity as part of the cooperation between Saudi Tourism Authority and Lufthansa City Center International for all markets outside Germany. To further educate LCC agencies on the multifaceted offer in Saudi Arabia, a comprehensive training and communication package was developed. This includes virtual and in-person educational training series, virtual and in-person FAM trips, multimedia content library for local communication and promotions in all international LCC markets, joint Social Media activities, customer mailings and e-journals, web promotions on all international LCC web pages outside Germany as well as the central LCC DMC marketplace https://lcc-dmc.com/preferred-destination-saudi/. Furthermore, international LCC members benefit from tailor-made, personalised tours and packages created by the local LCC DMC Partner on site, LCC Intercontinental Travel. LCC Intercontinental Travel entered the LCC network back in 2000, and completes its offer as local LCC DMC Partner since 2015. Apart of LCC Intercontinental Travel, the LCC network has two more LCC members in Saudi Arabia.
Julian Luther, Country Manager DACH: “Saudi is a destination with a great deal to offer the sophisticated global traveler, from authentic Arabian culture and rich heritage to exciting entertainment, all delivered with the unparalleled hospitality of the Saudi people. Our agreement with Lufthansa City Center will help bring Saudi to more travelers from around the world and support our partners in the travel trade in delivering uniquely memorable experiences to their clients and customers.”
Martina Groenegres, Managing Director of the franchise headquarters Lufthansa City Center International (LCCI): “Customers look for new travel inspirations and unknown destinations especially for individual travel. We at LCCI feed this appetite with new untouched products and destinations where we prove our expertise in the customer consulting – before, during and after the trip. Saudi is a new destination on the horizon and we are happy to pioneer this path together with the Saudi Tourism Authority. Our extra plus: With 3 LCC agencies in Saudi Arabia including one designated LCC DMC Partner in Jeddah we accompany our travellers, no matter if FIT, groups or MICE with trusted LCC members travellers can reach out to, also during their trip.”
About Lufthansa City Center:
Lufthansa City Center (LCC) is the world's largest independent franchise company in the travel agency market with 500 offices in over 85 countries and a total turnover of 5,43 billion Euros (business year 2019). LCC is active in the leisure (tourism) and corporate (business travel) sectors. The chain of owner-managed medium-sized travel agencies includes 270 offices with around 2,000 employees in Germany. Outside of its home market Germany (which is operated by the German franchisor Lufthansa City Center Reisebüropartner GmbH), the travel agency network employs around 2,300 people in 230 offices. Responsible for all world-wide agencies is Lufthansa City Center International GmbH, the international franchisor located in Frankfurt/Germany. Lufthansa City Center offer a global programme with local relevance to nurture the cultural differences and dynamics required in each market. A global presence with local capabilities ensures the best opportunity for delivering exceptional customer service. Further information is available at lufthansa-city-center.com/en.
About Saudi Tourism Authority
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, markets Saudi Arabia’s tourism destinations worldwide and develops the Kingdom’s offering through programs, packages and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country’s unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi Arabia’s tourism brand locally and overseas.
