The TMR company, one of the top operators of mountain resorts and tourism-related services in the region of Central and Eastern Europe is aiming towards the south-east. The company is discussing potential cooperation to help develop tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
TMR representatives travelled to Riyadh to meet Princess Fahda Al Saud, a member of the royal family responsible for developing tourism in the region of Soudah. She invited them to hear their vision and offer personally. “We have been communicating for about half a year and there were several preliminary rounds before the meeting. We see our chance in the vision of tourism development mainly in mountain regions as Saudi Arabia wants to become an attractive destination like Dubai and other neighbouring countries by 2030. The TMR company aspires to become their advisor and mountain resort operator. When compared to several other applicants, we have long-term experience with resort constructing and operating. If they like our concept, we are ready to allow a Saudi investor to join us or to create a joint business, which was also discussed. In addition, we would like to help them create and train their national ski team,” informed Igor Rattaj, the TMR Chairman of the Board. Rudolf Michalka, the new Slovak ambassador in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was present at the meeting as well.
The Saudis are serious about skiing!
The ongoing negotiations are the result of Saudi Arabia wanting to open up to the world more and invest 30 million dollars in local tourism. “While in Slovakia, there are currently debates whether ski resorts will survive in the future, hot Saudi Arabia dares to build new modern resorts in the mountains at altitudes similar to those in Slovakia,” added Igor Rattaj. Trojena is a great example (https://www.neom.com/en-us/regions/trojena). It should be built by winter 2027 and the Asian Winter Games should take place there in 2029. Trojena is planned to be part of the Neom city based on top modern and sustainable technology (www.neom.com). “As there is enough capital in the country, TMR doesn’t want to miss the opportunity to get a slice of the action and take part in the partly futuristic development. We would like to make good use of our experience from 4 countries and witness the beginning and development of this field in the Saudi Arabian world. If it turns out well, another attractive destination might join the Gopass programme,” concluded Igor Rattaj with a smile.