The Saudi Tourism Ministry and Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) have announced the creation and release of non-fungible token (NFT) souvenirs.
During the recently concluded 116th session of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Jeddah, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb presented digital keepsakes to the heads of delegations.
The Ministry’s groundbreaking souvenirs combine the real world and the metaverse, and also digital media elements for social interactions.
During the 116th session of UNWTO Executive Council in Jeddah, the #MinistryOfTourism and the @SaudiTourism Authority offered blockchain-stored NFTs to tourism leaders. A token of gratitude keeping pace with state-of-the-art technologies and digital transformation. pic.twitter.com/8RINMUuNml
— وزارة السياحة (@Saudi_MT) June 11, 2022
During the UNWTO meeting, a virtual reality art show took place where a creative artist painted a collection of 3D landscapes inspired by virtual Saudi landmarks. Guests received 3D drawings converted into NFTs as a souvenir, along with a ledger wallet with a blockchain address so that they could access their exclusive artwork.
“As technology advances, it is important that we remain at the forefront of innovation, Al-Khateeb noted. These NFTs serve as a bold statement to the world by showing them how distinguished Saudi Arabia is, which has been able to develop an unparalleled tourism sector, where travelers can expect to see and experience unique and futuristic offerings in the Kingdom.”
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia has achieved significant progress in digital transformation and is attempting to accelerate the expansion of its digital economy in accordance with Vision 2030 directives.
In order to contribute to these objectives, the Ministry of Tourism launched a three-year Digital Tourism Strategy earlier this year. The plan, which was created with the goal of increasing the sector’s growth, creating new employment, and fostering innovation, focuses on nine creative projects comprised of 31 core initiatives.
