The Wahhabi Kingdom (Saudi Arabia) is seeking to attract more foreign tourists and put on social networks for this purpose.

When an Instagrammer with 800,000 subscribers shares a photo, the impact is important. Saudi Arabia understands this and has made social networking personalities its new target in communication strategy. Aggie Lal, an American Instagrammer, was invited to a 10-day tour of the country, overseen by Gateway KSA, a state-run program headed by Prince Turki al-Faisal, former director of the Saudi Intelligence Agency.

To promote his country, the Wahhabi regime focuses on the beauty of its landscapes and invites several personalities. Thus, it was possible to observe David Guetta come to give a concert in 2018, while the DJ Enrique Iglesias had even split a tribute to the Saudi king.

Embarrassed in the war in Yemen and at the heart of the attacks since the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Riyadh needs the support of the internet to improve its image. Under the influence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia embarked on a program of economic modernization to prepare for the post-oil era, to the point of considering for the first time the issuance of tourist visas to foreigners. For Instagrammers, it already seems easier.

Source — https://www.atlantico.fr/atlantico-light/3578792/quand-l-arabie-saoudite-paye-des-influenceurs-pour-redorer-son-image-sur-instagram