World tourism and hospitality industry expert Aradhana Khowala has been appointed as NEOM managing director of tourism, at the NEOM mega project, according to Arab News.

CEO and founder of Aptamind Partners, Khowala is globally identified as an authority on the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.

She advises family offices, governments, international organisations and other leaders shaping the world of tourism.

NEOM, a $500 billion transnational megacity in Tabuk, is a key part of the kingdom’s strategic vision to diversify the economy.

In October 2017, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud unveiled the 26,500-sq km mega city and economic hub.

Supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), NEOM will operate as an independent economic zone powered solely by regenerative energy, spanning three countries, complete with its own self-governing laws and regulations and all strategically designed for economic stimulation.