Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in developing its tourism industry, focusing on attracting Indian travellers. The Saudi government aims to establish India as its largest tourism source market by 2030 and has introduced a range of tourism-related offerings and corporate partnerships to achieve this goal. This article will delve into the recent developments in Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy to attract Indian travellers.
Streamlining Visa Application Process with VFS Tasheer Visa Offices
To make the visa application process smoother and more secure, the Saudi Arabian government has announced the opening of several VFS Tasheer Visa offices by the end of May.
These offices will be authorized visa partners for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, providing efficient administrative visa services for applicants. This move is expected to streamline the visa application process and make it easier for Indian travellers to obtain visas for Saudi Arabia.
Introduction of E-Visa System for Indian Travellers
The Saudi Arabian government recently announced a new e-visa system for international travellers from India, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The new system eliminates the traditional visa sticker on passports and has taken effect from May 1, 2023.
This move aims to provide a hassle-free and efficient visa application process for travellers and attract more Indian travellers to the country.
Partnership with TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) to Launch Promotional Packages
The Saudi Tourism Authority has partnered with the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) to launch tailor-made promotional packages in collaboration with leading travel agencies, including Akbar Travels, SOTC, Make My Trip, Cleartrip, and Ease My Trip.
These packages aim to position Saudi Arabia as the premier leisure destination for Indian travellers. With this partnership, the Saudi government hopes to tap into the immense potential of Indian travellers and make Saudi Arabia a top destination for leisure tourism.
New Air Connections with IndiGo
Leading Indian low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has recently unveiled a new airline route from Ahmedabad to Jeddah, with daily direct flights commencing on August 11, 2023. This development is expected to further bolster tourism between India and Saudi Arabia by providing convenient and accessible travel options for Indian travellers. With this new airline route, it will be easier for Indian travellers to explore Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourist offerings.
Launch of VIA Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has announced the opening of VIA Riyadh, scheduled for May 18. VIA Riyadh is set to become a hub for leisure and entertainment, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s latest luxury shopping and entertainment district.
The venue will feature The St. Regis Hotel, 23 international brands, 17 restaurants, and seven cinemas. VIA Riyadh aims to promote Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector and contribute to the diversification of the economy as part of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Introduction of Stopover Visa
To attract more visitors, Saudi Arabia has introduced the Stopover Visa, which allows Indian passengers travelling with Saudia to spend up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia and enjoy a complimentary hotel night.
The digital integration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitates issuing the transit visa and links it to the flight ticket within three minutes. This move is aimed at providing a seamless travel experience for Indian travellers and encouraging them to explore Saudi Arabia’s tourist offerings.
Commitment to Tourism Development
The various initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia, including partnerships with airlines, leading tour operators, and IPL, underscore its commitment to developing the tourism sector. By showcasing its diverse offerings for Indian travellers, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as the new frontier for leisure tourism. With its strategic corporate partnerships, improved visa services, expanded air connections, and an array of tourist offerings, Saudi Arabia is well on its way to becoming a top destination for Indian travellers.
These efforts also align with Saudi Arabia’s larger vision of diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on oil revenue. Overall, the country’s commitment to tourism development and its innovative strategies to attract visitors are likely to yield positive results and contribute to the growth of the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia.
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