With 275 direct flights every week between the two countries, Saudi Arabia is betting big on the Indian tourist footfall. Last year, the country recorded 1.5 million Indian travellers, a 50% jump over 2022, and aims to amplify this number in the coming decade. Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets of the Saudi Tourism Authority, who is on a visit to Delhi, tells DIVYA A his country has launched a range of initiatives for this — from establishing VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) offices in nine Indian cities to visa liberalisation and enhanced air connectivity. Edited excerpts from the interview: How significant is India as a source market for Saudi Arabia? India has long been an important partner for Saudi Arabia, reflecting the centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties. We now have a very ambitious goal for India. We expect India, which is currently No. 3, to be the No. 1 inbound market for Saudi by 2030. Last year, we hosted over 1.5 million Indian travelers, making a substantial increase of 50% from 2022. This surge is attributed to strategic initiatives, including a partnership with the Indian Premier League, enhanced air connectivity and the establishment of 10 VFS offices across India. We aim to host 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030. Which places in Saudi are most popular with Indian travellers? Medina, Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla remain the top destinations for visitors… Heritage-focused travel takes the lead as a holiday preference for Indian travellers and Saudi has been promoting its history and culture to attract tourists from around the world, including India. Key initiatives include the restoration and preservation of heritage sites such as Al-Ula and Diriyah, and the development of cultural festivals and events that showcase Saudi's traditions and customs. How has Saudi Arabia facilitated ease of travel for tourists, and for Indians in particular, with respect to visas and flights? It has never been easier to visit Saudi. Enhanced air connectivity and visa initiatives are key to opening Saudi to Indian travellers. Indian passport holders with a UK, US or Schengen visa that has been utilised at least once are eligible for an e-visa online. The stopover visa allows Indian passengers flying with Saudia (flag carrier of Saudi Arabia) or Flynas ( private Saudi low-cost airline) to spend up to 96 hours in the country. With 10 VFS Tasheel offices located across Indian cities, our goal is to enable a seamless travel experience to Saudi. At a time when the Red Sea has a different connotation, what is the Red Sea tourism Saudi is talking about? The Red Sea is known for its pristine landscape with the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system, 90 untouched islands, mountains and mangroves — all in one place. It will soon have its very own airport, The Red Sea International Airport. We have also taken steps to embrace eco-friendly practices by enhancing biologically diverse habitats including mangroves, seagrass, corals and land vegetation. Another new island destination in the Red Sea is Sindalah, which will be the first physical showcase of NEOM (a new destination being created in Northwestern Saudi). It is a $500 billion giga-project being built as a zero-carbon smart city that will run on renewable energy. What are the other major source markets for Saudi Arabia and how do they compare with India? India remains one of Saudi’s top three inbound source markets and holds a pivotal role in realising Vision 2030. By 2030, we are also aiming to attract Chinese visitors by tailoring experiences for Chinese travellers.
