Today: 8 May 2025
23 February 2024
2 mins read

Saudi Arabia Targets 7.5M Indian Tourists by 2030

Witnessing increasing demand for travel from India to Saudi Arabia for spiritual and leisure purposes, Riyadh aims to attract 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030, as articulated by Alhasan Aldabbagh, President – Asia Pacific, Saudi Tourism Authority, during the prominent SATTE 2024 travel show.

Expressing enthusiasm about Saudi’s third participation in SATTE, Aldabbagh marked the occasion of Saudi’s founding day, commemorating three centuries since its establishment. Emphasising India as a pivotal market, he highlighted a substantial 50 per cent growth in Indian visitors to Saudi Arabia last year, outlining plans to achieve the 2030 vision.

In a conversation with ANI, Aldabbagh said, “We’re thrilled to be at SATTE. It’s our third participation, and it’s one of the most distinguished trade shows in South Asia. Today holds significance as we celebrate the Saudi founding day.”

When queried about the Indian market’s role in Saudi Arabia, Aldabbagh asserted, “India is a priority market for Saudi. Last year alone, we welcomed 1.5 million visitors from India, presenting a remarkable 50 per cent growth. Looking ahead, our objective is to attract 7.5 million visitors from India to Saudi Arabia as part of our vision for 2030.”

Addressing visa facilitation, Aldabbagh mentioned, “Recognising India’s importance, we have streamlined access to Saudi. With 10 VFS offices in India, we plan to expand further this year. We’ve introduced a stopover program, offering a 96-hour free visa for those travelling through Saudi Airlines or flynas (a private Saudi low-cost airline). Additionally, individuals holding a US, UK, or Schengen visa are eligible for e-Visa or visa on arrival.”

Regarding the enduring relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, Aldabbagh said, “The mutual goodwill between India and Saudi Arabia has consistently expanded. This growth spans not only in the tourism sector but also in economic, social, and cultural exchanges. We eagerly anticipate our planned activations in India this year, further solidifying our flourishing relationship.”

India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and friendly relations reflecting the centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties.

SATTE (South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange) offers a comprehensive platform to domestic and international buyers and professionals from across the travel, tourism and hospitality industry along with National and State Tourism Boards (NTOs and STOs).

SATTE is well-supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, National and International Tourism Boards, Indian and International travel and trade associations and organisations amongst others, according to SATTE’s official website. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Israel’s Actions ‘Indefensible’: Saudi at ICJ

Previous Story

Dubai’s Economy to Grow by 5% in 2024

Next Story

Canberra Nights Aglow with Spectacular Lights

Latest from -Top News

India Strikes Terror Bases in Pakistan

‘Justice is served’, says Indian Army as Operation Sindoor unfolds In a significant military response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, the Indian Army on Wednesday

UAE Reopens Doors to Lebanon

The prime minister expressed Lebanon’s “utmost gratitude and appreciation to the UAE” and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan….reports Asian Lite News Lebanon welcomed the decision by the United Arab Emirates

SYRIA RAIDS: Arab League Slams Israel

The Arab League condemned the airstrikes and called on the international community and the United Nations to confront what it described as “repeated violations committed by Israel against the Syrian state.” The

India Rises, Africa Watches 

While struggling economies in Africa engulf themselves in ideological battles and take sides in the tariff battles, nations like India are placing their national interest first and navigating Global Trade challenges in

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UAE, Saudi Condemn Ankara Terror Attack

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Dowden sets £30bn Saudi-UK 2030 bilateral trade goal

The conference aims to spark and strengthen Saudi-UK partnerships in