SATTE 2024: Can Saudi Arabia attract 7.5 million Indian tourists by 2030?

Recording increasing demand for travel from India to Saudi Arabia for both leisure and spiritual purposes, the Kingdom seeks to lure 7.5 million Indian travellers by 2030, as articulated by Alhasan Aldabbagh during the ongoing SATTE 2024 travel show in India.

Expressing enthusiasm about the Gulf state’s participation in the exhibition, the President of APAC, Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasised India as an important market, highlighting a substantial 50% increase in Indian visitors to Saudi Arabia in 2023.

Speaking to ANI, Aldabbagh said: “We are thrilled to be at SATTE [South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange]. 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.”

India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial relations

Discussing the Indian market’s role, he noted that India is a “priority market”. “Last year alone, we welcomed 1.5 million visitors from India.” He also addressed visa facilitation, noting: “Recognising India’s importance, we have streamlined access to Saudi.”

“With 10 VFS offices in India, we plan to expand further … We have introduced a stopover programme, offering a 96-hour free visa for those travelling through Saudi Airlines or flynas … Individuals holding a US, UK or Schengen visa are eligible for e-visa or visa on arrival.”

India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial relations reflecting the centuries-old economic and socio-cultural relations. The mutual goodwill between the two countries continues to expand. This growth spans not only tourism but also economic, social and cultural exchanges.

Dubai unveils special visa for Indian tourists

Dubai has also introduced a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Indian travellers. The latest official data suggests the UAE city welcomed 2.46 million overnight visitors from India between January and December 2023 – compared to 1.84 million in 2022.

Issued within two to five working days upon receiving and accepting the service request, the visa allows its holder to stay in the country for 90 days. The duration can be extended for a similar period but the overall stay cannot exceed 180 days in one year.

The UAE and India share exceptional flight connectivity. The notable influx of Indian tourists in 2023 significantly contributed to Dubai’s record-breaking tourism performance as the emirate welcomed 17.15 million international overnight visitors during last year.

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