With the objective to maintain the high rate of growth in the India achieved in 2023, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) recently organised a series of networking events across four cities in India, that it has identified as key source cities in the country.

In a press statement, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) says that the events held in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kolkata were a part of STA’s ongoing commitment to strengthen partnerships with the Indian  travel trade and showcase diverse offerings as a top travel destination.

The statement adds that events were strategically designed to cater to the unique interests of each city, providing tailored information, highlighting leisure activities, cultural heritage, corporate travel, and pilgrimage. 

STA offered an immersive experience for participants through multimedia presentations, networking opportunities with STA officials

STA says that the series commenced in Ahmedabad and concluded in Kolkata. In Mumbai, 55 leading travel agents and industry representatives participated, while 50 members of the travel trade associations and tour operators attended the Delhi event. 

It adds that in Mumbai and Delhi, STA offered an immersive experience for participants through multimedia presentations, networking opportunities with STA officials, and interactive sessions like a harmonica workshop. 

STA says that the presentation gave an engaging account of the destination’s stunning landscapes, upcoming cultural festivals like Jeddah Season, adventure tourism, and luxury accommodations, as well as information on visa and flight connectivity. A calligraphy artist presented personalised mementoes to the attendees.

STA says it aims to provide firsthand knowledge and insights to Indian travel agents, enabling them to craft exceptional experiences and itineraries for their clients

According to the tourism promotion organisation, in Ahmedabad and Kolkata, the events were focussed on Umrah. Detailed information about the pilgrimage experience, services available to Indian pilgrims, travel packages, accommodations, and religious sites were shared. 

The STA team also provided information on easy visa processes that ensure a seamless experience to pilgrims embarking on their spiritual journey to Saudi. Over 100 travel agents specialising in religious tourism attended the events held in these two key cities, it says.

By hosting these events, STA says it aims to provide firsthand knowledge and insights to Indian travel agents, enabling them to craft exceptional experiences and itineraries for their clients.

The statement adds that Saudi now offers easy visas and options like e-Visa, visa-on-arrival and stopover visa to Indian passport holders with a valid tourist or business visa from the United States, United Kingdom, or Schengen countries with entry stamps from the issuing country. 

For others, currently, there are 10 visa facilitation centres in Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata and Calicut with plans to add more dedicated centres in additional cities. All of these visa options are valid for those wishing to perform Umrah.