STA says that in 2023, there was a 50 pc rise over 2022 in Indian visitation due to its strategic roadmap
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) recently hosted a series of networking events across four Indian cities for over 500 members of the Indian travel trade associations.
According to a press statement by STA, it aims to make India its top source market targeting 7.5 million visitors by 2030. The STA delegation with key stakeholders engaged with their Indian counterparts from the key cities of Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Delhi.
The statement adds that STA also organised sales mission in collaboration with leading Destination Management Companies (DMC) across all four cities, engaging with key trade partners, fostering ‘strategic partnerships and long-term business ties within India.’
Saudi Tourism Authority has launched a host of initiatives to attract Indian visitors
It says that STA also participated in OTM in Mumbai and SATTE in Greater Noida setting the tone for a year brimming with opportunities. STA says that in 2023, there was a 50 pc rise over 2022 in Indian visitation due to its strategic roadmap.
The statement adds that to facilitate seamless travel experiences for Indian visitors, Saudi has simplified its visa process, offering options like e-visas and visa-on-arrival. These options are extended to individuals with US, UK, and Schengen visas and stamped proof of entry from the issuing country.
STA says that it has also amplified air connectivity significantly, reaching a capacity of 2.8 million seats in 2023, 31 pc more than in 2019. Flights from 12 major Indian hubs to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam support the destination’s tourism efforts, unlocking a world of exploration, adds the statement.
The upcoming consumer campaigns for this year includes a destination awareness campaign from the luxury point of view, summer initiatives in March and April as well as winter initiatives later this year. The Living Wonders of Arabia and the Women Wonder campaigns will be launched soon.
STA launched the ‘Go Beyond What You Think’ campaign video with football icon Lionel Messi earlier this year reflecting the vision of positioning the country as an exciting destination and breaking myths.
