Engages with Indian travel trade through networking events, SATTE participation, activating initiatives in MICE, GIT & weddings segments.
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) started the year with a presence at SATTE in New Delhi, reinforcing Saudi’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. At SATTE, Saudi showcased its tourism offerings, bringing along the Saudi delegation, which included 14 stakeholders from DMOs, DMCs, and airline partners.
To further strengthen ties with the Indian travel trade, the Saudi delegation also hosted networking events in Bengaluru and Mumbai, engaging over 200 members of travel trade associations and OTAs. These events provided an opportunity to delve deeper into Saudi’s major tourism initiatives and explore significant growth opportunities in the region.
Saudi launched a series of key initiatives across MICE, destination weddings, and Group Inclusive Tours (GIT), aiming to position itself as a prime destination for large-scale conferences, corporate retreats, and exclusive events. Since 2018, Saudi reported to host over 100 international sporting events, including major boxing fights and Formula 1.
Looking ahead, Saudi is set to host the World Rally Championship, the FIBA Basketball Asia Cup, the Esports World Cup, and the FIFA World Cup 2034, with its matches set to take place in venues across Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Abha.
As of February 2025, inbound weekly flights from India have increased to 314, marking a 13.4% rise from the same period in 2024. This capacity is set to grow by an additional 14.5% this year, with expanded routes to 33 key gateways, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, catering to the rising demand for both business and leisure travel.
Currently, seven airlines operate between India and Saudi – Saudia, Flynas, IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. Additionally, Indian travellers with a valid Schengen, UK, or US visa can now benefit from simplified visa procedures at 11 Tasheer Centres across India.