In a bold move to establish itself as a premier global tourist destination, Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to engage the Indian travel market. The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has launched a series of strategic initiatives, focusing on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), Group Inclusive Tours (GIT), and the burgeoning wedding tourism segment. Through a blend of networking events, familiarization trips, and enhanced connectivity, Saudi Arabia aims to attract a significant share of the Indian outbound tourism market.
Engaging the Indian Travel Trade
Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach began with its prominent participation in the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) held in New Delhi. The event served as a vital platform for the kingdom to showcase its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and diverse landscapes. The Saudi delegation included 14 stakeholders from Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and airline partners. Their collective efforts emphasized Saudi’s appeal as a multifaceted destination catering to both leisure and business travelers from India.
Following SATTE, the STA organized a series of networking events in key Indian cities such as Bengaluru and Mumbai. These events witnessed the participation of over 200 members from travel trade associations and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). By facilitating face-to-face interactions, the STA provided Indian travel professionals with deeper insights into Saudi’s tourism offerings, including new visa policies, direct flight routes, and exclusive packages tailored for Indian tourists.
The networking sessions highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to making travel seamless for Indian visitors. The kingdom’s simplified e-visa procedures, coupled with visa-on-arrival options for Indian nationals holding valid Schengen, UK, or US visas, were key points of discussion. Additionally, the STA introduced incentive programs for travel agents promoting Saudi packages, further strengthening trade relationships.
Mega Initiatives in MICE, GIT, and Weddings
Understanding the evolving preferences of Indian travelers, Saudi Arabia has rolled out substantial initiatives in the MICE, GIT, and wedding tourism segments. The kingdom’s state-of-the-art conference facilities, luxury hotels, and unique cultural experiences position it as an ideal choice for corporate events and incentive tours. To showcase these capabilities, the STA organized a familiarization trip for leading Indian travel professionals, allowing them to experience firsthand Saudi’s hospitality, infrastructure, and diverse attractions.
The MICE segment has been a focal point of Saudi’s strategy, with the kingdom hosting an increasing number of international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events. The Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center and the King Abdulaziz Conference Center in Riyadh have been spotlighted as prime venues capable of hosting large-scale events. Additionally, cities like Jeddah and AlUla offer unique backdrops for corporate retreats and high-profile meetings, blending business with leisure through heritage tours, desert safaris, and luxury resorts.
Meanwhile, the GIT segment has seen targeted efforts, with exclusive group packages designed to attract Indian families and corporate groups. From guided tours of Madain Salih and Diriyah to adventure activities in NEOM, these packages promise curated experiences that appeal to India’s growing segment of group travelers seeking novelty and cultural richness.
In the wedding tourism sector, Saudi Arabia is making a remarkable entry by promoting its palatial resorts, opulent banquet halls, and picturesque landscapes as dream wedding destinations. With a blend of Arabian grandeur and modern luxury, cities like Jeddah, Al Khobar, and the scenic resorts along the Red Sea coast are being marketed as perfect venues for lavish Indian weddings. Recognizing the importance of traditional customs, the STA has also collaborated with local service providers to offer Indian vegetarian cuisine, mandap setups, and specialized wedding planners.
Saudi Arabia: An Emerging Hub for Sporting Events
In its journey to diversify tourism offerings, Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as a hub for international sporting events. Since 2018, the kingdom has hosted over 100 international sporting events, including major boxing matches, Formula 1 races, and high-profile football tournaments. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and seamless connectivity, Saudi has become an attractive destination for Indian sports enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is set to host the World Rally Championship, the FIBA Basketball Asia Cup, the Esports World Cup, and the FIFA World Cup in 2034. These events are expected to draw a substantial number of Indian visitors, combining the thrill of world-class sports with Saudi’s rich cultural experiences. The kingdom’s investments in stadiums, fan zones, and hospitality services underline its ambition to be a leading sports tourism destination in the region.
Enhanced Connectivity and Accessibility
To support its tourism vision, Saudi Arabia has significantly boosted air connectivity with India. As of February 2025, the number of inbound weekly flights from India has risen to 314, reflecting a 13.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The kingdom’s national carrier, Saudia, alongside Flynas, IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, now connects 33 key Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, to major Saudi destinations.
The expansion in flight routes is complemented by a substantial increase in seat capacity, which is expected to grow by 14.5% this year. The introduction of direct flights to secondary cities such as Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Kochi aims to tap into the rapidly expanding middle-class market in India, characterized by a rising propensity for international travel.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has simplified the visa process for Indian tourists by establishing 11 Tasheer Centres across India. These centres facilitate visa applications, making it convenient for Indian travelers to plan their trips. The introduction of a 96-hour stopover visa is another strategic move to attract transit passengers flying via Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, offering them a chance to explore the kingdom’s landmarks and cultural sites.
Promoting Cultural and Heritage Tourism
Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage is a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. Sites such as AlUla, Diriyah, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock art of Jubbah and Shuwaymis are being promoted extensively to Indian travelers. The STA’s campaigns highlight immersive experiences, from visiting ancient Nabatean tombs and mudbrick forts to partaking in traditional Saudi festivals and souks.
Special interest tours focusing on Islamic heritage have also seen a surge in demand, with many Indian Muslims visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. In addition to religious tourism, the kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to attract leisure travelers through festivals such as the Riyadh Season, which features concerts, cultural shows, and sporting events.
Looking Ahead
Saudi Arabia’s multi-pronged approach to capturing the Indian tourism market aligns with its Vision 2030, which aims to attract 100 million annual visitors and elevate tourism’s contribution to GDP. The kingdom’s focus on safety, world-class infrastructure, and diverse experiences is resonating well with Indian travelers, who are increasingly seeking new and unexplored destinations.
As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its tourism offerings and strengthen ties with Indian travel trade partners, it is well on its way to becoming a top choice for Indian tourists—whether they seek luxury, adventure, cultural exploration, or business opportunities.
Saudi Aramco Cuts Dividend Amid Profit Decline Due to Lower Oil Prices
