• Announces the launch of VIA Riyadh, expanding Saudi’s luxury shopping and entertainment offering
• Launches bespoke packages, leveraging the partnership with the TATA Indian Premier League

Mumbai, 11 May 2023: Saudi Tourism Authority has leveraged its partnership with the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) to launch bespoke promotional packages with leading travel agencies like Akbar Travels, SOTC, Make My Trip, Cleartrip, and Ease My Trip; promoting Saudi as the leading leisure destination for Indian travellers.

Saudi has also announced the opening of multiple VFS Tasheer Visa offices by the end of May. These offices will serve as the authorized visa partners for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, providing applicants with efficient and secure administrative visa services.

As part of Saudi’s tourism strategy, India represents immense potential as it is expected to be Saudi’s largest tourism source market by 2030. Recently, IndiGo Airlines announced a new airline route from Ahmedabad to Jeddah, with daily direct flights starting August 11, 2023, which should further boost tourism from India.

With the aim of promoting its leisure and entertainment offerings to the world, Saudi is also excited to announce the opening of VIA Riyadh, scheduled for May 18. This event is set to attract a global audience and will showcase Saudi’s latest luxury shopping and entertainment district. The new development will feature the luxurious The St. Regis hotel, 23 international brands, 17 restaurants and seven cinemas. VIA Riyadh will be home to several international award-winning restaurants including Gymkhana, Ferdi, Bianca, and Les Deux Magots. The new project is part of the initiative to develop Saudi’s entertainment sector and help diversify the economy as part of the Saudi Vision 2030.

To attract more visitors, the country had also announced the Stopover Visa, allowing Indian passengers traveling with SAUDIA to spend up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia and enjoy a complimentary hotel night. This move, along with Saudi Tourism Authority’s partnerships with airlines, leading tour operators and IPL to promote Saudi’s diverse offerings for Indian travelers demonstrates Saudi’s commitment to developing its tourism sector and positioning itself as the new leisure tourism frontier.

As a country steeped in history, Saudi Arabia has many cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. Indian visitors can embrace Saudi’s history and heritage at the Ushaiger Heritage Village in the heart of the Najd region to get a glimpse into traditional Saudi life, as well as explore Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Arabia. The Saudi National Museum in Riyadh brings visitors on a journey through centuries of culture, art and history from prehistoric Arabia to the modern-day kingdom, giving Indian travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant arts and culture scene of Saudi Arabia.

Detailed information on the packages is available on https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/ipl

Learn more about Saudi’s tourism offerings on the Visit Saudi website.

About Saudi Tourism Authority

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi Arabia’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the Kingdom’s offering through programs, packages, and business support. Its mandate ranges from developing the country’s unique assets and destinations, through to hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi Arabia’s tourism brand locally and overseas.

—