Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Delhi host STA’s high-level outreach to the Indian travel trade
September 26, 2025 –
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its tourism outreach in India, one of the Kingdom’s most dynamic source markets, with a three-city roadshow organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). Held between September 15–19 in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, the initiative brought Saudi suppliers face-to-face with over 500 Indian travel professionals, underscoring the growing strategic importance of India in Saudi Arabia’s global tourism agenda.
India: A Priority Market in Vision 2030
As Saudi Arabia works towards its ambitious Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy beyond oil, tourism has emerged as a pillar sector. India, with its expanding middle class, increasing disposable incomes, and appetite for premium international travel, is now one of the most promising markets for inbound tourism to the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s appeal is multi-dimensional:
- Proximity and convenience: Short flight times make the Kingdom an accessible option for both leisure and religious travel.
- Growing connectivity: Direct air links between Indian metros and Saudi cities are expanding rapidly.
- Diaspora ties: The sizeable Indian community in Saudi Arabia acts as a cultural and commercial bridge between the two nations.
For Saudi Arabia, India is not merely a source market—it is a strategic partner in building sustained tourism flows that will contribute to its long-term growth objectives.
A Platform for Trade Engagement
The roadshow was structured to create direct dialogue between Indian travel buyers and Saudi suppliers. Over 15 Saudi partners, including leading destination management companies (DMCs), airlines, and hospitality groups, presented their offerings. The event was designed not only to market products but also to foster meaningful business discussions and unlock new collaboration opportunities.
Delegates engaged in one-to-one meetings, interactive sessions, and itinerary-building exercises, ensuring that the Indian travel trade gained first-hand knowledge of Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism landscape.
New Winter Season Launches
A major focus of the roadshow was the introduction of Saudi Arabia’s winter tourism products, tailored to the preferences of Indian travelers. These included:
- Luxury desert retreats, combining privacy with curated cultural experiences.
- Exclusive Red Sea resorts, offering premium leisure escapes.
- Cultural discovery tours, blending heritage sites with modern attractions.
This seasonal push is part of STA’s broader strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a year-round destination, moving beyond its traditional image as a hub for religious tourism.
Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s Next-Gen Attractions
Saudi Arabia also used the roadshow to spotlight its transformational tourism projects—developments that signal its ambition to compete on a global scale:
- Six Flags Qiddiya – set to become one of the world’s most advanced theme parks.
- Aquarabia Water Theme Park – a family-focused destination poised to attract regional and international visitors.
- MDLBEAST Soundstorm Festival – Riyadh’s flagship global music festival, enhancing the Kingdom’s appeal to younger travelers.
- King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) – positioned as a dual-purpose destination for leisure and business on the Red Sea coast.
By promoting these projects, Saudi Arabia is sending a clear signal: it is investing heavily in experiences that cater to families, millennials, adventure seekers, and luxury travelers alike.
Global Campaign Synergy
The roadshow also dovetailed with STA’s global brand campaign fronted by Cristiano Ronaldo. Under the theme “I Came for Football, I Stayed for More”, the campaign emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s new identity as a destination that combines sports, culture, entertainment, and luxury. For Indian audiences—many of whom are passionate football fans—the campaign provides both familiarity and aspiration.
Interactive and Immersive Engagement
Unlike traditional trade events, the roadshow featured interactive, gamified sessions where delegates designed personalized itineraries and participated in knowledge-based competitions. These activities offered a hands-on understanding of Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes and tourism products, while fostering a sense of co-creation between Indian buyers and Saudi stakeholders.
Sustainability at the Core
Running parallel to the India engagement was the Tourism Seasonality Summit in Riyadh, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. By spreading demand across seasons and regions, the Kingdom aims to:
- Reduce strain on peak-season infrastructure.
- Encourage year-round visitor flows.
- Ensure that tourism delivers benefits to local communities consistently.
This aligns with global best practices and enhances Saudi Arabia’s positioning as a responsible and forward-looking tourism destination.
Looking Ahead
The STA made clear that this roadshow is part of a longer-term engagement strategy with India. Plans include:
- Expanded trade roadshows and participation in leading global tourism fairs.
- Tailored offerings for Indian travelers, focusing on luxury, adventure, and cultural tourism.
- Enhanced promotion of religious tourism, particularly for Mecca and Medina.
- Further investment in heritage tourism, with an emphasis on UNESCO sites and traditional arts.
Conclusion: A Strategic Step Forward
The Saudi Tourism Authority’s India roadshow was more than a promotional tour—it was a strategic exercise in relationship building, signaling Saudi Arabia’s deep commitment to the Indian market. By combining luxury offerings, cutting-edge attractions, cultural depth, and sustainability, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a holistic destination for the modern Indian traveler.
As tourism becomes central to Saudi Arabia’s national transformation, India will remain a cornerstone market—not only driving visitor numbers but also shaping how Saudi Arabia is perceived as a global travel destination.
