Saudi arabia’s
“Shaandaar Saudi” unveils a vibrant campaign aimed at attracting Indian tourists, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes.
Saudi Arabia has introduced its first-ever dedicated marketing campaign for Indian tourists, dubbed “Shaandaar Saudi.” Launched in Mumbai on Tuesday, the campaign positions the Kingdom as a year-round destination catering to Indian families, culture aficionados, adventure seekers, and food enthusiasts.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the nation’s economy and attract 150 million visitors by the end of the decade, with a target of drawing 7.5 million tourists from India alone.
Acknowledging the significance of cuisine in travel choices, the campaign spotlights a selection of Indian restaurants and vegetarian-friendly options, addressing the dietary preferences of many Indian travelers.
In addition to promoting its culinary offerings, Saudi Arabia is showcasing key destinations such as Diriyah, the Red Sea, Jeddah, AlUla, and Riyadh. These locations offer a variety of attractions tailored to different segments of Indian tourists, ranging from ancient heritage sites to cutting-edge urban landscapes.
The campaign also emphasizes unique experiences tailored specifically for Indian visitors, featuring the Kingdom’s renowned hospitality, vibrant festivals, and a diverse array of activities available throughout the year.
Enhanced Travel Accessibility and Special Offers
The “Shaandaar Saudi” campaign aims to simplify the travel process for Indian tourists. An 8-day interactive event in Mumbai introduced Tasheer kiosks, enabling visitors to apply for Saudi visas on the spot, with a quick processing time of just 48 hours. Currently, Saudi Arabia operates 11 Tasheer centers across India.
Indian travelers holding valid U.S., UK, or Schengen visas are also eligible for eVisas and visa-on-arrival options at Saudi airports. Additionally, Saudia and Flynas are offering a complimentary stopover visa, valid for up to 96 hours, available for application up to 90 days in advance.
Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its air connectivity, making travel more convenient for Indian tourists. There are now 330 direct weekly flights connecting 12 major Indian cities to key Saudi destinations like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, operated by 8 airlines.
As part of the campaign’s promotional efforts, Saudia is offering exclusive deals for Indian travelers, including a “buy one, get 50% off” promotion on business class tickets and a 15% discount on all economy fares.
The campaign follows a recent meeting between the Indian tourism minister and his Saudi counterpart, where they discussed strengthening tourism ties and developing youth training programs to bolster the tourism sector in both nations.
Leveraging India’s Expanding Middle Class
Saudi Arabia’s focus on India is driven by the rapid growth of the Indian middle class, with 65% of the population under 35. This emerging demographic is increasingly seeking new travel experiences, making India a lucrative market for tourism-driven economies like Saudi Arabia.
By 2047, the Indian middle class is expected to constitute 60% of the population. With around 1 billion middle-class citizens projected by mid-century, India is set to become a key driver of global tourism growth, positioning Saudi Arabia as an attractive destination for this burgeoning traveler segment.
Speaking on the campaign, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “Indian travellers have long shown a deep appreciation for authentic and unique experiences. They are keen to explore novel destinations, cultures and gastronomy, and that is exactly what Saudi has to offer. With iconic destinations like Diriyah, Al Balad, and Hegra in AlUla – three of Saudi’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, they can walk through history dating back millennia, and with tailor-made packages, experience world-class culture, adventure, and cuisine.
We are excited for Indians to experience the warm Saudi welcome, a core part of our heritage, and something intrinsic to Indian culture as well. India holds an incredibly special place in our hearts, and we are committed to making India the number one source market by 2030. In 2023 alone, 1.6 million Indians travelled to Saudi. We are thrilled to welcome Indian visitors to truly experience the Heart of Arabia.”
With a 240% surge in leisure visits from India as compared to last year – It has never been easier to visit Saudi, with over 330 direct weekly flights and 8 airline operators. Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry are eligible for the eVisa and visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports. Those not eligible under the above-mentioned criteria can apply for the visa through 11 Tasheer Centres across India. For more information, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations, the one stop for all Saudi visa requirements. Indian travellers can also apply for a free Stopover visa, which is valid for up to 96 hours and can be obtained 90 days in advance on the Saudia Airline and Flynas website.
