Friday, March 8, 2024
During a recent trade roadshow in Kuala Lumpur, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) disclosed a plethora of initiatives, collaborating with an array of 18 Saudi entities encompassing destination management companies, hotels, transportation allies, and travel agencies. These efforts are designed to tap into the leisure market, underscore Saudi’s dedication to Malaysian visitors, and herald Saudi Arabia’s openness to international tourists. This initiative is a crucial step toward fulfilling Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” ambitions, which include the goal of attracting 150 million visitors annually by the decade’s end.
The initiatives also highlighted the aviation sector’s pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure, showcasing it as a conduit to the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Notably, over the past year, airline capacity has swelled, with more than 700,000 seats available across three major airlines—Air Asia X, Malaysia Airlines, and Saudia. Plans are underway to further amplify flight frequencies to meet the escalating travel demand.
A key announcement during the roadshow was the introduction of enhanced Umrah+ packages for Malaysian pilgrims, facilitated through the “Nusuk” platform. This initiative is poised to streamline the e-visa application process and offer meticulously curated experiences, encouraging Malaysians to delve into Saudi’s cultural depth, historical richness, diverse landscapes, and unique events and festivals. The Nusuk platform stands as the inaugural official channel for planning, booking, and experiencing journeys to Makkah, Madinah, and beyond, tailored specifically for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages.
Furthermore, STA emphasized the broad spectrum of tourism experiences Saudi Arabia has to offer to Malaysian travelers, ranging from cultural and historical explorations to natural wonders. With seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 10,000 archaeological sites, Saudi Arabia is a goldmine for those keen on historical ventures. Places like Historic Jeddah, At Turaif in Diriyah, and Al Hijr (Madain Salih) in AlUla provide a deep dive into the nation’s heritage.
Saudi Arabia also stands out as a leading leisure destination with iconic landmarks such as VIA Riyadh and Bujairi Terrace, offering a perfect mix of cultural immersion and luxury. Additionally, exclusive events and festivals like Riyadh Season, AlUla Skies Festival, and the winter celebration at Tantora present unique opportunities for cultural festivities and entertainment, promising memorable experiences for travelers.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
