Wednesday, March 6, 2024
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) revealed a suite of innovative measures at its trade event hosted at The Westin Kuala Lumpur on March 4th, featuring participation from 18 Saudi stakeholders including destination management companies, hotels, transport partners, and travel agents. This strategic initiative aims to tap into the leisure travel sector, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s dedication to Malaysian tourists while simultaneously extending its hospitality to the global audience.
The 2024 Malaysian Trade Roadshow organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority signifies a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to embracing international visitors, in line with the ambitious goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, which aspires to welcome 150 million annual visitors by the decade’s end. Noteworthy is Saudi Arabia’s rapid ascent as a prominent tourist destination recognized by UNWTO, with international arrivals surging by 156% compared to figures from 2019.
Accessing Saudi Arabia has never been more convenient, particularly for Malaysians, as the country is among the 63 nations eligible for the e-Visa program. Furthermore, Malaysian passport holders with UK, Schengen, or US visit visas can avail themselves of e-visas or visas on arrival. Additionally, the newly introduced 96-hour Stopover Visa facilitates short visits for travelers flying with SAUDI and Flynas, positioning Saudi Arabia as an ideal stopover destination for Malaysian travelers continuing their journeys.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector plays a pivotal role, serving as a gateway to its diverse cultural landscape. Over the past year, airline capacity has surged to over 700,000 seats across three major carriers – Air Asia X, Malaysia Airlines, and SAUDIA, with plans for further frequency enhancements to accommodate escalating demand.
At the trade event, the Saudi Tourism Authority unveiled enhanced Umrah+ packages tailored exclusively for Malaysian pilgrims. Accessible via the Nusuk platform, these packages streamline e-visa applications and offer curated experiences, beckoning Malaysians to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, historical marvels, varied landscapes, and exclusive events and festivals.
Saudi Arabia offers a rich tapestry of tourism experiences catering to the diverse preferences of Malaysian travelers, spanning culture, heritage, and nature:
Cultural and Historical Marvels: Saudi Arabia boasts an abundance of historical treasures, including seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 10,000 archaeological sites. Notable landmarks such as Historic Jeddah, At Turaif in Diriyah (the birthplace of Saudi Arabia), and Al Hijr (Madain Salih) in AlUla beckon visitors on a captivating journey through the nation’s illustrious heritage.
Varied Offerings: Emerging as a premier global leisure destination, Saudi Arabia showcases iconic locations like VIA Riyadh and Bujairi Terrace, adding to its allure and offering travelers a harmonious blend of cultural immersion and modern experiences.
Exclusive Events and Festivals: Travelers can partake in a myriad of events and festivals, including the vibrant Riyadh Season, the enchanting AlUla Skies Festival, and the magical Winter at Tantora. These festivities combine cultural celebrations with entertainment, promising unforgettable experiences for all who attend.
Embark on an immersive journey and uncover the essence of Arabia at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (3rd floor, outdoors), happening from March 5th to 10th.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
