Saudia Boosts Sports Tourism in Saudi Arabia Through Global Collaborations, Strengthening the Kingdom’s Position as a New Sports and Cultural Tourism Destination

Published on November 30, 2025

Invitation to Indian Football Talent Payal Ramesh Basude: A Step Toward Sports Tourism Promotion

In an effort to boost sports tourism, Saudia extended an exclusive invitation to Indian football talent Payal Ramesh Basude, a promising goalkeeper who has represented India internationally. During her visit to Saudi Arabia, Payal had the opportunity to attend a Saudi Pro League (SPL) match between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad in Jeddah, where she witnessed world-class players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in action. This initiative is part of Saudia’s commitment to sports tourism, inviting international talent and travelers to experience the Kingdom’s vibrant sports culture.

In addition to the football match, Payal explored Jeddah’s cultural and leisure highlights, including the historic Al-Balad district, the scenic Jeddah Corniche, the Red Sea Mall, and the Museum of Islamic Arts. This combination of sports and cultural tourism shows how Saudi Arabia is enhancing its reputation as a multi-faceted tourism destination, offering visitors a diverse array of experiences.

The Rise of the Saudi Pro League: A Boost for Sports Tourism

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is one of the fastest-growing football leagues in the world, and its rise is a major driver of sports tourism in the Kingdom. With top clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli, the SPL is attracting international attention and encouraging more global visitors to travel to Saudi Arabia to watch the games live.

Recent wins, such as Al-Hilal’s defeat of Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup and Al-Ahli’s victory in the 2025 AFC Champions League, have increased global interest in the Kingdom’s football scene. This is a clear reflection of how sports events are driving tourism demand to Saudi Arabia, with more visitors traveling to experience these exciting sporting events firsthand.

By positioning the Saudi Pro League as a premier football competition, Saudia is directly contributing to the growth of sports tourism in Saudi Arabia, helping to attract international fans and travelers looking to enjoy world-class football in a dynamic new environment.

Saudia’s Business Class: Enhancing the Sports Tourism Experience

During her visit to Saudi Arabia, Payal also had the opportunity to experience Saudia’s Business Class, gaining firsthand insight into the airline’s commitment to offering world-class service and luxury experiences. The airline’s Business Class includes lie-flat seats, curated dining experiences, and access to the exclusive Alfursan Lounge, all of which enhance the travel experience for sports tourists and luxury travelers alike.

The integration of luxury travel with sports tourism allows Saudia to appeal to affluent travelers seeking both premium service and access to major sporting events. As the demand for sports tourism grows globally, Saudia is perfectly positioned to provide high-end travel experiences that combine the best of both worlds: luxury and sports tourism.

Saudia’s Broader Commitment to Global Sports Tourism

Saudia’s commitment to sports tourism goes far beyond football. The airline has been an active supporter of numerous high-profile international sports events, including Formula E, The Saudi Cup (equestrian), boxing championships, the E-World Cup, and the Riyadh Season, a multi-sport festival featuring global events such as tennis and esports. These events not only attract visitors to Saudi Arabia but also bolster the country’s standing as a major sports tourism destination.

By supporting these high-profile sporting events, Saudia is helping to position Saudi Arabia as a destination where global sporting events intersect with luxury tourism, ensuring that travelers have access to unique sports and entertainment experiences.

The Future of Sports Tourism in Saudi Arabia

The rapid growth of sports tourism in Saudi Arabia aligns directly with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and increase its appeal to global tourists. With major investments in sports infrastructure and the continued support for international sporting events, Saudi Arabia is steadily becoming a premier destination for sports tourism, offering everything from football and equestrian events to tennis and boxing.

As sports tourism continues to grow, Saudia is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering exclusive travel options for those attending major sporting events while simultaneously enhancing cultural tourism opportunities.

Saudia’s Role in Shaping the Future of Sports Tourism in Saudi Arabia