Known for its oil-driven economy, Saudi Arabia is now looking to explore its tourism potential, opening up its vast expanse of beaches and high mountains for explorers.
Keen on attracting tourists from India, the Arabian kingdom has turned its focus on millennials, considered to scout for new destinations offering shorter-duration packages for last-minute planners.
“As the authentic home of Arabia, Saudi offers unique, diverse and unparalleled experiences, a land of natural assets, rich culture and heritage and adventure,” Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) said during a webinar targeted to tap the Indian market.
From diving in the Red Sea to explore coral reefs to ‘edge of the world’ (Jebel Fihrayn) cliffs in the rocky desert near Riyadh, the STA is pulling out all stops to emerge as a tourist destination.
Saudi opened its doors to leisure tourism in September 2019 with the launch of a tourism e-visa service. The move is considered as a key step in the implementation of its Vision 2030 as the kingdom aims for economic diversification beyond the oil-driven economy.
While tourists rave about snowboarding, Abdullah Al Dakhil, the International Communication Manager, Saudi Tourism Authority vouched for the thrills of sandboarding in the desert kingdom.
“We are working with the private sector to provide a range of options for travellers – from the topmost luxury to varied segments,” Al Dakhil said.
Besides India, Saudi Arabia is also promoting itself as a tourism destination in Germany, Britain, China, Russia and other European countries.
(Published 21 February 2021, 15:59 IST)
JOIN US