Wednesday, September 25, 2024 “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.
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