Kuala Lumpur, March 6: The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) is deepening its engagement with Malaysia through an inaugural in-person trade roadshow, highlighting a robust partnership with local stakeholders. Hosted at the Westin Kuala Lumpur on March 4th, the event saw participation from 18 Saudi entities, including Destination Management Companies (DMCs), hotels, transportation providers, and travel agents, aimed at enriching the leisure travel experience for Malaysians.
This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader vision under Saudi Vision 2030, which targets 150 million annual visitors by the decade’s end, supported by a remarkable growth in international arrivals by 156 per cent since 2019 as noted by the UNWTO, positioning Saudi as the world’s fastest-growing travel destination.
Malaysians now enjoy streamlined access to Saudi Arabia, thanks to the e-Visa program available to 63 countries, including those holding UK, Schengen, or US visas.
The introduction of a 96-hour Stopover Visa further enhances Saudi’s appeal as an ideal transit destination, offered to passengers flying SAUDI or Flynas.
The kingdom’s aviation sector plays a crucial role in this tourism drive, with a notable increase in airline capacity to over 700,000 seats via Air Asia X, Malaysia Airlines, and SAUDIA, and plans for further expansion to meet rising demand.
A highlight of the roadshow was the launch of Umrah+ packages, tailored for Malaysian pilgrims and accessible through the Nusuk platform.
These packages not only streamline the e-visa process but also offer enriched cultural and historical experiences, showcasing Saudi’s vast heritage and natural beauty.
Saudi Arabia presents a wealth of tourism opportunities ranging from cultural explorations, with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 10,000 archaeological locations, to modern leisure attractions and exclusive events.
Historical sites like Historic Jeddah, At Turaif in Diriyah, and Al Hijr at AlUla offer deep dives into the nation’s storied past, while VIA Riyadh and Bujairi Terrace stand out as contemporary landmarks.
The STA also promotes Saudi’s vibrant events and festivals, such as the Riyadh Season, AlUla Skies Festival, and Winter at Tantora, inviting Malaysians to immersive cultural and entertainment experiences.
An interactive showcase at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from March 5th to 10th invites all to explore the diverse offerings of Saudi tourism. For more details, visit the Visit Saudi website.
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