INDIA: The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) marked the start of this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) by showcasing Saudi’s spectacular summer destinations to trade partners – as the country’s tourism sector continues to go from strength to strength.

Representatives from Saudi’s booming tourism ecosystem kicked-off the Middle East’s biggest travel and tourism trade show aiming to build awareness of Saudi’s unique and diverse summer destination offering, strengthen and establish new trade partnerships, and celebrate the remarkable year-on-year growth of the Saudi tourism sector.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of STA, is leading the Saudi delegation of 72 partners from across the tourism sector, including top destination management companies, hoteliers, and airlines, to the show that started in Dubai today.

The delegation is aiming to showcase Saudi’s distinctive summer destinations to trade partners and consumers in the GCC region and underline Saudi’s status as a world-leading year-round tourism destination, with a strategic focus on priority markets like India and China.

Over the summer season, Saudi offers a unique and diverse range of activities and destinations for visitors including young families ranging from the pristine beaches of the Red Sea, the rich culture of Jeddah, and an events program like no other, including the Esports World Cup starting in Riyadh this July.

Saudi’s mountainous regions including the tranquil and picturesque destinations of Aseer, Taif, and Al Baha also provide a refreshing escape during the summer season with temperatures in the low 20s. These serene retreats are ideal for adventure travelers who seek natural beauty, wildlife, hiking trails, and cool breezes.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of STA, said: “We’re delighted to be back at ATM this year to showcase Saudi as a unique summer destination, offering an action-packed events calendar, cool mountain regions for adventurer seekers, and pristine beaches for families and those looking to relax.

The MEA and APAC markets are hugely important in our overarching tourism strategy with a combined 23 million visits last year, and we will be focusing on growing those numbers.

Having welcomed over 100m tourists in 2023, Saudi is the land of now – offering growth and opportunities like no other to trade partners across the globe. And over the coming days, we look forward to building new long-lasting partnerships, sharing knowledge, and showcasing the wealth of opportunities Saudi has to offer.”

Building on the success of last year’s presence at ATM, where over 50,000 visitors were welcomed at the Saudi stand, this year’s exhibit is set across three floors with partners showcasing hundreds of affordable and luxury bookable products for destinations such as Jeddah, AlUla, Aseer, Riyadh, and the Red Sea.

Visitors can race a bike through the mountains of Aseer on a virtual simulator, download specially curated Saudi Summer playlists in partnership with Anghami, see an array of football memorabilia at the Saudi Pro League Museum, and enjoy live performances of traditional Saudi dancers, digital art displays from local artists. The diversity of Saudi will also be showcased with an interactive Saudi map and activities calendar.

The stand also showcases the new “Saudi Rewards” scheme, a first-of-its-kind national rewards program, offering free nationwide rewards for citizens and visitors to unlock points on tourism, shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. Saudi Rewards currently has a network of 17 partners and will have a dedicated booth at ATM with interactive activations for visitors to enjoy.

On the first day of the event, Mr Hamidaddin participated in a flagship panel event alongside other tourism leaders from the GCC to discuss collaboration and Saudi’s role in the region’s growing tourism sector.

Popular UAE radio station Dubai Eye also broadcast their afternoon show live from the Saudi booth where they discussed Saudi’s summer offering, while trailblazing Indian influencer Masoom Minawala Mehta and world-famous travel influencer brothers, Wael and Nael Abualteen, were on the stand creating content for their social channels.

STA and its partners are aiming to build on the successes of last year’s ATM, where more than 1,600 deals and more than 50 MoUs and strategic agreements were signed – resulting in 35,000 extra visits.

Saudi presents trade partners with an unparalleled opportunity for sustained growth. Notably, the country achieved a significant milestone by welcoming 100 million tourists in 2023. Together with partners, STA is building knowledge of Saudi’s destination offerings to consumers, to address barriers to destination knowledge and welcome more visitors than ever to the Kingdom.

This boom has continued in 2024, with the first quarter of the year witnessing a double-digit growth increase in tourists compared to the same period last year – bolstering Saudi’s position as a leading global tourism destination and driving progress towards its revised target of 150 million visits by 2030.

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KOLKATA: Dubai welcomed 2.46 million overnight visitors from India between January and December 2023, according to the latest data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This marks a significant increase from the 1.84 million tourists in 2022 and crucially, surpasses the pre-pandemic figure of 1.97 million visitors in 2019, demonstrating a remarkable 25% growth compared to the pre-pandemic era. With an exceptional 34% YoY growth, India continues to deliver the highest number of international visitors from a single market. This robust influx of Indian tourists contributed significantly to Dubai’s record-breaking tourism performance in 2023.

The growth aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, launched just over a year ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.

As India stands as the top source market for Dubai, DET is actively participating in SATTE 2024, India’s leading trade exhibition. The event helps showcase Dubai’s offerings to attract new and repeat visitors and provides a platform for the Indian travel trade to connect with Dubai stakeholders including airlines, destination management companies, hotels and resorts, and attractions in Dubai, fostering valuable partnerships.

Dubai introduces a Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa to further bolster travel between India and Dubai, underscoring its commitment to fostering sustained economic collaborations and encouraging tourism and business ties. This visionary step ensures that the visa, issued within two to five working days upon receiving and accepting the service request, allows its holder to stay in the country for 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in one year. Through this significant initiative, tourists can leverage multiple entries and exits, providing operational flexibility for business engagements, leisure travel, and seamless connectivity.

Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Dubai values its long-standing relationship with India, and our inbound visitation from the market in 2023 was outstanding, contributing to a record-breaking performance by our tourism sector. As a key market for Dubai, India will continue to play an integral role in enabling us to achieve the goals of the D33 Agenda, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a hub for business, investment, and tourism. The five-year multiple entry visa initiative signifies a strategic step towards deepening our already existing ties with India. This historic milestone will not only open doors to a longer and more enriching experience for Indian tourists but also provide a platform for increased economic collaboration. It is also a testament to Dubai’s commitment to India and the infinite possibilities that can be explored between the UAE and the sub-continent. With exceptional flight connectivity and our ongoing commitment to the Indian market, we are confident that our upcoming initiatives will further amplify awareness about Dubai’s diverse offerings, multicultural setting, and abundance of hotels and attractions, continuing to make it the top travel choice for Indian tourists.”

Dubai welcomed more tourists than ever before in 2023, attracting 17.15 million international overnight visitors over the year, according to the latest data published by DET. Representing a 19.4% YoY growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022, last year’s figure also exceeded the previous record of 16.73 million visitors registered in 2019.

As a testament to Dubai’s diverse offerings and excellence in hospitality and dining, as well as its commitment to safety and security and providing exceptional service at all touchpoints, Dubai was recognized for the third consecutive year as the No.1 global destination in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations Awards 2024. This milestone is based on millions of global travellers’ reviews between 1 October 2022 and 30 September 2023.

UAE and India stand as key economic partners, with a relationship deeply rooted in centuries-old cultural exchanges, diplomatic cooperation, and significant trade ties. The diverse Indian market allows Dubai to attract a broad range of travelers, catering to various preferences such as luxury shopping, cultural experiences, family-friendly attractions, and business conferences.

For more information on the five-year visa program and to apply, please visit: GDRFA-DUBAI

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Kozlov highlighted that the number of business tourists is expected to grow in the coming years. One of the factors supporting the growth of interest from Indian businessmen was the launch of the electronic visa program. From August 1, 2023, it has become easier for Indian citizens to organize a trip to Moscow – they can come simply by applying for an electronic visa. An e-visa has several advantages over a traditional visa, and the only documents required are a digital photograph of your face and a scan of the page with your passport data.

Moscow is a growing hub for international business events, and Indian businessmen could benefit from attending these events to expand their network and explore potential business opportunities. The Moscow MICE Ambassadors program aims to promote Moscow as a preferred destination for business tourism, and Indian businessmen who have completed the program can serve as valuable resources for organizing conferences and events in Moscow.

Furthermore, Moscow offers a range of world-class facilities and services for business travelers, including conference centers, hotels, transportation, and sightseeing. Mr. Kozlov also mentioned that Moscow’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife could provide Indian businessmen with unique experiences that could enhance their overall business trip.

Kozlov expressed his optimism for the future of MICE and business tourism in Moscow. Thus, in October 2023, Moscow will host the largest MICE Congress in Russia. Among the participants are 14 countries, including Indians. The event will provide a platform for businesses in the travel and tourism industry to showcase their products and services.

Overall, Moscow is emerging as a preferred destination for Indian business tourists, and with the launch of the electronic visa program, it has become easier for Indian citizens to organize a trip to Moscow. With world-class facilities and services for business travelers, Indian businessmen can explore potential business opportunities and expand their network while experiencing Moscow’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife.

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Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, at IndiGo said, “We have witnessed a huge demand for travel from India to Turkey, Switzerland, and Portugal. Keeping customer demand in mind, we now offer 19 connecting flights through Istanbul to destinations like Geneva, Lisbon, Porto, and Basel. This will not only enhance international connectivity but also add capacity to these routes and make travel more affordable. We will strive to stay true to our promise of affordable fares, on-time performance, and courteous and hassle-free service.”

These destinations are known for their breathtaking scenic tourist locations throughout the year. Portugal offers some of Europe’s most pristine beaches with turquoise water surrounded by sandstone cliffs and curiously formed rock formations. A major tourist attraction is the capital of Lisbon, the city of Porto, Odemira, Faro, and the city of Sintra. There is a lot to do in Portugal, from visiting old castles and palaces to surfing the Atlantic Ocean Coastline. The old village of Sortelha, the Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors, the historic fishing town of Cascais, and the waterfalls of the Azores are among the things you must see if you are traveling to Portugal.

On the other hand, Turkey serves the interest of travelers fascinated with history who frequently visit the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, the Cappadocia rock valleys, the pure white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, and the ruins of the former Armenian capital Ani and much more. Attractions like Hagia Sophia Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul Sea Life Aquarium, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and Istanbul Cevahir Mall are on the bucket list of every traveler. The city has a unique mixture of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, appetizing middle eastern food, and pleasant weather.

Switzerland, considered to be the ‘Paradise on earth is a beautiful, tourist-attracting country. While it is most famous for its ski resorts during the winter, it is beautiful all year round. The Alpine mountains stretch across the Balkans to France, making Switzerland the perfect skiing destination. The lakes and cities are also must-visit places in Switzerland, but the most special ones are the towns. These flights will not only promote international tourism, trade, and commerce but also make travel affordable to these destinations through direct connections and additional capacity. Snow-capped mountains, pristine beaches, delicious food, rich culture, architectural marvels, Christmas markets, winter festivals, and of course, New Years’ celebrations will make Europe magical and more appealing to customers.

These flights are designed to cater to business and leisure travelers who are constantly on the lookout for new and affordable flying options to access destinations that help in building businesses and are known for their tourist attractions. Customers who wish to plan their travel can book tickets via our official website. The introduction of these flights will further bolster the airline’s international connectivity.

Flight schedule:

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