Saudi Arabia has been granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) by China, marking a significant milestone for the country’s tourism industry.
This agreement is expected to foster greater connectivity between the two nations and unlock new opportunities in the tourism sector.
The move aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration.
The ADS status is anticipated to have a substantial impact on inbound tourism from China, making it easier for Chinese tourists to visit Saudi Arabia.
The country aims to attract 3 million Chinese tourists by 2030. To facilitate this, Saudi Arabia is streamlining its visa services, offering e-visas in just three minutes and providing visas on arrival.
Additionally, Chinese payment solutions like Union Pay have been integrated to enable seamless transactions for Chinese travelers.
Saudi Arabia has taken several initiatives to strengthen ties with the Chinese market, including the launch of direct flights from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Guangzhou to Beijing. These efforts reflect the growing demand for connectivity between the two countries.
The deepening of people-to-people exchanges between Chinese tourists and countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is expected to contribute to stronger bilateral relations and a better understanding of these nations.
