Saudi Arabia has announced the official designation of China and its citizens as an approved tourist destination, starting from July 1st. This move underscores Riyadh’s commitment to becoming a strategic economic partner with Beijing, opening new opportunities in the tourism sector, and enhancing mutual understanding, friendship, and economic development between both countries.
The announcement follows Saudi Arabia’s participation in the “ITB” exhibition recently held in Shanghai, China. Through this platform, Saudi Arabia’s tourism system highlighted several significant decisions and steps that open new avenues of cooperation to attract tourists from China. These steps aim to enhance their tourism experience from planning their visit to choosing their destination, ensuring a safe return home, according to Saudi newspaper “Sabq.”
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, stated, “The Kingdom’s inclusion as an official and approved tourist destination for Chinese tourists, following a series of meetings, memoranda of understanding, and fruitful cooperation between the Saudi and Chinese tourism sectors, represents a significant step that crowns joint efforts and close cooperation between the two countries in this sector.”
He further elaborated, “All facilities and facilitations are in place to receive tourists from China, welcoming them to enjoy an exceptional and inspiring tourism experience. Preferred payment systems for Chinese tourists have also been made available.”
The Saudi Minister of Tourism emphasized that “several distinctive steps have been taken to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and safe tourism experience for Chinese tourists. This includes facilitating visa procedures, reducing costs, increasing flight capacity by over 130%, and incorporating the Chinese language at airports, tourist destinations, and digital platforms of ‘Saudi Spirit.'”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to China, Abdul Rahman bin Ahmed Al-Harbi, affirmed that Beijing’s designation of the Kingdom as a tourist destination for Chinese tourist groups represents a positive step to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in various fields, affirming the depth of bilateral relations on all levels.
Saudi Arabia aims to attract 5 million Chinese tourists by 2030, enhancing connectivity with new direct flights by airlines such as Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, in addition to current Saudi Arabian Airlines flights. These initiatives represent a 130% increase in seat capacity for incoming flights, doubling the number of weekly flights compared to last year.
