Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has strengthened its engagement with the Indian travel trade through a three-city roadshow held between 15 and 19 September across Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. The effort showcased Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism portfolio in leisure, MICE, group travel, and destination weddings, and it underscores STA’s increasing focus on India as a strategic source market.
15 Saudi suppliers, including airlines, DMCs, and DMOs, participated in the roadshow and made connections with over 500 of India’s top travel buyers. These meetings provided a forum for exchanging ideas, discussing product upgrades, and considering joint ventures. The programme featured UNESCO historical sites, cultural attractions, natural landscapes, and a schedule of international events, all of which showcased Saudi Arabia’s many offerings.
During the roadshow, STA also unveiled new leisure and group packages designed to meet the needs of Indian consumers, as well as Winter Season items. With immersive experiences like Red Sea resorts, private desert retreats, and carefully planned cultural itineraries, these demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s allure for luxury tourism. Participants observed an increase in interest in wedding and MICE travel, which reflects India’s high demand for upscale and genuine tourism destinations.
Additionally, the roadshow promoted STA’s global campaign, “I Came for Football, I Stayed for More,” which starred Ronaldo. The ad highlights Saudi Arabia’s developing reputation as a travel destination that combines top-tier sports with entertainment, culture, and lifestyle activities.
“The India roadshow is a crucial component of STA’s strategy to unlock India’s potential as an important source market,” stated Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority. India presents Saudi Arabia with significant growth prospects due to its increasing prosperity, youthful, rich population, better air connections, and close proximity. In order to open up new prospects, we will keep collaborating closely with our trade partners through events like roadshows, travel fairs, and marketing campaigns.
Aquarabia Water Theme Park and Six Flags Qiddiya City, which will premiere with record-breaking thrill coasters, were two of the roadshow’s highlights. Additionally highlighted were the MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival, which takes place close to Riyadh, and KAEC’s increasing prominence as a business and recreational hub in the Red Sea. Trade audiences in all three cities were further engaged by interactive events, such as a gamified itinerary design competition.
While maintaining momentum from its continuing global efforts, the successful roadshow demonstrates Saudi’s desire to forge closer trade ties in India and establish the country as a desirable choice for leisure, MICE, weddings, and group travel.
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