Saudi Arabia Expanded Tourism Strategy for India
The kingdom has increased weekly air capacity and adopted multi-year partnerships to boost Indian tourism.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Middle East
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Saudi Arabia has shifted its tourism approach in India toward long-term multi-year partnerships to convert growing interest into confirmed holiday bookings. This strategy is supported by an increase in weekly flight capacity between the two nations.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to capture the Indian travel market by streamlining group products and improving on-ground arrangements. By matching specific tourism offerings to individual traveler segments, the kingdom seeks to better serve its primary target audience.
Weekly air capacity between India and Saudi Arabia rose to 360 flights, up from 320. The Red Sea portfolio currently includes 11 operational hotels, while visa-on-arrival is available for travelers holding valid US or UK visas.
The players
Saudi Arabia
A Middle Eastern nation currently investing heavily in infrastructure and policy changes to establish itself as a premier global tourism destination.
India
A major global source market that is currently being targeted by Saudi Arabia through expanded aviation agreements and tourism marketing partnerships.
The details
Saudi Arabia is moving away from short-term campaigns in favor of multi-year plans to build lasting relationships with travel companies. The expansion includes efforts to develop tailored tourism products for key source cities while leveraging projects like AMAALA for wellness and luxury travel.
Timeline
In 2024, women accounted for 45 percent of global travelers.
In 2025, the female share of global travelers reached 50 percent.
The next edition of TOURISE is scheduled for March.
Travel Outlook
This pivot reflects a broader shift toward segment-specific tourism strategies, realigning marketing efforts with the rise in the female traveler share of global tourism, which hit 50 percent in 2025. This allows the country to compete more effectively against established regional markets.
Indian travelers can expect more streamlined booking options and easier access to group travel products as the kingdom improves on-ground arrangements. Those holding valid US or UK visas may also benefit from simplified entry requirements like visa-on-arrival provisions.
The takeaway
The kingdom is transitioning to a more targeted, long-term approach to capture the growing Indian outbound travel market. By diversifying its offerings and easing entry barriers, Saudi Arabia is working to cement its position as a major competitor in global tourism.
What happens next
The next edition of TOURISE is scheduled to take place in March.
Further reading
Explore more developments in the Middle East to understand the shifting landscape of regional tourism.
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