Saudi Arabia‘s plan to expand its tourism sector is paying off. And is on track to meet its target of attracting 100 million tourists by 2030. Chinese tourists also interest in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia topped the G20 countries in hosting international tourists in the first seven months of 2022.
One-fifth of the world’s population lives in China, whose citizens are a major source of tourism in the world.
Speaking to CNBC in October, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmad al-Khatib. He said that China used to be a very important market, but it is still close. This year we have seen strong demand from Europe and America. I would like to see some of these restrictions relaxed because the Chinese market is a huge market. Not only for Saudi Arabia but for all other countries.
China has a zero covid-19 policy that includes lockdown, quarantine and testing. The aim of this policy is to prevent the spread of the Corona epidemic.
Following the launch of e-visas in September 2019, the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia issued more than 350,000 tourist visas in the first three months of this year.
In the first 10 days of the launch, 4,000 foreign tourists entered Saudi Arabia, with China at the top, followed by the United Kingdom and the United States at the second and third positions respectively.
Research released in May by the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute indicates an increase in outbound visits to China in 2023.
Chinese travelers
Saudi Arabia is well prepare for the return of Chinese travelers. Many institutions have adopted the guidelines of the ‘Welcome Chinese Certification Program’.
The program is consider the international standard for travel and hospitality services for visitors from China.
Riyadh Airports Company, which manages and operates King Khalid International Airport, says it is working on implementing standards designed to make the airport and its services more accessible and user-friendly for Chinese tourists. is doing
The company said the new facilities will improve the tourist experience by helping to overcome the language barrier and provide key services for tourists from China.
Availability of e-Visa for Chinese travelers has also been identified under this initiative.
Red Sea Global is an important part of the strategy to promote the Kingdom’s entertainment and tourism offerings.
RSG’s group head of operations, Anton Boab, predicted an increase in Chinese tourists after the lifting of restrictions and said the Kingdom and RSG’s destinations are ready to welcome them.
He said that before the Corona epidemic, Chinese tourists accounted for about a fifth of the global tourism expenditure. Saudi Arabia, especially RSG, has great potential to attract Chinese travelers. In the Red Sea, Chinese tourists can have an experience like the Maldives.
