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Saudi Arabia offers myriad of wonders beyond religious travel
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T
oday’s increasingly alluring tourist destination for Indonesian travelers is none other than Saudi Arabia, thanks largely to its streamlined visa service, safety and, of course, more diversified appeal.
Long renowned as a spiritual destination for umrah (minor haj) pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has transformed itself in the last several years as it has unleashed its hidden gem attractions to align with the Saudi Vision 2030 program, the key part of which is to build the world’s most dynamic and diverse, year-round tourism destination.
With a shared vision for tourism, Saudi Arabia saw tourist arrivals at over 100 million in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming a premier destination for travelers worldwide.
It is little wonder that Indonesian travelers can now delve into its rich tapestry of culture, history and adventure beyond religious travel.
With that as a background, The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia as a safe, accessible, and enriching destination for all travelers from Indonesia.
According to a recent interview with Alhasan Aldabbagh - President of APAC Markets, Saudi Arabia's tourism sector has experienced unprecedented growth since opening up to international visitors in 2019, positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic travel destinations globally as per UNWTO.
STA noted that Indonesia was a highly pivotal market for Saudi Arabia, with tourist arrivals reaching 1.5 million, or a 36 percent increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. The increase has led STA to set an ambitious target for 2024 at 2.2 million visitors from Indonesia.
Recently, STA conducted a series of events with a NUSUK Roadshow, Saudi’s first-ever official integrated digital platform, in Jakarta from April 29 to 30, 2024 at St. Regis Hotel. Attended by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj & Umrah, H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan AlRabiah, the roadshow offered all pilgrims and visitors an easy-to-use planning gateway for their journeys to Makkah and Madinah, and beyond. Participated by 43 stakeholders from DMC, tour operators, airlines and hospitality sectors and attended by 1000+ partners from Indonesia's leading travel trade partners and travel agents , the roadshow resulted in a successful 850 meetings that were held, discussing future partnership and collaborations.
Following the Nusuk Roadshow, STA hosted a consumer mall activation “VISIT SAUDI, BEYOND UMRAH” highlighting Saudi’s remarkable tourism destination for all travelers, held from May 1 to 5, 2024 at Kota Kasablanka.
This mall activation showcased what Saudi has to offer for spiritual, culture and travel experiences, for Umrah and beyond. This event was inaugurated by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj & Umrah, H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan AlRabiah on its launch day.
Titi Kamal, an Indonesian celebrity, affluent traveler, and influential figure on social media, shared her personal experiences from her holiday in Saudi Arabia at the event. Known for her engaging travel content and insights, Titi Kamal offered unique perspectives on exploring Saudi Arabia beyond Umrah. It was a remarkable opportunity for attendees to gain firsthand knowledge and inspiration for their own travels.
Attracted almost 10.000 visitors during the five days consumer exhibition, "VISIT SAUDI, BEYOND UMRAH" featured exclusive deals and offers from Indonesian travel agents and tour operators, including special discounts, cashback offers, buy 5 get 1 free deals, 0 percent installment plans, and tour vouchers.
Saudi’s tourist visa
An exclusive and limited offer was available only during the exhibition from May 1 to 5, where the VFS Tasheer Office was authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accept Visa credit card applications for Saudi visas.
To proceed with the application, applicants must have an active credit card with an expiration date of at least one year from the date of application, a passport matching the name on the credit card, and a passport-sized photo.
Once submitted, eligible applicants will receive their visa within 24 hours. This visa will be valid for one year with multiple entries, providing a streamlined and accessible process for travelers.
“We are excited to offer this efficient service and look forward to welcoming more visitors to Saudi Arabia through this innovative partnership with Tasheer,” said Alhasan.
At the consumer mall activation, Indonesian travelers learned more about Saudi, discovered the rich heritage and diversity of its offerings.
Alhasan also addressed that Saudi Arabia is a safe destination to visit for all travelers, regardless of gender or religion. “Initiatives such as the 12-day Saudi Arabia Women’s Expedition empower women and support female-owned businesses is one of the most favorite trips that travelers, especially females, are looking at,” it said.
According to Alhasan, with Saudi Arabia ranked as the safest G20 country and the city of Madinah receiving the highest safety rating for female solo travel worldwide, travelers can explore the country with confidence.
To facilitate the growth of Indonesian travelers to Saudi, increased accessibility and connectivity measures are now available. Visa processes have been streamlined, with Umrah visas extended to 90 days and the introduction of a 96-hour transit visa, allowing Umrah visa holders more time to explore other parts of Saudi.
Travelers can obtain visas through the Nusuk App, licensed Indonesian travel agents, or the four VFS Tasheer offices in Indonesia. Moreover, discussions with Lion Air are ongoing to expand network connections, including routes to Riyadh and Dammam.
Saudi’s rich offerings
Jeddah, known as the gateway to Saudi Arabia, offers a myriad of attractions and experiences. Travelers can explore the UNESCO heritage site AlBalad, stroll along the Waterfront Promenade along the Corniche, and immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of traditional souks like Al Alawi and Souk Al Baghdadiyah. Must-visit landmarks include the historic Al Shafei Mosque and the renowned Fakeeh Aquarium. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in local delicacies at the 200-year-old “Al-Saidi Furn” bakery.
Jeddah offers a vibrant shopping scene, with destinations like the Red Sea Mall and Jeddah Boulevard highlighting modern and traditional retail experiences. Visitors can explore the historic souks of AlBalad and Souk Al Alawi, while attractions like Fakieh Aquarium and King Fahd’s Fountain offer entertainment for all ages.
Luxury stays abound, with properties like the Six Senses Southern Dunes, St. Regis Red Sea resort and The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah offering unparalleled hospitality and breathtaking views of the Red Sea.
AlUla, with only 3.5 hours’ drive, offers a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts 200,000 years of history and offers unique cultural events at the Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building. Thrill-seekers can enjoy outdoor adventures amidst the region's six nature reserves, including the iconic Jabal AlFil, also known as Elephant Rock.
Adventure awaits in Saudi Arabia, with desert camp experiences in Jeddah and outdoor adventures in AlUla's nature reserves. From desert safaris to beach horse riding, travelers can immerse themselves in adrenaline-pumping activities amidst the region's stunning landscapes.
