Saudi Arabia recently made a significant announcement regarding the tourism sector by granting the official Approved Destination Status (ADS) to China, effective from July 1, 2024. This decision comes after the Kingdom’s active participation in the second China roadshow and ITB China in Shanghai. This move highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening economic partnerships with China and unlocking new opportunities in the tourism industry for both nations. The ADS designation is a major step towards making China the Kingdom’s third largest source market for international arrivals by 2030.
The ADS status for China marks a milestone for group travel to Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom has been diligently working towards becoming China-ready. This includes launching direct flights, introducing tailored products, and forming strategic partnerships to enhance group and Flexible Independent Travel (FIT) experiences. Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, emphasized the readiness of Saudi Arabia to welcome Chinese visitors and the progress being made towards achieving the tourism market goal by 2030. The Saudi Tourism Authority has played a vital role in facilitating visas, reducing fees, improving air connectivity, and ensuring destination readiness for Chinese tourists.
Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Harbi, the Saudi ambassador to China, highlighted the significance of the ADS agreement in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries and opening doors for economic development across various sectors. CEO of Saudi Tourism Authority, Fahd Hamidaddin, expressed the continuous efforts of Saudi Arabia in participating in trade shows and conferences, leading to agreements with Chinese organizations to enhance the tourism experience for Chinese visitors. The Kingdom aims to provide a seamless, enjoyable, and safe experience for Chinese tourists, including streamlined visa procedures, increased flight capacity, and Mandarin integration across various platforms and tourist sites.
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goal is to attract five million Chinese tourists by 2030, with plans to enhance connectivity through new direct flights by Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, in addition to existing Saudia flights. These initiatives represent a 130 percent increase in inbound seat capacity and a doubling of weekly flight frequency compared to a year ago. The Kingdom’s partnerships with trusted Chinese brands such as UnionPay, Trip.com, Huawei, and Tencent further enhance the tourism offerings and showcase Saudi Arabia as a desirable destination for Chinese travelers. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a preferred destination for Chinese tourists reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering mutual understanding, friendship, and economic development with China.
