ASIATODAY.ID, JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia is accelerating its push onto the global tourism stage.
Throughout 2025, national carrier Saudia, in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), welcomed approximately 27 million tourists and visitors from 24 countries into the Kingdom.
Saudia Chief Marketing Officer Khaled Tash said the milestone marks a critical foundation toward the Kingdom’s ambitious goal of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030, in line with Vision 2030.
He made the remarks during the launch of Saudia aircraft emblazoned with the “Visit Saudi” branding at the Jeddah Maintenance Village.
The rollout of the newly branded aircraft underscores the strengthening strategic partnership between Saudia and the STA, aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia as a world-class global tourism destination.
By 2026, the aircraft will serve 25 international destinations, functioning as a mobile promotional platform showcasing authentic Saudi hospitality across global markets.
Tash explained that the aircraft selected for the initiative is the Boeing B787-9, a long-haul wide-body jet designed for intercontinental routes, including Jeddah–Washington, D.C., as well as multiple destinations in East Asia and China.
Meanwhile, Saudi Tourism Authority spokesperson Abdullah Al-Dakhil emphasized that air connectivity is a central pillar of tourism sector development.
Branding international Boeing B787-9 aircraft, he said, is intended as a creative strategy to welcome travelers from the moment they are airborne, even before arriving in the Kingdom.
“The experience of Saudi hospitality begins during the journey itself, ahead of visitors discovering the Kingdom’s diverse destinations, tourism seasons, and year-round international events,” Al-Dakhil noted on January 20, 2026.
This aggressive expansion highlights Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation from a primarily religious destination into a global tourism hub, with long-haul aviation serving as a key engine of international growth. (SPA)
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