Saudi Tourism Minister Pushes for Visa-Free Travel With China
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Saudi Arabia’s tourism minister suggests Beijing and Riyadh could do more to enable visa-free travel as the oil-rich country looks to make Chinese visitors central to its plan for tourism to become a much bigger part of its economy.
The two governments should further relax visa requirements, Ahmed Al Khateeb said in an Oct. 17 interview during a trip to China. Al Khateeb called on the two governments to discuss how to make it possible for their citizens to travel to each other’s countries without a visa.
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- Saudi Arabia aims to increase Chinese tourism as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy, with 145,000 Chinese tourists visiting so far this year, a 29% increase from last year.
- The country seeks visa-free travel arrangements between Saudi Arabia and China, intending to draw 5 million Chinese tourists by 2030.
- Efforts are underway to expand direct flights and address language barriers, with tourism expected to contribute 10% to GDP and employment by 2030.
- Saudia
- Saudia is the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. It offers Chinese tourists flying via Saudi Arabia the option of a free transit visa, allowing them to stay in the kingdom for up to 96 hours. This benefit is available as long as they choose to fly with Saudia.
- Until 2019:
- Saudi Arabia was closed to foreign tourists.
- As of the first half of 2024:
- 145,000 Chinese tourists visited Saudi Arabia.
- October 17, 2024:
- Saudi Arabia's tourism minister Ahmed Al Khateeb gave an interview during a trip to China.
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