Saudi Arabia has recently announced that Indians who have traveled to the UK, US, or countries in the Schengen area can now apply for a Saudi e-visa online. This is a major step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote itself as a tourist destination for a wide range of travelers, not just pilgrims.
The Saudi government has been working hard to diversify its tourism industry in recent years. In 2019, they launched a Vision 2030 plan that aims to make Saudi Arabia a leading tourist destination by 2030. As part of this plan, they have invested heavily in developing new tourist attractions, such as the Red Sea Project and the Diriyah Gate development.
Their efforts have been successful, with India being one of the fastest-growing markets for Saudi tourism last year. In fact, Indian visitors were among the highest spenders among all tourists from around the world. This is likely due to the strong cultural and religious ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
The introduction of the e-visa is a major boost for Indian tourism to Saudi Arabia. It will make it much easier and more convenient for Indian tourists to apply for a visa, which is expected to lead to an increase in the number of Indian tourists visiting the country.