Saudi Tourism Authority invests in India commercial office

As part of its strategy to engage the tourism trade in key source markets and raise awareness of Saudi, the authentic home of Arabia, as travellers around the world dream of exploring exotic destinations once more, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has opened a commercial office in India. The destination reopened to vaccinated international visitors at the beginning of August.

STA now has representative offices in 11 markets serving 21 countries, with an eventual goal of having 15 offices around the world to expand the reach of the Authority’s activities. “STA is focussed on enhancing its ability to deliver a truly global scale offering by investing resources today in the network that will drive our business for the future,” said Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, adding, “We are building an integrated global team of professionals to showcase Saudi’s diverse offering of cultural adventures, world class heritage sites and authentic Arabian hospitality.”

The India office will be responsible for trade and consumer marketing activities, expanding the reach and relevance of Saudi’s tourism offer and working with tour operators, travel agents and other industry stakeholders to build awareness and drive conversion in line with STA’s strategy and mission. The India representative office is being set up with the support of destination consulting and representation company, Think Strawberries.

“We have already begun outreach into the India tourism trade ecosystem and the response has been very positive. We are actively seeking opportunities to co-invest with partners who are keen to add Saudi as an exciting new destination in their portfolio,” said Augustus Simon, Director- Indian Subcontinent, Saudi Tourism Authority.