KARACHI: The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) held a high-profile networking event in Karachi on Thursday, February 13, showcasing the Kingdom’s luxury tourist destinations and highlighting its commitment to attracting more than 2.8 million Pakistani visitors this year.
The event, hosted at Karachi’s Avari Tower hotel, brought together travel enthusiasts, members of civil society, and celebrities from Pakistan’s film and drama industry. STA officials presented the Kingdom’s diverse tourism offerings, including world-class resorts and luxury hotels, through engaging presentations. Two giant screens at the poolside displayed breathtaking views of Saudi Arabia’s top tourist destinations, such as Maraya in AlUla, Al-Bujairi Heritage Park in Diriyah, the Red Sea, King Abdullah Economic City, Riyadh’s skyline, and the historical old city of Jeddah.
“These world-class resorts promise an unparalleled seaside experience, blending sustainability with high-end hospitality,” the STA stated at the event’s conclusion.
Saudi Arabia, home to the two holiest cities of Islam, Makkah and Madinah, welcomes millions of Muslims from across the world for Hajj and Umrah each year. However, in recent years, Riyadh has intensified efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil, with a strong focus on the leisure travel industry. The Kingdom’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup further reflects its ambitious vision for global tourism.
Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country with a population exceeding 240 million, remains a priority market for Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. The STA expects over 2.8 million Pakistani travelers to visit the Kingdom this year, surpassing the 2.7 million who traveled there in 2023. The Saudi Tourism Authority has been actively promoting Saudi Arabia’s travel attractions in Pakistan, including a significant presence at the Pakistan Travel Mart, where it showcased the Kingdom’s rich culture, heritage, and unmatched tourism destinations.
Additionally, the recently concluded LEAP tech conference in Riyadh saw the highest-ever participation of Pakistani exhibitors, underscoring Pakistan’s growing influence in the tech industry. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector has experienced remarkable growth, with 37 Pakistani tourism groups actively engaging in its dynamic event landscape.
To enhance accessibility and seamless travel experiences, Saudi Arabia has introduced new initiatives such as group-inclusive tours and exclusive Ramadan travel deals, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual essence of the holy month. The introduction of e-visas for Umrah pilgrims has further streamlined religious travel, granting unrestricted entry to Saudi airports.
Beyond religious tourism, Saudi Arabia is expanding its travel offerings for diverse segments, including solo female travelers, destination weddings, and cultural exploration. With tourism currently contributing approximately 3 percent to the Kingdom’s GDP, Riyadh aims to increase this figure to 10 percent over the next five years through strategic investments in the sector.
