Saudi Arabia Breaks Tourism Records

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Saudi Arabia Breaks Tourism Records with Over 100 Million Visitors in 2023

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 12, 2024

Saudi Arabia has achieved a remarkable milestone in its tourism sector, welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023. This significant achievement marks a 56% increase compared to 2019 and was reached seven years ahead of the ambitious timeline set by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan. This accomplishment underscores Saudi Arabia's rapid emergence as a global tourism powerhouse.

According to the Saudi Tourism Authority, the influx of tourists has brought substantial economic benefits. Around 77 million domestic travelers and approximately 27 million international tourists visited the Kingdom, collectively spending over USD 67 billion. This surge in tourism has significantly contributed to Saudi Arabia's economy, reflecting the nation's rapid growth as the world's fastest-growing tourism destination.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) praised Saudi Arabia's leadership and dedication, highlighting the nation's successful efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure and connectivity. These improvements have made the Kingdom more accessible to international visitors, opening new routes and markets for the travel industry. UNWTO commended the collaborative and innovative approach of Saudi Arabia in achieving this milestone and expressed optimism for the Kingdom's goal of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) also highlighted Saudi Arabia's record-breaking year in its 2024 Economic Impact Research. The Travel & Tourism sector grew by more than 32%, contributing a record SAR 444.3 billion to the nation's GDP, which now accounts for 11.5% of the entire economy. This growth underscores the pivotal role of tourism in Saudi Arabia's economic framework. The sector supported over 2.5 million jobs, nearly one in five jobs in the country, marking an increase of 436,000 jobs compared to the previous year.

International visitor spending saw a remarkable increase of nearly 57%, reaching SAR 227.4 billion, while domestic visitor spending grew by 21.5%, totaling SAR 142.5 billion. These figures highlight the robust recovery and growth of Saudi Arabia's tourism industry post-pandemic.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, lauded the Kingdom's extraordinary achievements, attributing the success to Saudi Arabia's visionary commitment to tourism. She emphasized the fusion of cultural heritage and innovative tourism initiatives as key drivers of this growth, positioning the sector as a crucial element in the nation's diversified economic future.

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is expected to continue its rapid growth. In 2024, the GDP contribution from tourism is projected to reach SAR 498 billion, with employment in the sector increasing by more than 158,000 jobs to nearly 2.7 million. International visitor spending is forecast to reach SAR 256 billion, while domestic visitor spending is expected to rise to SAR 155.2 billion.

Over the next decade, the global tourism body anticipates the sector will grow its annual GDP contribution to SAR 836.1 billion by 2034, representing almost 16% of the Saudi economy. Employment in the sector is projected to exceed 3.6 million, with one in five people working in tourism-related jobs.

Regionally, the Middle Eastern Travel & Tourism sector also experienced significant growth in 2023, with GDP contributions reaching almost $460 billion. The sector supported nearly 7.75 million jobs, and international visitor spending grew by 50%, reaching $179.8 billion. The Middle Eastern tourism sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory in 2024, with GDP contributions projected to reach $507 billion and job numbers rising to 8.3 million.

Saudi Arabia's tourism success story is a testament to its strategic vision and commitment to becoming a global tourism leader. The Kingdom's continued investments in infrastructure and innovative initiatives promise to drive further growth and solidify its position as a top global destination.

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IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

Flight No.: 6E 0033
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Departure: 04:05 (local time)
Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

Flight No.: 6E 0034
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Departure: 11:15 (local time)
Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.

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Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.

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Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

By MAnu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands government is set to host an ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15, aiming to promote eco-adventure tourism and encourage local youth participation. Organised by the Tourism Department with support from the Environment and Forests Department and MY Bharat, the event highlights the islands’ natural beauty and historical legacy.

A tourism department official stated that the festival seeks to inspire youth to take up eco-guiding and adventure guiding as viable paths for self-employment, aligning with the administration’s vision of sustainable tourism development. Participation will be limited to 50 individuals, including local youth, trekking enthusiasts, tour operators, and tourists. The first 50 registered participants will be selected for the trek, and all will receive participation certificates from the Tourism Department.

Mount Manipur, formerly known as Mount Harriet, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman archipelago and one of its most scenic and historically significant trekking routes. The site carries deep historical importance, following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra Singh and 22 freedom fighters were exiled to the Andaman Islands.

To honour their bravery, Union Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur during his 2021 visit to the islands. In recognition of this history, the Tourism Department chose the location as the venue for the Island Trekking Festival, merging adventure with remembrance.

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