In a bid to position India as a prominent tourism source market by 2030, STA has announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing destination awareness.
STA has made a strong addition to its ever-expanding network of global partnerships.
Mumbai, 14 February 2023 – In a groundbreaking move, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has recently announced a significant collaboration with the renowned TATA Indian Premier League (IPL), the leading Twenty20 cricket league worldwide. On a momentous occasion, a partnership inauguration event took place today in Mumbai, graced by the presence of esteemed individuals from the world of cricket and the Saudi Tourism Authority. Among the notable attendees were Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of BCCI, and Ashish Shelar, Honorary Treasurer of BCCI. The Saudi Tourism Authority was well represented by Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC, who joined the gathering to mark this significant collaboration.
Cricket, a globally renowned sport, has garnered immense popularity across nations. In a bid to expand its reach and bolster its presence in the Indian market, STA has forged a strategic partnership. The primary objective of this collaboration is to leverage the robust fanbase that exists between the two nations. By fostering a sense of affinity and bolstering awareness, STA aims to position Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for Indian travelers, with a particular focus on capturing the attention of the younger demographic. India, boasting a population where over 50 percent are under the age of 30, finds itself in a demographic situation akin to that of Saudi Arabia. The Middle Eastern nation also sees 58 percent of its local population fall within this same youthful age bracket.
Saudi Arabia's ambitious tourism strategy has set its sights on India, recognizing the immense potential that lies within this market. By 2030, India is projected to become Saudi Arabia's largest source market for tourism, further solidifying the country's position as a global destination. In a remarkable display of support for the country's sports sector, Saudi Arabia has forged a robust partnership. Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in bolstering its competitive edge in the market, with a keen focus on attracting a staggering number of tourists from India. The kingdom aims to roll out the red carpet for over two million Indian visitors this year.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has firmly established itself as one of the most prominent events on the international sporting calendar. In a significant development, STA has forged a partnership with the IPL, further expanding their already impressive portfolio of global strategic relationships. Partnerships such as the IPL play a crucial role in Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy, serving as a fundamental pillar. These collaborations not only unite fans, athletes, and nations but also ignite a sense of intrigue among those who aspire to be among the pioneering visitors to Saudi Arabia.
In a remarkable display of synergy, a dynamic partnership has emerged, capitalizing on Saudi Arabia's rich history and deep-rooted affection for the sport of cricket. It is worth noting that the kingdom's tryst with cricket dates back to 2003, when the inaugural governing cricket body was established. In a significant development, the year 2020 witnessed the establishment of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), an organization that has taken on the responsibility of overseeing a vast cricketing network. Presently, the SACF diligently manages a staggering 16 regional associations spread across 11 cities. This commendable feat has resulted in a remarkable surge in the number of registered players, which now exceeds a staggering 8,000. Furthermore, the SACF has successfully registered over 400 clubs, contributing to a thriving cricketing landscape in the nation. As a testament to its growing popularity, domestic cricket tournaments and championships organized under the SACF's purview have witnessed an impressive total participation of 35,000 individuals. In the world of cricket, the Saudi Arabian national team has achieved a commendable ranking of 32nd out of a total of 180 nations.
In a recent statement, Fahd Hamidaddin, the CEO and Member of the Board at the Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasized the strong bond between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly in terms of their vibrant youth culture. Hamidaddin highlighted the significance of sports as an ideal platform to actively involve and motivate young individuals. Saudi Arabia is dedicated to promoting and fostering excellence in the realm of sports, with the aim of motivating increased participation and enhancing the overall quality of life for both Saudi citizens and global spectators. Sport, much like the realm of tourism, serves as a unifying force that fosters a sense of harmony and camaraderie among individuals, transcending cultural boundaries and facilitating the exchange of diverse viewpoints on the global stage. The aforementioned values hold a central position in Saudi culture and have garnered support from young individuals across the globe.
In a recent statement, Alhasan Aldabbagh, the APAC President at the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), emphasized the significance of the Indian subcontinent region as a crucial market for their global marketing strategy. Aldabbagh expressed the organization's commitment to constantly improving their efforts in order to captivate tourists from these countries and extend a warm welcome to them in Saudi Arabia. In an exciting development, we are thrilled to unveil our highly anticipated collaboration with the prestigious IPL. Recognizing the immense significance of cricket to our esteemed visitors hailing from South Asia, this partnership promises to be a game-changer.
In a strategic move to bolster Saudi Arabia's influence and attractiveness in the Indian and South Asian markets, a groundbreaking partnership has been forged with the IPL. Saudi Arabia is eagerly gearing up to showcase its appeal to South Asian tourists, highlighting not only its potential as a premier vacation spot but also as an emerging sports destination. The kingdom is set to host a series of high-profile sporting and entertainment events, including the prestigious Formula One races, electrifying WWE shows, and the highly anticipated Spanish Super Cup.
In a recent statement, Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressed his views on the remarkable growth and influence of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on the international cricket scene. Shah emphasized that the IPL has established itself as a formidable entity, captivating audiences worldwide and garnering immense popularity within the realm of sports. The Saudi Tourism Authority's unwavering belief in the ability of the IPL to foster international unity is a source of great excitement for us. In what could be a game-changing move, a partnership has been forged with the aim of propelling Saudi Arabia to the forefront of the global leisure and tourism industries. The ambitious collaboration is expected to showcase the kingdom's unparalleled and multifaceted attractions, solidifying its position as the ultimate destination for leisure and tourism enthusiasts worldwide. In a move that is set to revolutionize the cricket scene in Saudi Arabia, a groundbreaking partnership has been forged, promising to open up a plethora of exciting opportunities for the sport in the region. With a shared vision to bolster the growth and development of cricket, this collaboration is expected to bring about a significant transformation, solidifying the sport's presence in Saudi Arabia.
In a significant development, Rajeev Shukla, the esteemed Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has expressed his satisfaction in announcing the inclusion of the Saudi Tourism Authority as an official sponsor for the highly anticipated 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The IPL partnership has emerged as a formidable platform for the Saudi Tourism Authority to connect with a wide-ranging audience and bolster its mission of establishing brand recognition in India and beyond, encompassing cricket enthusiasts from across the globe. In a bid to foster the growth of the cricket fanbase in Saudi Arabia, a new partnership has been formed with the aim of inspiring enthusiasts and providing them with thrilling opportunities to engage with the sport. The collaboration, forged with the Saudi Cricket Federation (SCF) and the Saudi Telecom Company (STA), holds great promise for the future of cricket in the region.
Ashish Shelar, the Honorary Treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, stated that the collaboration between the Indian Premier League and the Saudi Tourism Authority is undeniable evidence of the competition's enormous appeal on a global scale. With the passage of each season, the league has witnessed a steady rise in its worldwide fan following, resulting in an expansion of its reach across different regions. In what could be a significant development for the sport, an association has been formed with the aim of bolstering cricketing culture and expanding the fan base in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This partnership is expected to provide a valuable opportunity for the sport to thrive in the region. In a statement released today, the involved parties expressed their unwavering confidence that the ongoing collaboration will undoubtedly yield fruitful results.
Saudi Arabia, a captivating and multifaceted destination, boasts a wealth of cultural, historical, and spiritual sites. In a recent development, Saudi Arabia has made an exciting announcement regarding its visa policy. Indian visitors can now rejoice as they have become eligible for the highly sought-after stopover visa. This new visa option grants passengers who are traveling to their final destination on SAUDIA or Flynas airlines the opportunity to explore the wonders of Saudi Arabia for a maximum duration of 96 hours. This move is expected to significantly enhance travel opportunities and promote tourism between the two nations. In a generous offer, Saudia Airlines is providing passengers with a complimentary hotel night.
For further information regarding Saudi Arabia's tourism offerings and visa programs, we recommend visiting the official Visit Saudi website.
