Saudi Tourism Authority Unveils Initiatives for Malaysia Visitors

The Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority is introducing initiatives to attract visitors from Malaysia.

On August 27, the tourism bureau will holding its trade networking event, NUSUK, at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Kuala Lumpur. 40 Saudi stakeholders, along with 500 travel agencies in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, will be present at the event. Moreover, Minister of Hajj & Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan AlRabiah can meet travel agencies, hotels, and Destination Management Companies.

Moreover, the event shares the benefits of using Saudi Arabia’s “Nusuk” platform, a holistic platform for planning pilgrims’ spiritual journey.

Increased accessibility

The objective of the trade networking event is to better understand the needs of visitors from Malaysia. In line with this, the Saudi Tourism Authority hopes to enhance products and offerings for Malaysian travelers on a spiritual journey. In addition, the agency aims to make it easier for the said tourists to access Saudi destinations.

During the event, the Saudi Tourism Authority will also announce several key initiatives. These include the first halal cruise, unique travel experience packages from Andalusia, and specialized Umrah packages for Grab drivers.

Firstly is the introduction of the Aroya cruise, which will operate from Jeddah. Aroya Cruise Line has scheduled the launching event in December 2024. Aroya Cruise Line renamed the cruise vessel to Aroya to better represent Saudi heritage and culture.

Marine outfitting and cruise ship interior design companies refitted and refurbished the ship to cater to Arabian passengers. Guests can enjoy the first-ever Arabian-themed restaurant at sea, dedicated spaces for families and women, and onboard prayer rooms.

Specialized packages

The second of the Saudi Tourism Authority’s initiatives is the unique travel experience packages from the travel agency Andalusia. Beginning December 2024, Andalusia will be partnering with delivery and forwarding business WExpress to offer exclusive itineraries and travel recommendations.

The third of the tourism bureau’s initiatives is the specialized Umrah packages for drivers of the ride-hailing app, Grab. Grab and Mitra Kembara, another travel agency, are tying up to provide these specialized travel packages.

The initiative has the support of the Saudi flag carrier Saudia and the financing of Grab. With these, the Saudi Tourism Authority can provide recommendations on itineraries and help facilitate access to certain destinations.

In addition, Saudi Arabia also permits Malaysian travelers to enter the kingdom for 96 hours via the Saudi stopover visa. Aside from this, travelers may also avail of the Saudi e-visa, valid for 90 days. Umrah visa holders from Malaysia are also allowed to explore other destinations within 90 days.

What’s in store from the Saudi Tourism Authority

Following the trade event, the Saudi Tourism Authority will hold an interactive exhibition at the IOI City Mall in Putrajaya. It will run from August 28 to September 1 and use virtual reality technology to create an immersive experience. This exhibition will offer guests a “virtual journey” through important Islamic sites and events.

These initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of diversifying the Saudi economy away from petroleum wealth. In addition, to welcome 15 million Umrah pilgrims in 2025 and 30 million Umrah pilgrims yearly by 2030.

Photo by Ishan @seefromthesky on Unsplash