STA Backs Indian Market with Three-City Roadshow to Propel Growth Across Leisure, MICE, and Weddings

As Saudi Arabia continues to broaden its global tourism reach, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) conducted its latest three-city roadshow in India from September 15–19, 2025, across Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. The event underscores STA’s growing focus on the Indian market and its ongoing drive to build strong trade ties and promote Saudi Arabia as a premier choice for Indian leisure, GIT, MICE, and wedding tourism segments.

The roadshows were well received by Indian trade partners and Saudi collaborators, providing a dynamic platform for 15 leading Saudi suppliers—including DMCs, DMOs, and airlines—to engage with over 500 top-tier Indian travel buyers. The interactions fostered strategic business relationships, enhanced product knowledge, and allowed Saudi partners to exchange insights, explore collaborations, and showcase Saudi’s diverse tourism offerings, from UNESCO sites and cultural landmarks to natural attractions and a vibrant events calendar.

During the roadshow, Winter Season tourism products were launched, introducing new developments in leisure tourism, GIT packages, and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal in MICE and destination weddings. The launches were met with strong enthusiasm, reflecting the Indian market’s demand for authentic, high-quality travel experiences. According to participating DMCs, Saudi Arabia is redefining luxury travel with world-class resorts, private desert retreats, and immersive cultural experiences. From the pristine Red Sea coast to Riyadh’s fine dining and designer boutiques, Saudi Arabia invites discerning travellers to enjoy unmatched hospitality.

The roadshow also amplified STA’s latest international campaign, “I Came for Football, I Stayed for More.” The campaign, featuring football icon Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7), brings to life a Saudi Arabia that offers visitors an extended season of high-stakes sport, captivating entertainment, and a wealth of film, fashion, and cultural events.

Commenting on the successful roadshows, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “The India roadshow is a key part of STA’s strategy to unlock India’s potential as an important source market. With rising prosperity, a young affluent population, improved air connectivity, and close proximity, India offers strong growth opportunities for Saudi. We will continue to work closely with our trade partners through initiatives such as roadshows, travel fairs, and marketing campaigns to unlock new opportunities. These efforts aim to support the development of curated itineraries that appeal to Indian travellers and position India as one of the key tourism source markets for Saudi."

A key roadshow highlight was Six Flags Qiddiya City, set to open by the end of the year, featuring 28 thrill rides, including the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, Falcon’s Flight. Located near Six Flags, Aquarabia Water Theme Park will offer 22 cutting-edge water rides, including record-breaking coasters and slides. Binban, north of Riyadh, hosts MDLBEAST Soundstorm, the region’s largest electronic music festival, blending global stars with emerging Saudi talent.

The roadshow spotlighted KAEC’s expanding appeal as a hub for both business and leisure, with strong potential as a MICE destination. Strategically located on the Saudi Red Sea coast near Jeddah, KAEC offers premium urban living and tourism experiences. It is also a key stop on the Haramain high-speed railway along with key gateways of Saudi Arabia.

Roadshow highlights also included gamification activities and an interactive competition, ‘The Art of Building a Saudi Itinerary.’ Both drew strong interest and full-house participation across all three cities.

The latest roadshow marks another milestone in the country’s journey to welcome the world and position Saudi Arabia as an iconic global travel destination. With over 500 Indian travel trade buyers engaged across three dynamic cities, momentum continues to grow in Saudi Arabia’s leisure, MICE, GIT, and wedding segments.