Saudi Tourism Authority Showcases Package Visa in Delhi

NEW DELHI, India — The Saudi Tourism Authority hosted an industry event in New Delhi on July 24, 2026, unveiling a range of tourism initiatives, luxury hospitality projects, and a streamlined "Package Visa" mechanism designed specifically for Indian travelers. The roadshow brought together Indian outbound tour operators and travel trade media representatives to highlight expanding flight routes and infrastructure investments across the Kingdom.

The initiative aims to expand visitor capacity as India remains one of Saudi Arabia’s primary source markets for international leisure, business, and religious travel.

Package Visa and Streamlined Entry Formalities

The central announcement at the event was the introduction of the digital Package Visa pilot initiative, developed jointly by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Interior. The new system allows accredited general travel service providers to bundle electronic tourist visa applications directly into comprehensive travel itineraries.

┌─────────────────────────────────────
│                 SAUDI PACKAGE VISA PLATFORM                 │
├─────────────────────────────────────
│ Target Market Focus       │ Indian Outbound Travelers      │
├───────────────────────────┼─────────
│ Integrated Elements        │ Flights, Hotels, e-Visa, Tours  │
├─────────────────────────────────────
│ Regulatory Partners        │ Tourism, Foreign & Interior     │
│                                         │ Ministries                                │
├────────────────────────────────────
│ Booking Channel            │ Authorized Travel Partners     │
└────────────────────────────────────

Under this integrated framework, eligible Indian tourists can complete visa processing simultaneously while booking flights, hotel accommodations, and curated sightseeing tours through authorized travel partners, eliminating the need to manage independent application portals.

Expanding Aviation Connectivity and Resort Infrastructure

To support growing passenger traffic, tourism representatives detailed upcoming additions to direct air connectivity between the two nations. Low-cost carrier flyadeal recently launched direct flight services between Riyadh and Hyderabad, while flag carrier Riyadh Air is scheduled to begin regular non-stop flights on the Riyadh–Mumbai route starting August 4, 2026.

┌──────────────────────────────────────
│               INDIA-SAUDI AVIATION EXPANSION                    │
├──────────────────────────────────────
│ flyadeal Route                 │ Direct Riyadh – Hyderabad        │
├──────────────────────────────────────
│ Riyadh Air Route             │ Direct Riyadh – Mumbai             │
├──────────────────────────────────────
│ Scheduled Launch          │ August 4, 2026                            │
├──────────────────────────────────────
│ Key Target Destinations  │ Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Red Sea │
└──────────────────────────────────────

Delegates also received updates on luxury hospitality projects currently taking shape across the Kingdom, including Miraval The Red Sea, Six Senses AMAALA, and the Four Seasons Resort & Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay. Furthermore, officials spotlighted major entertainment destinations under construction, such as Six Flags Qiddiya City and the Aquarabia water theme park.

Official Sources Section

Official updates regarding travel facilitation, visa protocols, and destination offerings were delivered by the Saudi Tourism Authority during the trade briefing in New Delhi. Broader regulatory frameworks for the Package Visa pilot are governed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Interior.

Quote Section

According to official delegates from the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Package Visa initiative is designed to remove entry friction for international travelers by enabling authorized travel trade partners to deliver single-click booking experiences combining entry permits, flights, and certified accommodations.

Why It Matters

India represents one of the fastest-growing global markets for outbound tourism. By integrating visa issuance into commercial travel packages and adding direct flights from major Indian hubs like Mumbai and Hyderabad, Saudi Arabia is positioning its cultural, luxury, and entertainment destinations to capture a larger share of Indian family, business, and leisure travel.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Integrated Package Visa: Enables travelers to secure e-visas directly through bundled flight and hotel bookings with accredited agents.

• New Flight Connectivity: Riyadh Air to launch non-stop Riyadh–Mumbai flights starting August 4, 2026.

• Hospitality Pipeline: Unveiled updates on wellness destinations, including Six Senses AMAALA and Miraval The Red Sea.

• Promotional Offers: Showcased summer hotel promotional discounts of up to 25% across Red Sea resorts and Jeddah through September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Saudi Package Visa?

The Package Visa is a digital entry initiative that allows eligible travelers to obtain an electronic tourist visa as part of a single bundled booking that includes flights, hotel stays, and local tours through licensed travel agents.

When do new flights between India and Saudi Arabia begin?

Following flyadeal's route launch between Riyadh and Hyderabad, Riyadh Air is scheduled to start direct service on the Riyadh–Mumbai route beginning August 4, 2026.

What new attractions were showcased at the New Delhi event?

The Saudi Tourism Authority presented updates on upcoming entertainment hubs like Six Flags Qiddiya City and Aquarabia water park, along with luxury wellness resorts across the Red Sea and AMAALA.

Source: Official press statements published by the Saudi Tourism Authority, regulatory releases from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, and official event briefings reported by the Saudi Press Agency.