Ease in visa policy spurs demand for Qatar-Saudi travel'

Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to ease its tourist visa policy has spurred a surge in demand for travel from Qatar, according to industry experts in Doha.
As the tourism industry in the Middle East and Gulf region continues to grow, travel agencies in Qatar have been playing a vital role in facilitating travel for tourists.
Earlier, Saudi Minister of Tourism and Chairman of Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed al-Khateeb tweeted: “Saudi visa application is now simpler, more convenient and straightforward for residents of GCC States, regardless of their profession. Apply now.”
The visa, which can be for a single entry or multiple entries, enables the holder to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism and Umrah.
There are several tourism activities that are expected to be popular among GCC residents who are planning to visit Saudi Arabia, according to Tawfeeq Travel Group CEO Rehan Ali Syed.
“Saudi is undergoing a major transformation , the clients are keen to travel to explore the market. We have Qatari citizens, as well as residents travelling to experience the Riyadh season, Winter Wonderland, and new touristic places in Saudi Arabia, especially Diriyah in Riyadh, Al Ula, and not forgetting the pilgrimage traffic, as well,” Syed explained.
Syed noted that many people are looking forward to benefiting from this new policy by experiencing tourist destinations and exploring the different business opportunities available in Saudi Arabia.
“This is indeed a great initiative to attract different segments of travelers to visit Saudi Arabia...since the land border is opened for all vehicles, there is a big rush. Moreover, travelling to Riyadh is just five to six hours, and Dammam is just three hours, hence many families and individuals are traveling to experience the kingdom,” he further explained.
He added: “Saudi was considered very conservative a couple of years back but now with the current transformation in progress, it is indeed an eye opener for all GCC states to open and let in the tourism business. Tourism plays a vital role in pushing the economy of any country.
“Qatar had a successful World Cup; tourists who visited Qatar have been totally mesmerised by the beauty and safety of the country. It is important for Qatar to capitalise on this positive image. More than 200,000 passengers arrived during the current cruise season on world-class cruise liners, such as Costa, TUI, Aida, Ponant, and MSC World Europa.”
Similarly, Anshad Ebrahim, general manager of Akbar Travels of India, said Saudi Arabia’s new tourist visa policy is expected to create a positive impact on Qatar’s tourism industry, as well.
“This is a great opportunity considering the fact that now people can travel
to Qatar on a visit visa and then avail of a tourist visa to travel to Saudi Arabia if
they are accompanied by a Qatar RP holder. This is a great initiative to promote both Qatar and Saudi Arabia,” he pointed out.
Ebrahim said, “Saudi Arabia is a land of diversity both in cultures and landscapes. People can enjoy the best of both worlds. They can enjoy the summer, the craggy
mountains, and dense forests in Abba and Taif, as well as the beautiful beaches in Jeddah, Al Khobar, Dammam, and Jubail, among other destinations.”
Citing the company’s offices in Qatar, India, and other international locations, Ebrahim noted that several regional airlines have increased capacity into many cities in Saudi Arabia, giving travel agents the opportunity to offer many options to travellers.
“With the current travel trends and Saudi Arabia being largely untapped, this news is creating interest among avid travelers within the GCC, as well as India,” Ebrahim noted, adding that the company is anticipating catering to MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) movements to Saudi Arabia,” he added.
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