The Ministry of Tourism launched the pilot phase of the 'Tourist Package Visa' service, in a step aimed at unifying the international tourist's journey within a single service that combines visa, flight, accommodation, and insurance, with the possibility of adding events and tourist experiences, thus streamlining procedures and opening new markets and visitor segments to the Kingdom.

The official spokesman for the Ministry of Tourism, Nasr Al-Ansari, confirmed in an exclusive statement to Al-Arabiya.net that the initiative comes as an extension of an integrated approach adopted by the Kingdom to facilitate the arrival of international tourists, following the launch of the electronic visa, transit visa, and visa on arrival.

Integrated Journey in One Package

Al-Ansari explained that the new service differs from traditional tourist visas, as it allows the visitor to obtain an integrated set of services through an accredited travel and tourism provider, including visa issuance, flight and accommodation bookings, and insurance, within a unified electronic package.

He added that the tourist no longer needs to complete each procedure separately, as they can now finalize trip arrangements from planning and booking to arriving in the Kingdom through a single digital path, which increases convenience and organization and improves the visitor experience.

Access to New Tourism Markets

He pointed out that the 'Tourist Package Visa' expands the Kingdom's reach to new categories of international tourists, after the electronic visa helped open the Kingdom's doors to citizens of 66 countries.

He emphasized that the initiative aims to increase the attractiveness of Saudi destinations, facilitate access to them, and enable service providers to design products that suit the needs of different international markets.

Events and Experiences within the Package

The service allows the inclusion of tickets for events, activities, and tourist and entertainment experiences within the same package, giving the tourist a more integrated journey and enhancing their benefit from the diversity of destinations and features that the Kingdom's regions offer.

Al-Ansari believes that the unification of these services not only facilitates procedures but also extends to increasing tourist spending, extending the length of stay, and stimulating demand for local activities and destinations.

Supporting Revenues and Occupancy Rates

He explained that the initiative supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by facilitating the flow of international visitors, increasing tourism revenues, raising occupancy rates in hospitality facilities, and revitalizing licensed tourism establishments and activities.

He added that the ministry has set controls to achieve the targeted economic impact, including setting a minimum value for the package and duration of the visit, which contributes to maximizing returns and supporting tourism's contribution to the GDP.

New Opportunities for the Private Sector

Al-Ansari affirmed that the service opens broader horizons for accredited travel and tourism service providers to reach new markets and design packages that combine visa, transport, accommodation, and entertainment and cultural experiences.

To ensure service quality, the ministry has set regulatory requirements including round-the-clock contact centers and technical support, along with technical integration with the central system, to ensure a reliable and highly efficient experience.

Evaluation of the Pilot Phase

The Ministry of Tourism spokesman revealed that the ministry will evaluate the results of the pilot phase before considering the expansion of the service, in coordination with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, and in cooperation with the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Insurance Authority.

The launch of the service comes after the Kingdom surpassed the target of receiving 100 million visitors ahead of the schedule set in Vision 2030, indicating accelerated sector growth and a transition to a new phase of expansion and attracting international markets.

20 Digital Products Under Development

In parallel with the initiative, the ministry is advancing digital transformation and smart tourism through the 'Tourist Artificial Intelligence Vision' aimed at building one of the most advanced smart tourism systems globally.

Al-Ansari explained that the ministry launched the 'Tourism X' platform, which currently provides six AI-powered tools, along with digital products including the 'Smart Inspector' and 'Smart Check-in'.

He indicated that work continues on developing more than 20 new digital products, expected to be launched over the next three years, as part of building a more efficient, sustainable, and competitive tourism sector and enhancing its role in diversifying the national economy.

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