Indian Minister of Tourism Shripad Naik said the development of sustainable tourism infrastructure, through the exchange of technology and best practices, was an essential part of the partnership strategy between India and Saudi Arabia.
He also noted that his country has resumed the issuing of electronic visa for Saudis.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Naik affirmed India’s aspiration to work with the Kingdom to enhance regional cooperation in the tourism sector, stressing the vital dimension of Saudi Arabia hosting the first regional headquarters of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (WTO).
The minister said that a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the tourism sector was signed between the two countries in 2019, on the sidelines of the state visit conducted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, with the aim of ensuring the development of sustainable tourism infrastructure.
According to Naik, the bilateral agreements are an indication of the enormous potential in infrastructure and tourism investments, explaining that the new projects in Saudi Arabia, along with efforts to expand tourism infrastructure in India, provide opportunities for companies from both sides.
The Indian minister went on to say that Saudi Arabia was working to revitalize the tourism sector, which is one of the main pillars of economic diversification, within the framework of Vision 2030.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s modern and smart tourist destinations, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project, which he said were “worthy of praise.”
Naik added that cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the tourism and hospitality sector was part of the deep strategic relations between the two countries.
He cited a wide range of tourism opportunities in India for travel enthusiasts, such as eco-tourism, rural and adventure holidays, medical tourism, spiritual pilgrimage, in addition to culture, heritage and history.
