Saudi Arabia announced granting the official Approved Destination Status to China effective from July 1, 2024

With effect from July 1, 2024, Saudi Arabia announced that China would receive formal Approved Destination Status (ADS). The Kingdom took part in ITB China in Shanghai as well as the second China roadshow after that. With new potential in the tourism sector and a focus on mutual understanding, friendship, and economic development for both countries, this action further demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to China as a vital economic partner. Group travel to Saudi Arabia has reached a major turning point with the ADS designation. Saudi Arabia has taken proactive steps to be ready for China, with the goal of making the country the third largest source market for foreign visitors by 2030. In order to improve group and Flexible Independent Travel (FIT) experiences, this entails starting a major increase in direct flights in 2023, providing customized goods, and establishing strategic alliances. The official ADS status, according to Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, shows Saudi Arabia's preparedness for Chinese tourists as well as its efforts toward making China its third-largest tourism market by 2030. By 2030, Saudi Arabia hopes to draw five million Chinese visitors. To that end, it will improve connectivity by adding new direct flights from Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern to its current network of Saudia flights. With these activities, the number of inbound seats has increased by 130 percent, and the frequency of weekly flights has doubled from a year ago.