Ajinkya Bhat’s visit to Saudi Arabia left him mesmerized by the natural wonder known as the Edge of the World, a breathtaking 1,131-meter cliff located in the Tuwaiq Mountain range. This iconic site, situated about 100 km from Riyadh, offers an uninterrupted horizon view, which Bhat found captivating both at sunrise and sunset, Arab News reported.
Bhat, a 32-year-old from Pune, first visited Saudi Arabia for the Formula E championships. His fascination with the country’s diverse landscapes and luxurious offerings prompted a return trip. “Saudi has lots of raw natural landscapes, really good beaches on the east and west coasts, and a variety of attractions,” he shared. “It’s a great vacation spot; you don’t need to go to Europe or the US.”
Like Bhat, an increasing number of affluent young Indians under 35 are choosing the Middle East for their international travels, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE being top destinations. Saloni Aneja, a 29-year-old from Chandigarh, visited the UAE in January and found it met all her vacation needs. “You have adventure, water parks, shopping complexes, and unique sites like the Museum of the Future,” she said. “Traveling and exploring is a priority for today’s youth.”
This new generation of digitally savvy travelers makes decisions heavily influenced by social media, and Saudi Arabia’s strategic investment in this area is paying off
A recent “Future of Travel” report by marketing agency FINN Partners highlights the spending trends of young Indian globetrotters, showing a strong preference for the luxury and adventure offered by the Gulf countries. Thomas Morris, a senior partner at FINN Partners, noted, “The Middle East, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia, excites young Indian travelers with a blend of luxury and rich history. Our survey found that 55% of Indians under 35 have visited the UAE, and 45% have been to Saudi Arabia.”
These travelers, mainly from major Indian cities, are willing to spend more on unique experiences. “42% indicated they are ready to pay extra for once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” Morris added. Adventure sports, desert activities in the UAE, and trekking in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, are particularly appealing.
Morris also observed a shift in travel behavior compared to the previous generation. “The next generation is impulsive and willing to seize opportunities as they come. UAE and Saudi Arabia have effectively tapped into this with their international micro-adventures,” he said. Saudi Arabia’s aggressive marketing strategy, including sponsoring the Indian Premier League, has significantly boosted its appeal among young Indian tourists. The Saudi Tourism Authority aims to welcome 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030, making India its top inbound market.
Jatin Kumar, a 32-year-old from Haryana, was impressed by Saudi Arabia’s development and cultural richness during his visit in March. “I visited Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, and got to experience a lot of Saudi culture,” he said. “I really liked it.”
This new generation of digitally savvy travelers makes decisions heavily influenced by social media, and Saudi Arabia’s strategic investment in this area is paying off. “They want to be the primary destination for Indian travelers and are investing significantly to make that happen,” Morris concluded.
(Source: Arab News)
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