By Veronica Uy
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is prioritizing new routes to key Asian markets, including China and the Philippines, as its Air Connectivity Program works toward welcoming over 330 million passengers on 250 international routes by 2030.
“China is a key source market where we needed to add more capacity,” said Majid Alharbi, Head of Commercial Development for the Air Connectivity Program, in an interview at the Super Terminal Expo early November.
He said increased flights and seat availability are planned for high-demand markets like China.
But already, Alharbi added, four Chinese carriers joined Saudi routes this year alone, highlighting the program’s focus on increasing accessibility for Asian tourists.
The Philippines, a long-established partner in labor exchanges with Saudi Arabia, is also benefiting from enhanced air connectivity.
Alharbi said that for Filipinos who have traditionally associated the kingdom with work opportunities, the initiative provides a fresh chance to rediscover Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination with unique natural and cultural attractions.
Under its Vision 2030 agenda, Saudi Arabia seeks to transform itself into a global tourism hub. Launched in 2021, its Air Connectivity Program has already attracted 12 new airlines and over 22 new routes this year, adding 1.5 million seats to Saudi airports.
“In three years, we’ve managed to attract more than 70 new routes and significantly increase international connectivity through our national and foreign carriers alike,” Alharbi said.
Tourism plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The kingdom aims to increase tourism’s GDP contribution from the current 3% to 10% by 2030.
“We need to diversify our economy,” Alharbi told THEPHILBIZNEWS. “Being rich today, as a country, is good, but our resources must be sustained into different sectors, like tourism, that will support future generations.”
He said this shift underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging its geographical and cultural wealth to attract international tourists, particularly from Asia, while paving the way for sustainable economic growth.
“Everyone is welcome to visit, and we want to welcome the entire globe,” Alharbi said.
