Saudia has announced several expansion initiatives in recent weeks. Saudi Arabia's state-owned flag carrier plans to expand its operations in anticipation of large tourism demand in the coming years. Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million annual visitors by 2030 as part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy. The country seeks to reduce its reliance on oil and gas by developing other sectors, including tourism and aviation.

Saudia's Plans for Religious Tourism

One component of Saudia's plans involves appealing to the approximately two billion Muslims worldwide. Saudi Arabia has always had religious tourism since the country has Islam's two holiest cities: Mecca and Medina. Aside from regular passenger service, Saudia operates charter flights during Ramadan and Hajj season to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah. The airport has a dedicated Hajj Terminal for pilgrims that can accommodate up to 80,000 travelers. The pilgrims use other forms of transportation to travel from Jeddah to Mecca and Medina.

On November 6, Saudia announced plans to expand its Umrah operations in North America. The carrier will launch a dedicated website for Muslim pilgrims in the U.S. and Canada looking to visit Saudi Arabia for religious reasons. This announcement occurred at the World Travel Market in London, one of the world's largest travel and tourism conferences.

Saudia offers nonstop flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The airline will also reinstate its route between Jeddah and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on December 2 after a five-year absence. Saudia is the only way for North American travelers to fly nonstop to Saudi Arabia since no American or Canadian airline offers a direct route.

Saudia's Umrah website allows passengers to plan and book their trips easily. The website provides info on Umrah rituals, visa requirements, accommodation, and transportation. Passengers have access to a variety of packages that suit their needs. Although Hajj can only be performed during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijja, Umrah can be done anytime during the year. Saudi Arabia has outlined plans to attract 30 million annual religious travelers by 2030.

Saudia's plans will help the airline reach the growing Muslim community in North America. According to the 2020 U.S. Religion Census, the U.S. has 4.45 million Muslims, comprising 1.3% of the American population. Meanwhile, the 2021 Canadian Census reveals that Canada is home to approximately 1.8 million Muslims, making up 4.9% of Canadians. Saudia currently operates 17 weekly flights to the U.S. with around 5,000 seats. 

Saudia's Plans for Leisure Tourism

Saudia highlighted its goal to attract leisure travelers at the World Travel Market. The carrier had a booth showcasing its new look inspired by Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage. The exhibition featured the airline's cabins with traditional food, music, aroma, and in-flight entertainment. 

People who attended the conference were able to experience Saudia's new cabins. The carrier redesigned its seats in economy and business classes to incorporate beauty while enhancing passenger comfort. The airline offers amenity kits with luxurious products to passengers in both cabin classes. Finally, attendees saw Saudia's upcoming digital services that use artificial intelligence to provide passengers with an outstanding travel experience.

Saudi Arabia's Commitment to Aviation and Tourism

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides towards becoming a major global tourism destination. Aside from Saudia's recent announcements, the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) plans to launch a second flag carrier called Riyadh Air in 2025. The new airline will be based at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, which Saudia uses as a secondary hub after Jeddah. On the multilateral scale, Saudi Arabia is the president of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with its Middle Eastern headquarters in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has announced several projects aimed at attracting international tourism. One of the most anticipated projects is NEOM, a futuristic city featuring attractions that can't be found elsewhere worldwide. These attractions include a 106-mile (170-kilometer) linear city called The Line and Trojena, the Arabian Peninsula's first outdoor ski resort. Other projects include luxury resorts along the Red Sea and major international sporting events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

In aviation, Saudi Arabia announced several initiatives to develop the industry further. On October 30, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) introduced reforms to attract $100 billion in private and public investment into the aviation sector by 2030. These reforms will help the industry become more competitive, attract investors, and increase transparency. GACA also outlined plans to privatize more of Saudi Arabia's airports. One airport project currently under development is King Salman International Airport near Riyadh, which will be one of the world's largest airports when completed.