Johannesburg – Saudi Airlines has announced the resumption of its direct flights between Jeddah and Johannesburg, starting this month.
The new direct flights are expected to significantly enhance tourism efforts between South Africa and the international community.
Restoring the direct flight route aligns with ongoing initiatives to facilitate seamless travel, encouraging tourists and fostering increased performance in the tourism sector.
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Cultural and religious tourism
Collaborative efforts between South Africa and Saudi Arabia have increased tourist access for cultural and religious trips.
The Department of Tourism has formalised its commitment to promoting tourism through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism.
“This partnership has also extended to proposing a direct flight between Cape Town and Saudi Arabia, aiming to further boost tourism, particularly in cultural and religious tourism, providing significant advantages for Hajj and Umrah travellers,” explained South African Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille.
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E-Visa’s
Earlier this year, South Africa became the first African country to be included in Saudi Arabia’s e-visa system. This online visa application system simplifies the process for travellers, aligning with the global trend towards digitising travel documentation.
The introduction of e-visas and the resumption of direct flights are expected to significantly increase the number of visitors from South Africa to Saudi Arabia.
The minister concluded by stating that this strategic move is poised to elevate tourism’s contribution to the economies of Saudi Arabia and South Africa. The announcement marks a positive stride as the tourism sector looks forward to a thriving summer season.
