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| Source: STA. The Saudi Tourism Authority launches Nusuk and Umrah+ in Malaysia. |
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has launched Nusuk (nusuk.sa), a new digital platform which welcomes Muslims globally to experience umrah, inMalaysia and Singapore.
Nusuk is an initiative launched by the Saudi Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Program. It aims to enhance the overall visitor experience for Muslims visiting KSA, and simplifies arrival procedures for umrah pilgrims.
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, HE Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah said: "As we open our doors to welcome back the largest group of pilgrims from around the world to Saudi post the pandemic, we look forward to providing an enriching and seamless booking experience, with expanded travel options that will take them on a spiritual journey across different Islamic attractions and offerings between Makkah and Madinah to experience this life-changing moment and to discover Saudi's rich cultural and heritage offerings."
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at the Saudi Tourism Authority and MD of Nusuk said: "We are committed to making Saudi more accessible to all visitors. For pilgrims we have launched the digital platform Nusuk designed for pilgrims and visitors to plan their spiritual journey seamlessly."
He added: "We are also working with our partners to encourage pilgrims to also explore our beautiful country and experience its many facets through our Umrah+ programmes. Saudi is welcoming the world to visit the fastest growing new destination and the last unexplored leisure tourism frontier. This presents incomparable new business opportunities for partners looking to offer experiences in Saudi that will capture the hearts, minds, and imaginations of travellers."
Alhasan Aldabbagh, Nusuk President-APAC, said at the Malaysia launch: "We are on a journey of continuous innovation and today's launch of the Nusuk platform in Bahasa Melayu is a showcase of our agility to respond to market needs. We look forward to welcoming more travellers from Malaysia than ever before. Nusuk will make it easier and more accessible for pilgrims as to plan and book their trip, encouraging them to discover Saudi beyond their spiritual journeys."
Both Malaysia and Singapore are key tourism sources for KSA. Both nations are deepening relations with partners and committed to investing and working closely with local players to ensure experiences are relevant and appealing to their respective markets. Last year, the kingdom welcomed 312,000 Malaysian visitors and this year the aim is to double visitor numbers. Singaporean travellers exceeded 12% of 2019 visitor figures in 2022, and KSA aims to welcome over 60,000 Singaporean visitors in 2023.
Aldabbagh noted at the Singapore launch: "Like Singapore, Saudi embodies a diversity of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, offering visitors an incomparable travel destination."
The Saudi Tourism Authority announced two other initiatives at its Malaysian roadshow: enhanced Umrah+ packages and the Stopover visa.
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| Source: STA. Aldabbagh (left) with Ustaz TM Fouzy Jumat, President, Association of Muslim
Travel Agents Singapore (AMTAS) (right). |
The enhanced Umrah+ packages are designed to showcase KSA as a holiday destination with rich cultural and historical offerings, pristine nature and diverse landscapes. KSA is home to six UNESCO World Heritage sites and over 10,000 archaeological sites. These include Al Balad in Jeddah and Turaif in Diriyah - the birthplace of KSA - together with the mountains of Aseer and little towns offering heritage and cultural experiences.
The recently-announced Stopover visa is open to all leisure, business and religious travellers flying on SAUDIA and flynas. Travellers can experience a stopover in KSA for up to 96 hours and enjoy a complimentary one-night hotel stay with Saudia.
Saudi has invested in several giga-projects such as Qiddiya, Neom and the recently-announced Murabba in Riyadh called 'The Mukaab', which will be the world's largest modern downtown.
Explore
Browse the Visit Saudi website or explore Nusuk at www.nusuk.sa.