TBM Staff - Mumbai To encourage more women travellers from India to Saudi Arabia, TBO, in partnership with Saudi Tourism Authority, hosted an engaging session for women leaders in Mumbai. Twenty four travel agents participated in this event.
Talking to TravelBiz Monitor, Vidhu Lamba, Vice President, TBO Academy, discussed the various perceptions surrounding Saudi as a destination for women travellers. “Many questions arise about women’s safety, dress codes, and permissible activities,” said Lamba. The aim of the session was to dispel these doubts and showcase Saudi as a safe destination. “We want our travel partners to understand that Saudi Arabia is among the safest countries for women,” Lamba emphasised.
In addition to renowned shopping spots, Saudi offers a plethora of options for women travellers, including hiking and biking tours, luxury spas, entertainment, and yoga activities.
Regarding the industry’s response, Lamba noted a shift in perceptions about Saudi as a travel destination over the past six months. “Especially after the Indian Premier League (IPL), people realised that Saudi is an unexplored destination with nightlife, adventure, and even snowfall,” Lamba pointed out.
She highlighted that the Saudi Tourism Authority is diligently addressing challenges faced by travel agents related to inventory, food, hospitality, and visa concerns.
Lamba acknowledged her efforts in promoting Saudi for the past two years, with noticeable results emerging in the last six months. “We still have a long journey ahead. Everyone desires to travel without apprehension, and achieving that will take time,” she concluded.
