Tourism Collaboration Framework Established

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) have announced a comprehensive joint framework aimed at boosting bilateral tourism between Saudi Arabia and Japan by 300% over the next five years. The framework was unveiled at a joint press conference in Tokyo, with MOSOOK - Saudi Japan Business Center serving as the principal facilitator of the agreement. Current bilateral tourism between the two countries stands at approximately 150,000 visitors annually, a figure that both organizations believe significantly underrepresents the potential for cultural exchange and tourism revenue. The new framework sets an ambitious target of 600,000 annual visitors by 2030. The framework includes the following strategic initiatives: Visa Facilitation: Both governments have agreed to streamline visa processes for tourists, including the introduction of an expedited e-visa system for Japanese nationals visiting Saudi Arabia and simplified group visa arrangements for Saudi tourists visiting Japan. Processing times are expected to decrease from the current average of 10 business days to just 48 hours. Direct Air Connectivity: Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and Japan Airlines (JAL) will launch new direct routes connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with Tokyo and Osaka. The combined weekly seat capacity will increase from 3,500 to 12,000, with code-sharing arrangements extending coverage to secondary cities in both countries. Cultural Exchange Programs: A series of cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and culinary events will be organized in both countries to raise awareness and generate interest in bilateral tourism. The first major event, "Saudi Seasons Japan," is planned for Tokyo in autumn 2026 and will showcase Saudi Arabia's heritage sites, modern attractions, and diverse tourism offerings. Tourism Industry Training: Japanese hospitality training programs will be made available to Saudi tourism professionals, leveraging Japan's world-renowned standards of customer service (omotenashi). Similarly, Saudi tourism authorities will provide Japanese travel agencies with specialized training on Saudi Arabia's tourism products and cultural protocols. Digital Tourism Platform: A bilingual digital platform will be developed to provide prospective tourists in both countries with comprehensive travel planning resources, including virtual tours, recommended itineraries, and booking integration with local services. MOSOOK played a central role in bringing the STA and JNTO together, organizing preliminary discussions, and drafting the framework's key provisions. The center will continue to serve as the secretariat for the joint steering committee that will oversee the framework's implementation.