Tourism

This surge in inbound travel coincides with Saudi Arabia’s wider economic diversification under Vision 2030, aiming to boost tourism’s contribution to GDP and attract 100 million annual visitors by the end of the decade.

The new routes announced include Almaty in Kazakhstan, Baku in Azerbaijan, Bucharest in Romania, Medina in Saudi Arabia, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Yerevan in Armenia.

The new policy applies to nationals of all African countries except Libya and Somalia, where ongoing security challenges have led to a temporary exclusion.

The event is a collaborative initiative, jointly organized by the private sector and industry directorates, reflecting a shared commitment to building a robust and competitive tourism sector through public-private partnership.

According to the review, tourism revenues reached US$3.92 billion in the year ending May 2025, up from US$3.63 billion the previous year.

These initiatives are set to streamline visa processes for both international film crews and participants in large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and sporting tournaments.

The company has emphasized that this new formation reflects a strategic commitment to strengthening corporate governance and ensuring that Bahrain Marina’s development benefits from the insight and oversight of prominent national figures.

Attendees will engage in workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to refine storytelling techniques and explore innovative ways to present Africa’s diverse destinations

March stood out as a historic month, with 22 ship visits, the highest number ever recorded in a single month, demonstrating the city’s rising prominence in the global cruise industry.

This new route is set to improve regional connectivity and support the growth of domestic tourism in western Kenya, particularly around Lake Victoria and Kisumu’s rich cultural sites.