Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has returned to Malaysia with its largest trade networking event NUSUK today at Mandarin Oriental, bringing together over 40 prominent Saudi stakeholders and 500 travel agencies from Malaysia and the South-east Asia markets.

With the presence of Saudi Arabia’s minister of Hajj & Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan AlRabiah, this pivotal trade event provides STA an opportunity to engage with DMCs, hotels, transportation providers, and essential travel partners.

The goal is to gain deeper insights into their needs and refine offers, products, and packages to enhance the spiritual journey of Malaysian travellers performing Umrah and to facilitate easier exploration of other Saudi destinations.

During the event, STA will also unveil several key collaborations and initiatives with its major trade partners.

The first is Andalusia’s Exclusive Travel Experience with WeXpress in December, where Andalusia will introduce a unique travel experience package featuring exclusive itineraries, travel recommendations, and filming permissions supported by STA.

Secondly, Mitra Kembara and Grab will collaborate to enhance accessibility for Malaysian Grab drivers to perform Umrah. Under this initiative, specialised packages will be offered to over 300,000 eligible Grab drivers, funded by Grab and supported by Saudia for airline tickets. STA will play a crucial role by advising on itineraries, supporting logistical needs, and offering special access to key locations to ensure a smooth and enriching journey.

Finally, Saudi is set to launch Aroya Cruise, its first owned halal cruise line, operating from Jeddah with its inaugural itinerary starting in December 2024.

In addition, Saudi is making travel more accessible for Malaysian visitors with the free 96-hour Stopover Visa and an eVisa valid for up to 90 days. For those holding an Umrah visa, there is also the opportunity to explore additional destinations within the 90-day validity period.

From August 28 to September 1, there will be the first-ever Saudi Travel Fair at IOI Putrajaya Mall, offering exclusive deals, packages, interactive virtual and cultural experiences, and a chance to win amazing gifts and more.