Saudi Arabia prepares for more Chinese travelers

At the moment, more than 160 travel products tailored to the Chinese market have been put in place.

"The Saudi Tourism Authority looks forward to deepening our collaboration with Chinese online travel agencies and companies," Hamidaddin says.

In the months leading up to the ADS signing, Saudi Arabia announced several key initiatives with the Chinese market.

The country's flag carrier SAUDIA launched direct Jeddah-Beijing and Riyadh-Beijing flights, in addition to daily flights from Guangzhou.

The achievement of ADS will unlock opportunities for greater collaboration with China and build on existing partnerships in Saudi Arabia, such as the alliance with UnionPay, which is accepted by half a million merchants across Saudi Arabia with over 60 percent coverage, according to the Saudi Tourism Authority.

China has already been included as one of 57 countries eligible for Saudi's e-visa and visa on arrival programs, as well as enjoying free hotel stays when flying onwards on SAUDIA as part of Saudi's 96-hour Stopover Visa program.

Other key initiatives include the launch of the visitsaudi.cn portal in Mandarin, Chinese signage in Riyadh airport, and joint marketing campaigns with leading travel trade partners.

Chinese holidaymakers can also take advantage of special hotel offers courtesy of local destination management companies, with attractive deals inviting them to discover Saudi Arabia on their terms.