The Philippines is strengthening its tourism ties with Saudi Arabia as part of its bid to capture a bigger share of the Middle East travel market, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday.

Earlier this month, the DOT held high-level meetings with Saudia Airlines and Riyadh Air to discuss air connectivity expansion and possible joint tourism promotions.

“Our shared values of hospitality, family, and faith make the Philippines a natural destination of choice for Saudi travelers,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in a statement.

“With enhanced air connectivity, we aim to bring the beauty and warmth of our islands even closer to the Saudi people,” she added.

The DOT delegation met separately with Saudia Airlines General Manager Abdulrahman Alabdulwahab and Riyadh Air Vice President for Network Planning and Partnerships Wolfgang Reuss during the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh from Nov. 7 to 11.

Frasco, who was leading a relief operation in the Typhoon Tino-hit Negros Occidental, was represented by DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso in the meetings, who conveyed the former’s instructions to enhance accessibility and forge stronger tourism collaboration between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.

The DOT said new direct routes are expected to operate this year, including Riyadh–Cagayan de Oro and Riyadh–Zamboanga flights, which will complement the country’s existing Riyadh–Manila and Jeddah–Manila connections.

“As a destination, the Philippines continues to gain ground among Saudi travelers, recognized for its warm hospitality, competitive value, English-speaking service culture, and growing Halal-friendly tourism infrastructure. Saudi nationals enjoy visa-free entry to the Philippines for up to 30 days, making travel easier and more accessible,” Frasco said in a message.

“Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound tourism markets, driven by a young and affluent population with high disposable income for travel. It represents one of our most dynamic and high-value markets in the Middle East.”

In 2024, tourism receipts from the Saudi market reached USD37.86 million, a 46 percent increase from the previous year.

Popular destinations for Saudi tourists outside Metro Manila include Cebu, Boracay, Pampanga, Palawan, and Cavite, reflecting a preference for premium, family-friendly beach and resort experiences.

Currently, the DOT is implementing various Muslim-friendly and Halal tourism initiatives to help attract more visitors from Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries. (PNA)