MUMBAI: Manoj Nair has been appointed marketing director for India and the subcontinent at the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), marking a pivotal move in STA’s push to deepen its footprint across one of its fastest-growing outbound travel markets.
Nair was previously CEO of Sartha Global Marketing and Mileage Communications, where he represented marquee tourism boards including Brand USA, Visit California, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and TripAdvisor. With over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism sector, his career has spanned brand-building, customer-centric innovation, and business growth.
Before his CEO innings, Nair led marketing at FCM Travel Solutions, the Indian arm of Flight Centre Travel Group, where he helped sharpen the brand’s edge in a crowded marketplace. His earlier stints with Thomas Cook and Kuoni further cemented his reputation as a marketer with a sharp global lens and local nuance.
A recipient of the Most Influential Marketing Leader title from the World Marketing Congress, Nair holds degrees from Mumbai University, IIM Kolkata, and an international MBA from Marketing Week London. He has also advised IIM Sirmaur, India’s only IIM offering a tourism-focused MBA programme.
Mumbai: Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ has launched its first-ever integrated consumer campaign for the Indian market – ‘Spectacular Saudi’. With a captivating blend of ancient tales and modern marvels, this campaign reveals a side of Saudi that transcends all expectations.
Launching in English across the country, ‘Spectacular Saudi’ takes viewers on an immersive journey through Saudi’s golden sands, pristine waters, and endless skies, revealing the country’s iconic landscapes and experiences.
The campaign visuals bring to life all that makes Saudi a spectacular destination – from the ancient mud-brick architecture of Diriyah’s At-Turaif and the pristine waters of the Red Sea to the historic streets of Al Balad in Jeddah and the majestic Nabataean tombs in Hegra, AlUla. Spotlighting Saudi’s open and welcoming culture which resonates with Indian hospitality in many ways; the campaign further cements Saudi’s close affinity with Indian culture. It invites couples, families, and people in search of iconic experiences rooted in culture and heritage, to explore the unexplored. It narrates the story of a Spectacular Saudi, one steeped in heritage, history, and modern wonders while encouraging prospective Indian travellers to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.
Speaking on the campaign, Saudi Tourism Authority president of APAC markets Alhasan Aldabbagh said, “Indian travellers have long shown a deep appreciation for authentic and unique experiences. They are keen to explore novel destinations, cultures and gastronomy, and that is exactly what Saudi has to offer. With iconic destinations like Diriyah, Al Balad, and Hegra in AlUla – three of Saudi’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, they can walk through history dating back millennia, and with tailor-made packages, experience world-class culture, adventure, and cuisine.
We are excited for Indians to experience the warm Saudi welcome, a core part of our heritage, and something intrinsic to Indian culture as well. India holds an incredibly special place in our hearts, and we are committed to making India the number one source market by 2030. In 2023 alone, 1.6 million Indians travelled to Saudi. We are thrilled to welcome Indian visitors to truly experience the Heart of Arabia.”
With a 240 per cent increase in leisure visits from India compared to last year, visiting Saudi has become more accessible, with over 330 direct weekly flights and eight airline operators. Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the U.S., the U.K., or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry, are eligible for an eVisa and visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports. Those not eligible can apply for a visa through 11 Tasheer Centres across India.
For more details, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations. Indian travelers can also apply for a free Stopover visa, valid for up to 96 hours, available 90 days in advance on the Saudia Airline and Flynas websites.
To explore Saudi Arabia, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/campaigns/india and book your trip with exclusive packages and offers from 12 trade partners in India.
