ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines and Funadiq Travel & Tourism Services, the official marketing representative of the Saudi Tourism Authority in the country, this week inked an agreement to boost air travel and tourism between the two nations, Pakistan’s national flag carrier said. 

The memorandum of understanding was signed between the two parties on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day on Sept. 23. The partnership aims to promote Saudi Arabia as a top tourist destination for Pakistani travelers through joint marketing initiatives, co-branded travel packages, and sustainable tourism practices, the PIA said. It added that the collaboration also supports the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program. 

“This partnership reflects PIA’s commitment to providing enhanced travel experiences for our passengers,” Amir Hayat, PIA’s CEO, said in a statement. “By working with Funadiq and the Saudi Tourism Authority, we aim to make travel between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia more accessible and enjoyable for our customers.”

Funadiq CEO Mohammad Salman Arain said the company was “thrilled” to join hands with the national flag carrier to promote the Kingdom as a world-class destination. 

“Together, we will ensure that Pakistani tourists enjoy seamless travel experiences while exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Saudi Arabia,” Arain said. 

The partnership is expected to strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, enhance tourism potential, and offer new opportunities for both countries to collaborate on multiple fronts, PIA said. 

Thousands of Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia every year to perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The two countries enjoy strong cultural, defense and economic ties and the Kingdom is home to over 2 million Pakistanis. For years, it has remained the largest contributor to the South Asian country’s remittance inflows.