Saudi Arabia eyes China in maritime tourism push

Since July 1, Chinese tourists have enjoyed easier travel to Saudi Arabia.

This is part of agreements between China and other countries that see tourists enjoy simplified visa procedures, cheaper tickets, and increased daily flights.

Other perks include Chinese signage at airports alongside tour guides and hotel staff who speak Mandarin.

Alshaghrood welcomed the first wave of 175 Chinese language teachers that arrived in Saudi Arabia last week as an "important step" in bringing both cultures "closer together" as the Arab nation gradually opens to more visitors.

"I think today the kingdom represents one of the largest opportunities in tourism on the global market," he said.

"It's a G20 country. It has a sophisticated banking sector and it has a wealth of resources both monetary and natural. That includes the culture, the sites, and the different locations that exist there," Alshaghrood said.

While in Hong Kong, Alshaghrood said Saudi officials planned to meet with existing and potential partners.

"Our main objective is to raise awareness about what we're trying to do in the kingdom and what we're doing in the kingdom and help clarify the opportunities in the kingdom and ease the landing of Chinese investors who would like to enter the kingdom," he said.