Porto and Faro Advocate for Direct Flights from Riyadh to Boost Saudi Tourism

Portugal's Push for Direct Air Connectivity

The Portuguese cities of Porto and Faro are spearheading an initiative to establish direct flight routes from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. This strategic move is designed to significantly boost tourism from the Middle Eastern nation, addressing a current lack of direct air connectivity that often necessitates lengthy layovers via hubs such as Dubai or London.

Manuel Castro Almeida, Portugal's Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, has been a prominent voice in this advocacy, highlighting the absence of direct flights as a primary impediment to increased tourism flow between the two countries. He has suggested that if direct connections to Lisbon prove challenging, Porto and Faro present viable and attractive alternative gateways.

Unlocking High-Value Tourism from Saudi Arabia

The drive to attract Saudi tourists is underpinned by their significant economic potential. Saudi visitors are recognized for their high purchasing power and a keen interest in exploring new destinations. Portugal, with its reputation for safety, favorable climate, and rich cultural offerings, is well-positioned to appeal to this demographic, which often seeks luxury experiences and high-quality services.

Both Porto and Faro offer distinct attractions tailored to diverse preferences:

• Porto: Known for its historic Ribeira district, renowned port wine cellars, and proximity to medieval towns, Porto aims to draw culture-seeking tourists interested in luxury river cruises and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Faro: As the gateway to the Algarve, Faro is positioned as a luxury beach destination, offering resorts, golf courses, yacht marinas, villas, and spa retreats that appeal to families and wellness-focused travelers.

To accommodate the anticipated influx, local tourism bodies are reportedly preparing services such as Arabic-language assistance and halal-friendly hospitality options.

Strategic Alignment and Future Prospects

This initiative is expected to yield substantial benefits for Portugal's tourism sector, with projections indicating a potential increase in arrivals by 30 to 50 percent. This growth would translate into significant tourism revenues, stimulating various sectors including hospitality, luxury retail, and cultural attractions, thereby aiding in the overall recovery and diversification of Portugal's tourism economy.

The push for direct flights also aligns strategically with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, an ambitious plan focused on economic diversification, with tourism playing a crucial role. Saudi Arabia aims to reach 150 million tourist visits by 2030. Furthermore, Portugal's expected participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh is anticipated to further strengthen bilateral tourism and economic ties. Discussions regarding the establishment of these direct routes are in advanced stages, with agreements potentially finalized in the coming months and flights commencing as early as mid-2026.