South Africa and Saudi Arabia agree to strengthen pilgrimage and tourism links

South Africa and Saudi Arabia have moved to strengthen tourism links with an emphasis on improving journeys for South African pilgrims, following talks during an official visit on 9 September 2026.

High-level meeting on pilgrim experience and connectivity

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille hosted Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al‑Rabiah, during the visit. The discussions focused on practical cooperation to ease pilgrim journeys, expand connectivity and develop a broader tourism relationship between the two countries.

Steps to make travel easier

According to The Citizen (South Africa), the ministers discussed facilitating pilgrim journeys, supporting the transition to digital services, strengthening coordination with tour operators and finding practical solutions to obstacles faced by South African pilgrims.

The two sides agreed to establish a joint working group to follow up on recommendations and strengthen cooperation, The Citizen (South Africa) reported. They also committed to encouraging airlines in both countries to explore increasing flight frequencies, measures aimed at easing travel for pilgrims, Umrah visitors and other travellers and at boosting connectivity between the countries.

Why the push matters

According to The Citizen (South Africa), last year around 56 000 South Africans travelled to the kingdom for Umrah, an increase of approximately 10% compared to the previous year. The Citizen (South Africa) also reported that arrivals from Saudi Arabia to South Africa rose from 5 461 in 2021 to 24 942 in 2025.

Speaking about plans to attract more Saudi visitors,

“South African Tourism will also build seasonal packages that we can market to Saudi travellers,”

De Lille said, as reported by The Citizen (South Africa).

Saudi priorities and outlook

Minister Al‑Rabiah emphasised listening to pilgrims and service providers. The Citizen (South Africa) quoted him:

“Our priority is to listen to South African pilgrims, Umrah visitors and service providers, understand their needs, and work together to make their journey more accessible, seamless and enriching.”

The ministers also discussed broader tourism cooperation, including destination promotion, skills development and highlighting South Africa’s Islamic heritage and halaal tourism offering, The Citizen (South Africa) said.

Next steps

The joint working group and the commitment to encourage increased airline frequencies were presented as immediate follow-up actions from the visit, aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties and improving the travel experience for pilgrims and other travellers between South Africa and Saudi Arabia, according to The Citizen (South Africa).