Saudi Arabia has implemented a special passport stamp for guests coming to the Kingdom as a way to honor its historic hosting of the FIFA World Cup. As the nation gets ready to host the event for the first time in its history, the project is a part of a larger drive to highlight Saudi Arabia's rising international reputation and strengthen its cultural influence.
"Welcome to the Land of Champions," along with the official World Cup insignia, is printed on the unique stamp, which is being distributed at all international airports and border crossing locations nationwide. It is anticipated that the action will improve the experience for tourists and fans, many of whom are coming in record numbers. It took years of infrastructure investment, sports development, and diplomatic efforts to secure the World Cup.
Over 5 million people, including 2 million foreign visitors, are anticipated to attend the event, bringing in an estimated $8 billion for the Saudi economy. Additionally, it is anticipated that the event will generate 100,000 temporary jobs,greatly increasing local employment.
As fans and officials start to come, tourism in Saudi Arabia has already increased significantly. In the first quarter of 2024, the country had 3.6 million visitors, a 23% increase from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism. With hotel reservations set to soar by 70% in host cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, the World Cup is predicted to further accelerate this trend.
In order to handle the surge of tourists, Saudi Airlines has also added 1,200 additional flights, and supporters with match tickets are now subject to strict visa-on-arrival regulations. The passport stamp is a representation of Saudi Arabia's ambitions and capacity to host world events on a never-before-seen scale. The Kingdom is preparing to welcome the world as supporters get set to support their preferred teams, signaling a significant milestone in its development into a major international sports and cultural destination.
