Saudi Arabia is accelerating its transformation into a leading global destination, as the Kingdom aims to double the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy from 5% to 10% by 2030, the Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced during the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh.
Speaking at a session titled “AI and the Future of Tourism,” Al-Khateeb described tourism as a key pillar of Vision 2030, crucial for diversifying the economy and generating employment opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
“Tourism currently represents 5% of the Kingdom’s GDP,” Al-Khateeb said. “We aim to double that figure within five years, creating 10% of total jobs.”
Rapid expansion across entertainment, culture, and events
Additionally, Al-Khateeb highlighted the rapid evolution of Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape, noting the emergence of new segments such as entertainment, sports, culture, and exhibitions. He pointed to Riyadh as a prime example of this growth, declaring it one of the world’s most active cities for hosting major events.
He explained that to support this expansion, the ministry has conducted extensive studies of over 66 countries, representing 80% of the global tourism market to ensure strong connectivity with key Saudi destinations like Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea.
The minister underscored the importance of expanding air routes, noting that Saudi airlines are working to double flights to meet rising demand. He said these efforts are essential for linking the Kingdom’s destinations with global markets.
Saudi Arabia’s unique offerings attract millions
Consequently, Al-Khateeb emphasized the Kingdom’s natural and cultural richness, including mountain ranges, islands, the Red Sea coast, and heritage landmarks like Diriyah, praising Saudi hospitality as a key factor in attracting visitors. The Kingdom welcomed over 30 million tourists in 2024, he said, with a goal of reaching 50 million international visitors by 2030.
Al-Khateeb reaffirmed that tourism’s geographical and cultural diversity positions it as one of Saudi Arabia’s most vital job-creating sectors, helping solidify its role as a global tourism hub.
