With tourism being a main pillar in advancing the objectives of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is making steady progress in solidifying its status as a global tourism hub, with a special focus on wellness tourism.
Tourism plays a vital role in diversifying economic revenues, creating more jobs, and improving the quality of life. The Kingdom initially set the target of attracting 100 million visitors by 2030. But, in a remarkable achievement, it has reached that target 7 years ahead of schedule. Hence, it has set a new target of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030.
This was the result of the persistent efforts of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), to develop the tourism industry, through forging a National Tourism Strategy and investing in the emerging tourism trends.
Wellness Tourism
Wellness tourism refers to travel to various destinations around the world in pursuit of promoting health and wellbeing. It involves activities that help in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, preventing disease, and boosting wellbeing.
The wellness tourism is an emerging contributor to the economy. In addition to supporting wellness businesses, such as spas, wellness retreats and boot camps, the growing industry includes other activities that open the door for more wellness-related businesses as wellness travelers search for a healthy lifestyle. This includes yoga studios, gyms and fitness centers, healthy food stores, events, arts and crafts, and museums.
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the current annual value of global wellness tourism is $651bn, and is projected to see an annual growth rate of 16.6% through 2027.
Wellness Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is giving priority to developing the tourism industry, as it aims to increase tourism contribution to the GDP from 3% to 10% by 2030. To this end, the Kingdom has focused on wellness tourism to take advantage of the flourishing market and also to deliver high-quality experiences to meet the growing demand and further establishes Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourist destination.
On this matter, the CEO of the Saudi Tourism Investment Co. (ASFAR), Fahad Mushayt, highlighted the economic potential of this sector. He told Arab News: “International wellness tourists spend, on average, 35% more than traditional leisure travelers. This is a market segment that we cannot afford to ignore as we aim to welcome over 150 million visitors by 2030.”
Economic Contributions
As a crucial element of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is making substantial investments in wellness tourism. The growth of this sector will play a critical role in boosting tourism’s contribution to non-oil GDP.
This, in turn, will strengthen the Kingdom’s resilience against global economic volatility and position it as a preferred destination for wellness travelers from across the world.
This has been evident in the development of luxury wellness resorts, such as those in Riyadh and the Red Sea region, with the aim of attracting high-spending tourists. The expansion of wellness-focused hospitality amenities is projected to increase Riyadh’s targeted visits from 13.6 million in 2022 to 27.4 million in 2030.
Moreover, investment in wellness tourism is expected to create more jobs, especially in the sectors of hospitality, healthcare and wellness.
Investment in Wellness Tourism
From the luxury wellness resorts, such as AMAALA, to the natural hot springs in regions such as Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia offers a diverse range of wellness tourism options for a unique and unparalleled experience.
Recognizing the significance of wellness tourism as a flourishing industry, Saudi Arabia is putting emphasis on this growing sector through substantial investments. The Red Sea Global (RSG) is leading this initiative, with a number of flagship projects that aim to position the Kingdom as a global luxury and sustainable tourism hub.
AMAALA offers an innovative wellness experience, integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional health practices. It also offers family-friendly wellness programs that are gaining increased popularity. Furthermore, it offers men-specific retreats, reflecting a step further towards inclusivity in this market.
Furthermore, AMAALA and other projects along the Red Sea plan to construct 79 hotels, with estimated annual contribution of $8.79bn to the Kingdom’s economy once completed.
These innovations ensure that Saudi Arabia keeps its position as a competitive destination in the global wellness industry, attracting diverse segments of people and acting as a major driver of the Kingdom’s economic progress.
Saudi Arabia’s Wellness Retreats
Saudi Arabia boasts a wide collection of luxurious wellness destinations. With a diverse range of luxury resorts, AMAALA promises to be a premier wellness hub. The Six Senses Southern Dunes, located along the Red Sea coast, offers an amazing journey that combines nature, wildlife, and culture amid the captivating desert plains and Hijaz mountains.
Another emerging luxury wellness destination is the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, located on an untouched private island for a calm experience amid the gentle waves of the sea. Moreover, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, combines natural beauty with rich cultural heritage, offering unforgettable wellness experiences that reflect the vividness of the sea.
AlUla Wellness Festival
Another key initiative to promote wellness tourism in Saudi Arabia is AlUla Wellness Festival. It is an annual event held in one of the Kingdom’s most prominent heritage sites. Through an extraordinary experience, AlUla Wellness Festival focuses on promoting physical and mental well-being through ancient healing practices, yoga sessions, meditation and other activities.
This year’s edition is running from October 17 to November 2, 2024, offering a diverse variety of unmatched wellness experiences. AlUla Wellness Festival 2024 gives special attention to recreation and relaxation, providing visitors with the opportunity to connect with themselves and with others, and recharge their energy.
The third edition of the event offers a variety of experiences that aim to enhance wellness, including Five Senses Sanctuary, All Day I Dream, Hegra Sound Bath, and many more.