The Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia is set to revolutionize the country’s tourism industry and make it an even more appealing destination for both tourists and hospitality professionals. The country has witnessed a major boost in its tourism industry and has recovered massively after COVID-19.
For many years, Saudi Arabia has been known for its vast dunes and thriving oil industry, attracting travellers worldwide. Vision 2030 is an ambitious plan to transform Saudi Arabia into a cultural, social, and economic hub. This plan involves a range of initiatives, including improving infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and boosting the tourism industry. Already, these initiatives are yielding positive results, particularly in the hospitality industry.
Saudi Arabia is the place to be for hospitality professionals seeking growth opportunities. The country boasts some of the world’s best hotels and resorts, and with an expected 100 million annual visitors by 2030, demand for quality hospitality services is set to soar. The government is heavily investing in the industry, with plans to build new hotels, resorts, and other facilities nationwide.
In addition to the growth opportunities, hospitality professionals can enjoy unique cultural experiences in Saudi Arabia. The country has a rich history and heritage that visitors can explore, from ancient ruins to traditional markets and breathtaking natural landscapes. With Vision 2030 in the area, the country is on track to become one of the most attractive destinations for tourists and professionals.
The boost in the tourism sector was witnessed in April 2023 as the World Tourism Organization (WTO) announced Saudi Arabia as the second fastest-growing tourism destination in the world. The Kingdom witnessed a remarkable recovery in international tourism during the first quarter of 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by an impressive 64%. In just a few months, approximately 7.8 million tourists visited Saudi Arabia.
In addition, Saudi Arabia significantly improved its global tourism ranking, moving up 12 places to secure the 13th position as one of the most visited destinations by international tourists in 2022. The Kingdom also experienced a surge in global tourism revenue, climbing to the 11th spot in the international tourism revenue index in 2022, a substantial jump from the 27th place in 2019.
Minister of Tourism Ahmed al-Khateeb attributed these achievements to the Saudi leadership’s relentless efforts to enhance the country’s position on the global tourism map and boost the sector’s contribution to the national GDP. The Minister highlighted measures such as facilitating visa procedures, launching extensive promotional campaigns worldwide, and showcasing the diverse range of destinations within Saudi Arabia.
These efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic reform plan, initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at diversifying the economy and developing non-oil sectors. The Minister emphasized the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to collaborating with both public and private partners to transform the Kingdom into a prominent global tourism hub.