RIYADH — The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia has experienced a remarkable 4.45 percent growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) as the Kingdom has developed comprehensive plans for the travel and tourism sector, which is 3 percent of the labor market, said Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb.
“The Kingdom will invest more than $800 billion during the next 10 years”, added the minister, noting that tourists may acquire Saudi tourist visas electronically. He underlined the nation’s commitment to bolstering its travel and tourism industry while attending a session of the 10th Arab-China Business Conference.
These developments build upon Saudi Arabia’s already impressive tourism growth. The nation, which only started opening its doors to wide-scale tourism in September 2019, is presently the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination.
Even the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected global travel trends, couldn’t halt Saudi Arabia’s tourism momentum. In 2022 alone, the Kingdom welcomed over 93.5 million tourists, comprised of 77 million domestic travelers and 16.5 million international visitors.
Saudi Arabia’s push for tourism growth is backed by substantial investments. Over $550 billion is earmarked for tourism development across the Kingdom by 2030, the largest investment of its kind worldwide.
To accommodate the influx of tourists, plans are afoot to add 42,000 new hotel rooms. Moreover, the country is also capitalizing on the home-sharing trend with platforms like Gathern, the Saudi version of Airbnb, offering a diverse range of accommodations.
Focused on enhancing the overall tourist experience, Saudi Arabia is committed to improving the connectivity and accessibility of tourist destinations and facilities. Efforts are underway to cater to a wide array of travelers, from those seeking wellness retreats to adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts.
Despite this rapid growth, the Kingdom is not without its challenges, particularly in changing international perceptions. However, the Saudi Tourism Authority is confident that the best way to tackle these perceptions is to invite travelers to experience the country first-hand.
As part of this strategy, several new destinations and developments are set to be launched in the coming years, promising a continued upward trajectory for Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.