Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, with the tourism sector expected to contribute SR750 billion ($200 billion) to the national economy, the kingdom’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said during his address at the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh on Monday.
Al-Khateeb stressed the country’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure and services to make Saudi Arabia a key player in global tourism.
“We have the vision and plans to provide infrastructure and services and everything that tourists are looking for. Saudi Arabia will become one of the most important countries in the world in the tourism and travel sector after the completion of infrastructure projects,” said the minister, quoted by Saudi Gazette. He also highlighted the importance of involving the Saudi human resource in the tourism sector, with a significant demand from the country’s citizens to work in this growing industry.
Al-Khateeb noted a 156 percent increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2019, surpassing the global recovery rate from the pandemic by 88 percent.
Attributing the success in the tourism sector to well-executed strategies and plans, the minister said that the sector’s contribution to GDP increased to 4.5 percent, representing 7 percent of non-oil GDP. He emphasized the job creation within the tourism sector, highlighting the state’s efforts in establishing major projects to develop tourism and attract investments.
Al-Khateeb emphasized the high quality of upcoming tourism projects, particularly in hospitality facilities such as hotels and resorts. “We have signed multiple agreements to establish major five-star hotels, and the finest hospitality facilities will be available in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
With the issuance of new tourism regulations, the minister mentioned ongoing monitoring and inspection campaigns to ensure compliance, leading to the closure of over 250 hotels last year.