• Saudi Arabia: An emerging tourism hub

    Boasting rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and ambitious development projects, the Kingdom aspires to leverage tourism to diversify away from oil and gas dependence.

    The Kingdom is harnessing the potential of tourism for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange.

    In 2022, Saudi Arabia welcomed 16.6 million visitors, becoming the most visited Middle Eastern country. By Q1 2023, the number of tourists increased by a remarkable 64 percent compared to 2019. Key attractions include heritage and cultural sites, adventure and luxury tourism, and eco-tourism initiatives.

    Despite challenges such as changing perceptions and weather, Saudi Arabia is making substantial strides towards its Vision 2030 target of 100 million annual visits, one million additional jobs, and increasing tourism's GDP contribution from 3 percent to 10 percent.

    Overall, the shift in Saudi tourism has resulted in longer stays and increased spending by visitors, contributing to economic growth and diversification in line with Vision 2030.

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    Saudi Arabia harnesses technology to boost tourism sector

    Technologies such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, E-visas, e-payment systems, and other online services are enhancing the tourist experience in the Kingdom, say experts.
    VR and AR technologies offer tourists pre-visit virtual explorations of cultural and natural sites, driving engagement and anticipation. Onsite, the growing use of digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and UnionPay simplifies transactions, boosting the overall travel experience, they add.

  • Travel companies give wings to Saudi tourism aspirations

    The Kingdom, aiming to draw 100 million yearly visitors by 2030, is set to invest US$1 trillion over the next decade to bolster the Kingdom’s presence on the global tourism map.
    Fueling this ambition is an intricate web of travel companies, including tour operators, airlines, accommodation providers, cruise lines, and destination management companies. These firms are crucial cogs in the grand tourism machine, each contributing in unique ways towards marketing Saudi tourism and wooing tourists.

  • E-visas to drive tourism’s GDP share to 10%

    The move has simplified and streamlined the processes for obtaining a tourist visa, making it easier to travel to the Kingdom.
    Saudi Arabia is leveraging digital solutions to streamline travel, link tourists with local enterprises through apps, and enhance experiences via VR, boosting the 'wow' factor with unique projects for global visitors.

  • Saudi tourism on growth path despite hiccups

    Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry has grown 12% over its pre-pandemic size, achieving an all-time high despite global economic slowdown.
    Saudi Arabia is investing $500 billion in NEOM, a future city in the northwest, expected to be a hotspot for tourism, tech, and innovation. It is also transforming the UNESCO heritage site, AlUla, into a key tourist attraction.

  • Saudi tourism magnets: Oasis, bustling cities

    Saudi government is promoting heritage through its tourism marketing campaigns and also by developing new tourist infrastructure.
    New tourism framework has been enacted, refining regulations and systems to lure investors, boost competitiveness, and elevate service quality in the sector across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.