https://arab.news/8huqw
Saudi Arabia’s travel sector has significantly transformed in the last five years. Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy have put the Kingdom on the pathway to become a global tourism powerhouse, with the tourism and hospitality sectors being a key driver of economic diversification and growth, as well as a source of new job opportunities.
Notably, Saudi Arabia’s most recent accomplishment, as declared by World Travel and Tourism Council and the UN’s World Tourism Organization, is welcoming 100 million visitors a year, a Vision 2030 target reached seven years ahead of schedule.
Similarly, the expansion of the tourism industry has been bolstered by regulatory adjustments in the visa sector, including several strategic initiatives. Firstly, the introduction of the tourist visa in 2019 and a streamlined e-visa program, along with the strategic formation of the Ministry of Tourism in 2020, and significant investment in hospitality infrastructure, have all been pivotal in aligning the tourism sector with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. Secondly, the launch of a new visa category “Visiting Investor,” offered to foreign investors, will enhance the business environment. Thirdly, the introduction of five new premium residency visa categories will attract skilled professionals, who can add value to the national economy. Another initiative introduced in 2023 by the GCC was a unified tourist visa for GCC member countries to increase inter-regional travel. Equally important was the launch of the “Study in Saudi Arabia” visa category, specifically designed to attract skilled individuals who aspire to study in the Kingdom and support Saudi Arabia’s dedication to enhancing the education sector.
The launch of new tourist destinations is a strategic move to showcase Saudi Arabia’s diverse attractions, ranging from its sprawling deserts and ancient archeological sites to modern urban wonders. Various tourist destinations in the Kingdom have now become must-visit places, such as Al-Murabba — the true gem of Riyadh’s history and culture; the panoramic Sky Bridge at the Kingdom Center; Al-Turaif — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah; Al-Ahsa — Saudi Arabia’s largest oasis and the Gulf region’s first UNESCO-listed city; the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture or Ithra; Tayebat Museum — one of the Gulf’s oldest seaports and the gateway to the holy city of Makkah, and Jeddah; Al-Balad — historical center of Jeddah; Taif — the city with farms and lagoons that is famous for its grapes, berries and figs; AlUla — an ancient Arabic oasis; and other culturally and historically rich destinations like Asir and Rijal Alma.
In addition, world-leading giga-projects such as NEOM, Red Sea Project, Diriyah, Qiddiya and King Salman Park, which are mainly funded by the Public Investment Fund, offer immense potential for economic development, infrastructure enhancement, and job generation.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host various global events to boost the tourism industry, including World Expo 2030, FIFA World Cup in 2034, Asian Winter Games in 2029 and others.
To sum up, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is on a transformative journey over the next decade. The visionary projects with ambitious targets, digital adoption, vibrant and ambitious young demographics, investment initiatives in human capital development, commitment to education and entrepreneurship, construction of smart cities, the government’s commitment to preserving the Saudi heritage sites and promoting eco-friendly tourism through innovative architecture and sustainable technologies, a flexible regulatory environment and bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and other countries, will definitely enhance Saudi Arabia’s standing as a global tourism destination, poised to showcase the renowned Saudi hospitality to the world.