Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in its efforts to boost tourism in the country, with plans to attract 100 million annual visitors by the end of the decade. This ambitious goal is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader strategy to diversify the country’s economy, reducing its reliance on oil exports.
One of the key areas of focus is the development of hotels and resorts along the Red Sea coast. Considerable investment is being poured into creating world-class vacation destinations that can rival popular tourist hotspots elsewhere. Additionally, historical sites such as the Al Ula desert region and Diriyah, the ancestral home of the Saudi ruling family, are being revitalized to appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
In order to achieve this goal, the Saudi government is not only investing heavily in infrastructure and hospitality projects but is also launching a new airline to facilitate travel to the country. These initiatives aim to make Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for global travelers, with hopes that tourism will contribute 10 percent to the country’s gross domestic product by 2030.
Speaking at an event commemorating United Nations’ World Tourism Day, Minister of Tourism Ahmad Al Khateeb revealed that the government has revised its 2030 target for total annual tourist trips to 150 million, up from the previous goal of 100 million. This revised target includes both international and local travelers, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting domestic tourism as well.
The scale of this endeavor is substantial, with significant resources being allocated to transform Saudi Arabia into a premier tourist destination. The Crown Prince’s vision for the country’s future is grounded in economic diversification and the gradual reduction of dependence on oil exports. By leveraging its natural and cultural assets, Saudi Arabia aims to tap into the lucrative global tourism market and earn foreign currency from sources other than petroleum exports.
The progress being made in the Saudi tourism sector is clearly evident, and it is anticipated that the country’s efforts will continue to gain momentum in the coming years. With a clear focus on development, innovation, and hospitality, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to attract millions of visitors and establish itself as a leading global travel destination.
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