Saudi Arabia Ranks 41 on Global Tourism Index
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in the global tourism industry, climbing nine spots to rank 41 on a global tourism index. This marks the largest improvement in the Gulf region and can be attributed to the country’s strengthening infrastructure, corporate presence, and major business centers.
WEF’s Travel & Tourism Development Index Report
According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index report, Saudi Arabia has shown the most significant improvement in the Middle East and North Africa region since 2019. The index, covering 119 economies, measures the factors and policies that enable sustainable and resilient development in the tourism and travel sector, ultimately contributing to a country’s overall development.
Factors Contributing to Success
The report highlighted that high-income economies in the region, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council, have benefited from factors such as high-quality infrastructure, the presence of major aviation hubs and leading airlines, large corporations driving travel activities, and a favorable business environment. Government spending in the travel and tourism sector has increased, visa requirements have been loosened, and there have been improvements in cultural resources and capital spending per employee.
Top Performers in the Region
The UAE leads the region, ranking 18th overall, while Egypt stands out in the North Africa subregion at 61st. The US, Spain, and Japan hold the top three positions globally, with France and Australia climbing two spots each from 2019. Germany and the UK remain in the top 10, with China, Italy, and Switzerland rounding out the list.
Challenges and Opportunities
Developing economies in the region face challenges such as less attractive business environments, safety concerns, and gaps in transport and tourism infrastructure. However, many countries are investing in policies to develop the tourism sector, aiming to diversify their economies and reduce reliance on the oil and gas industry.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Strategy
Saudi Arabia is set to unveil a new tourism strategy, leveraging artificial intelligence and seamless technology to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural, historical, and hospitality assets. The country surpassed expectations in 2023 and has revised its Vision 2030 targets to attract more international visitors and investors through regulatory changes and major projects like NEOM, Riyadh Air, and the Red Sea Project.
Future Outlook
The WEF emphasized the need to reduce travel and trade restrictions, invest in environmental sustainability, and address safety and security concerns to support future improvements in the region’s natural resources. Despite external risks from regional conflicts, the tourism and travel sector in the Middle East and North Africa continues to show promise for future growth.