Saudi Arabia Revolutionizing Global Tourism, Says Minister
Saudi Arabia is poised to shake up the tourism industry on a worldwide scale, as declared by a prominent minister during a dialogue session at the 50th UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East in Muscat. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized the Kingdom’s collaboration with regional member states to enhance the sector in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy. This strategy aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, boost the private sector’s involvement, and draw in foreign investments to spur economic growth and diversification.
Al-Khateeb confidently stated, “The Kingdom will change the map of tourism in the world, and the opportunities and facilities we offer to investors will make the sector more appealing, as we take unique strides in its development.” The minister highlighted the progress made in elevating the tourism industry’s contribution from 3 percent to 4.5 percent of the local economy through Vision 2030 initiatives.
Recognizing the Middle East’s abundant potential and resources, Al-Khateeb underscored the region’s capability to emerge as a top global tourist destination. He noted the unified effort among Middle Eastern countries to strategize and capitalize on the industry’s promise. The minister stressed the importance of nurturing and training local talent to drive regional sector growth, with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism focusing on developing national professionals and attracting youth to the field.
In a separate interview, Deputy Minister Mahmoud Abdulhadi hinted at the possibility of revising Saudi Arabia’s tourism target of 150 million visitors by 2030 if milestones are surpassed ahead of schedule. Abdulhadi emphasized the adaptability of goals based on performance, stating, “If we achieve our new target ahead of time with significant overperformance, our goals will naturally be adjusted accordingly.”