Saudi Arabia is on a bold trajectory, transforming its tourism sector into a global powerhouse as part of its ambitious Vision 2030 plan. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, the Kingdom is investing a substantial $100 million annually in skill-building programs designed to empower Saudi youth and women, laying the foundation for a thriving and inclusive tourism industry. This strategic investment isn’t merely about building hotels; it’s about cultivating a vibrant workforce ready to welcome the world.
This ambitious undertaking involves a multifaceted approach. The national tourism strategy, launched in 2019, includes training 100,000 young Saudis in tourism-related skills each year. This initiative isn’t limited to men; it actively seeks to engage women, offering competitive salaries and significant career growth opportunities. A cornerstone of this effort is the Riyadh School for Hospitality and Tourism, providing world-class training to 50,000-60,000 individuals annually. Furthermore, scholarships have enabled over 100,000 Saudis, including a remarkable 60,000 women, to pursue advanced training at prestigious institutions in Switzerland, Spain, and the UK.
Empowering women is not simply a stated goal; it’s a fundamental pillar of Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy. Since 2019, over 100,000 women have joined the sector, and they are rapidly rising to leadership positions. The Kingdom’s commitment to gender inclusivity is exemplified by the appointment of women to key roles such as Vice Minister of Tourism and head of Human Capital Development.
The Kingdom’s commitment extends beyond human capital development. Vision 2030 encompasses a massive expansion of tourism infrastructure, aiming to add 250,000 hotel rooms over the next decade. Iconic projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Global resorts, and Qiddiya are poised to redefine luxury tourism, offering unique and sustainable experiences. The Red Sea project alone has already launched four resorts employing over 2,000 women, with plans to open 18 more by next year, creating thousands of additional jobs.
Expo 2030 Riyadh promises to be a pivotal moment. Anticipating over 40 million visitors from around the globe over six months, this monumental event will transform Riyadh into a global hub for culture and economic exchange. His Excellency Al-Khateeb emphasizes Expo 2030’s role not only in boosting tourism but also in solidifying Riyadh’s position as a leading international city for events and cultural exchange.
The private sector is the driving force behind Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth. The government provides crucial support through land leases, soft loans, and streamlined regulations. The Tourism Development Fund, chaired by Al-Khateeb, plays a vital role in financing private sector projects, ensuring sustainable and inclusive development. The private sector is also encouraged to prioritize hiring women and youth, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to a diverse and equitable workforce.
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Saudi Arabia’s tourism initiatives. Aligning with global sustainability goals, the Kingdom prioritizes job creation and empowering marginalized groups. With women comprising 45% of the global tourism workforce, Saudi Arabia aims to raise this figure to 50% and beyond, working collaboratively with organizations like the UNWTO and WTTC to foster inclusivity and sustainable development. While embracing technological advancements like biometric systems at airports to enhance efficiency, Saudi Arabia remains steadfast in its commitment to a people-centric approach, emphasizing the importance of human connection and storytelling in creating memorable travel experiences.
Tourism currently contributes 5% to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, but the goal is to increase this to 10% by 2030. Employment in the sector has already soared from 750,000 in 2019 to 950,000 today, and plans are in place to add another 600,000 jobs by 2030. With a revised target of 150 million annual visitors, Saudi Arabia is firmly on track to becoming a leading global tourism powerhouse.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 represents a transformative vision for the Kingdom, with tourism serving as a pivotal driver of economic growth and social progress. Through strategic investments, ambitious infrastructure projects, and a deep commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, Saudi Arabia is not only reinventing its image on the world stage but is poised to redefine the future of global tourism.
