Saudi Arabia is making a significant push to revitalize its tourism sector, with a strategic focus on creating jobs, particularly for women and young people. This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to boost the industry’s contribution to employment and economic growth, aligning with its ambitious Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification. By expanding opportunities in tourism, Saudi Arabia aims to build a sustainable sector that benefits all segments of society.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the tourism workforce globally, particularly among women and youth, as highlighted in a joint report by the Ministry of Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council. Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia has made impressive strides in empowering women within the tourism industry. Women currently make up 42% of the domestic tourism workforce, demonstrating their increasing influence and active role in shaping the future of tourism. According to the World Tourism Organization, women occupy 22% of leadership positions within Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, while 46% are employed in other areas. These statistics underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting gender equality and female leadership across all levels of the industry.
In 2019, the global travel and tourism sector supported approximately 48.4 million women and 19 million young people. However, by 2022, these numbers had fallen to 42 million and 16.1 million, respectively, reflecting the pandemic’s lasting impact. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia is determined to reverse these declines by creating new opportunities and driving workforce growth. The Kingdom’s vision extends beyond job creation; it’s also focused on developing tourism infrastructure to accommodate the expected surge in international and domestic tourists. Through large-scale projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Diriyah Gate, Saudi Arabia is not only enhancing its tourism appeal but also laying the foundation for long-term job creation. This approach ensures that future employment in tourism remains a cornerstone of the country’s economic transformation.
