Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, exceeding its Vision 2030 targets and contributing significantly to the country’s economic diversification. The IMF report highlights the sector’s impact on GDP, service balance, and employment, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to building a thriving tourism industry.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has received the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) 2024 for its successful media campaign promoting the Kingdom as a top global tourist destination. The award acknowledges the Ministry’s efforts in highlighting the country’s cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and readiness to welcome tourists. This recognition comes at a time when Saudi Arabia has achieved the milestone of welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023.
Saudi Arabia has announced the cancellation of commercial activity license fees for the hospitality industry, effective September 4th, in a bid to attract investment and bolster its tourism sector. This move is a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and establish the Kingdom as a global tourism hub.
Saudi Arabia’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia,’ has launched a captivating new campaign, ‘This Land is Calling,’ designed to showcase the country’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty, positioning it as a must-visit destination for global travelers. The campaign highlights Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes, from towering sand dunes to snow-capped mountains, and its rich historical sites, while also emphasizing its ambitious Vision 2030 plan for tourism growth.
Radisson Hotel Group has opened the Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher Alsharqi, bolstering its presence in Saudi Arabia and contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The new hotel, strategically located near the Grand Mosque, aims to enhance both tourism and pilgrimage experiences in Makkah.
Jacobs has been chosen to spearhead the design and planning of the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ambitious project will encompass a 57 square kilometer masterplan, including six parallel runways, modern terminals, and real estate developments, with a focus on sustainability and exceptional customer experience. The airport is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to support a range of major projects and handle up to 100 million passengers annually by 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Doyof Al-Rahman Program, a key part of Vision 2030, is aiming to host 15 million Umrah pilgrims by 2025. This ambitious plan involves expanding and modernizing infrastructure in Makkah and Madinah, digitizing services, and providing world-class hospitality to ensure a smooth and enriching pilgrimage experience. The program also seeks to attract more pilgrims from around the world, particularly from countries with large Muslim populations, contributing to the Kingdom’s growth as a central hub for Islamic pilgrimage.
HRH Princess Delayel bint Nahar Al Saud, director of the Saudi Games, pens an op-ed for Vogue Arabia highlighting the transformative power of sports. She emphasizes how the Olympic spirit fosters unity, inspires excellence, and drives social change. Princess Delayel celebrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sports, citing the nation’s investment in athletes, the upcoming Saudi Games, and the vision for a brighter future fueled by shared human potential.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism highlighted the Kingdom’s growing tourism potential at the 46th Annual NYU International Hospitality Investment Conference. The event showcased Saudi Arabia’s commitment to diversifying its economy and creating a global tourism hub. Keynote speaker Mahmoud Abdulhadi outlined the Kingdom’s plans for new destination development and infrastructure, while representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Investment discussed the benefits of the Tourism Investment Enablers Program (TIEP). The conference also featured a fireside chat with Gloria Guevara Manzo, who shared insights on emerging trends in global tourism.
Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape has undergone a significant transformation, empowering women to excel in high-profile roles across multiple industries. This shift is aligned with the nation’s Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, which aims to diversify the economy and modernize the nation. Saudi women are increasingly breaking barriers and setting precedents in fields such as law, arts and culture, finance, and entrepreneurship, showcasing their resilience, talent, and leadership. These trailblazers are inspiring societal change and heralding a new era of inclusivity and innovation in the country.
