Dubai Career Diary

In a remarkable feat for its tourism industry, Saudi Arabia welcomed an influx of over 100 million visitors in 2023, bolstering the sector’s revenue to an impressive SR100 billion ($26.7 billion). This achievement reflects the Kingdom’s strategic efforts to position itself as a global tourism hub.

According to Ahmed bin Aqeel Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, the nation successfully met its ambitious target of accommodating 100 million tourists last year. The mix of visitors comprised 77 million local travelers and 27 million from overseas, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a travel destination.

At a recent session of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Private Sector Forum, Al Khateeb discussed the significant role that the private sector plays in realizing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The future strategy, endorsed by the Crown Prince, now ambitiously seeks to draw 150 million tourists by the end of the decade, segmenting the goal into 80 million domestic and 70 million foreign visitors.

Al Khateeb underscored Saudi Arabia’s dedication to nurturing talent within the tourism sector. Notable strides were made last year with the training of over 100,000 young individuals, 15,000 of whom attended top global institutes, priming them to enter and elevate the travel industry.

The Kingdom’s investment in human capital is complemented by the Human Resources Development Fund’s substantial contributions to enhancing employment compensation across the sector.

The minister highlighted continual improvements in legislative frameworks and a robust drive towards enticing investments. The establishment of the Tourism Development Fund is a testament to this commitment. With over 50 projects financed, tallying up to SR35 billion ($9.3 billion), Saudi Arabia is paving a lucrative and accessible path for global investors in its tourism landscape.

With eyes firmly set on the future, Saudi Arabia is carving out a leading role in the global tourism industry, promising a blend of cultural richness and economic prosperity.