Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in tourism, recording 100 million tourists in 2023,
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb has set an ambitious goal for Saudi Arabia: to attract up to $80 billion in private investment into the tourism sector by 2030, aiming to shift the financial burden of the kingdom’s plans to become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations onto the private sector.
In an interview in Riyadh on Sunday, Minister Al Khateeb emphasized his desire for the private sector to take the lead in investment, aiming to secure $60 billion to $80 billion over the next decade. He described this target as “very ambitious” but crucial for the kingdom’s tourism aspirations.
Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future extends beyond its reliance on oil revenue, with plans to invest approximately $800 billion in tourism over the next decade. This ambitious strategy aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for various sectors, including metals mining and sporting events. The ultimate objective is to welcome 150 million tourists annually by 2030, with about 70 million of them originating from international sources.
While the Saudi government and its sovereign wealth fund have been instrumental in financing tourism development thus far, securing foreign direct investment, particularly from the private sector, will be essential to meeting the goals outlined in Vision 2030. As mega projects gain momentum and financial demands escalate, private sector investment becomes increasingly critical to the timeline’s success, according to James Reeve, Chief Economist at Jadwa Investment Co.
Despite Saudi Arabia forecasting deficits through 2026, it has acknowledged the necessity of reassessing some 2030 projects to address financing needs and prevent potential economic overheating.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia recorded a total of 100 million tourists, primarily comprising domestic travelers. International visitors accounted for approximately 27 million, with many traveling for religious or business purposes. Leisure tourism constituted only a small portion of the total, as ongoing construction projects, particularly in Riyadh, continued to draw attention away from leisure attractions.
Saudi Arabia is targeting the burgeoning middle-class populations of India and China to drive international tourism growth. Additionally, it sees potential in the UK market, while France and Germany also present interesting prospects. However, destinations requiring long-haul flights of over eight hours present challenges, according to Minister Al Khateeb.
To facilitate private investment, the Ministry of Tourism recently launched a new program aimed at streamlining the investment process. This initiative includes measures to reduce barriers to entry and create a more conducive environment for investment, with an expected $11 billion to come from private sources as a result of these efforts.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb’s ambition for Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is clear: he envisions the private sector playing a pivotal role in driving investment. In a recent interview in Riyadh, he articulated his vision of having the private sector account for the majority of investment in the industry. With a target of raising $60 billion to $80 billion by 2030, Khateeb acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead, describing it as a “very ambitious target.”
Saudi Arabia’s aspirations extend far beyond merely attracting tourists; the kingdom aims to position itself as one of the world’s premier destinations, diversifying its economy away from oil dependency. Over the next decade, the government plans to allocate approximately $800 billion towards tourism initiatives. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy, encapsulated in Vision 2030, which envisages transforming Saudi Arabia into a global hub for various sectors, ranging from metals mining to hosting major sporting events. The ultimate goal is to welcome 150 million tourists annually by 2030, with around 70 million hailing from international destinations.
While state funding has been instrumental in kickstarting tourism development projects, Khateeb recognizes the crucial role of foreign direct investment, particularly from the private sector, in achieving the objectives outlined in Vision 2030. As mega projects gain momentum and financial requirements escalate, the infusion of private capital becomes indispensable to meet the ambitious timelines set forth by the vision. James Reeve, Chief Economist at Jadwa Investment Co., underscores the significance of private investment, emphasizing that it will be vital for sustaining the momentum of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.
Stay up to date with every latest news-click here