Tourism

Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global tourism leader, with its achievements in 2023 setting new industry standards. At the IHIF Asia International Hospitality Investment Forum in Hong Kong, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism showcased the Kingdom’s expanding tourism sector, offering significant opportunities for international investors to capitalize on its strategic growth.

Saudi Arabia’s unique location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, coupled with its strong economic ties to Asia, underscores its potential as a global tourism hub. In 2023, over 20.9 million tourists from Asia visited the Kingdom, generating $25.7 billion in spending, reflecting growing confidence in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. The surge in tourism receipts highlights the increasing demand for Saudi Arabia as a diverse and culturally rich destination.

To build on this momentum, Saudi Arabia has launched the Tourism Investment Enablers Program (TIEP), with the Hospitality Investment Enablers (HIE) initiative at its core. This initiative aims to increase accommodation capacity in key tourism areas, driving $11 billion in private investments and boosting the GDP by $4.3 billion annually by 2030. The program is expected to create 120,000 new jobs, contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals. Key incentives for investors include corporate tax exemptions, VAT reductions, and access to government-owned land at favorable terms.

At the forum, a panel discussion titled "Invest, Enable, Prosper: Empowering Tourism Destinations" was led by Mr. Tareq Al-Shaghrood, General Manager of Investment Planning & Attraction at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Al-Shaghrood highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a diverse tourism ecosystem, ranging from cultural heritage to luxury and eco-tourism. He emphasized the Kingdom’s robust framework of incentives designed to empower investors and ensure prosperity for all stakeholders.

Saudi Arabia's international tourism performance in 2023 was remarkable, ranking 14th globally in international arrivals and 12th in tourism receipts. According to the UN Tourism Barometer (May 2024), the Kingdom also ranked first among large tourism destinations for the growth rate of international arrivals and tourism receipts compared to pre-pandemic levels.

As Saudi Arabia continues its ascent as a leading tourism destination, it invites global investors to join its transformation. With a strategic location, robust infrastructure, and a commitment to sustainable growth, Saudi Arabia offers unparalleled opportunities for investment in a dynamic and rewarding market.

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