Tourism

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism is making a significant impact at the 46th Annual NYU International Hospitality Investment Conference, showcasing the Kingdom's exceptional progress and vast investment opportunities within its burgeoning tourism sector. This event serves as a unique platform for Saudi Arabia to highlight its transformative journey toward becoming a premier global tourism destination while diversifying its economy.

Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister of Tourism Destination Enablement, delivered a compelling keynote address, sharing insights on the abundant opportunities for investing in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. He emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a leading global tourism destination and outlined how international investors can benefit from these opportunities.

In addition to the keynote, the "Invest Saudi & Prosper in Tourism" Networking Lunch, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, provided a detailed exploration of Saudi Arabia's investment potential under Vision 2030. Speakers from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Investment discussed the market’s transformation, sector performance, and investment opportunities. They also highlighted the Tourism Investment Enablers Program (TIEP), which aims to enhance the ease and cost of doing business in the tourism sector by providing incentives and opening up this untapped market.

TIEP is designed to lower investment barriers, reduce government fees by 22%, and offer significant incentives. The program includes the flagship Hospitality Investment Enablers (HIE) initiative, which aims to generate USD 11.2 billion in private-sector investments and create 120,000 jobs in high-potential tourism destinations. These initiatives position Saudi Arabia as an attractive and lucrative destination for investors.

Mahmoud Abdulhadi commented, “Saudi Arabia stands at the threshold of an unprecedented transformation in its tourism sector, offering unparalleled opportunities for investors. Our commitment to Vision 2030 is not just a blueprint for development; it’s an open invitation for global partners to be part of a historic journey. By investing in Saudi Arabia, you are investing in a future where innovation, culture, and hospitality converge to create extraordinary experiences.”

Gloria Guevara Manzo, Chief Special Advisor at the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia, participated in a fireside chat titled "The Travel and Tourism Trends Driving the Market." The session examined trends that hospitality investors and stakeholders need to consider, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of global tourism. This discussion underscored Saudi Arabia’s significant strides in its tourism sector, having attracted 100 million international visitors in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule. This success sets the stage for the Kingdom’s new target of 150 million tourists.

Saudi Arabia’s rise in the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, climbing nine places to 41st, reflects the impact of its strategic investments and robust regulatory framework. Recognized as one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East, the Kingdom’s appeal to international investors continues to grow.

With an investment of USD 800 billion into its tourism sector, Saudi Arabia is creating 1.6 million job opportunities and adding 500,000 hotel rooms. These investments are driving the Kingdom’s economic and social transformation, focusing on developing cultural sites, sports venues, theme parks, and nature reserves. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to simplify the e-visa process for 66 countries further boost tourism inflows and investment opportunities, making the Kingdom more accessible to international visitors.

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