In an era of transformation, the travel industry of Saudi Arabia has surpassed its initial forecasts, leading to an upward revision of the country’s Vision 2030 goals. The Kingdom, which originally aimed to attract 100 million visits by the end of the decade, has set a new target of 150 million visitors. This adjustment reflects the country’s significant growth in tourism, as evidenced by the over 93.5 million travelers who passed through Saudi airports in 2022, including approximately 77 million domestic and 16.5 million international visitors.
A series of regulatory reforms have propelled this expansion. Notably, the introduction of the “Visiting Investor” visa by the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the Foreign Affairs department has facilitated easier access for international investors. The application process for this visa has been streamlined through the second phase of the e-visa service scheme, allowing applicants from all countries to secure travel permits online without the need to visit a Saudi embassy.
As part of its economic diversification strategy, Saudi Arabia is positioning tourism to become the second-largest source of national revenue by 2030. The Kingdom is actively promoting its rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage to achieve this goal.
The ambitious Vision 2030 initiative is not only enhancing visitor visa protocols but also creating world-class tourist attractions and developing historical and heritage sites across the country. A key development in this initiative is the inauguration of Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, which aims to establish Riyadh as a major hub for transportation, trade, and tourism.
The Kingdom’s dedication to growing its travel industry is evident, as it was ranked the second most visited country globally during the first seven months of 2023. To further strengthen connectivity, the Kingdom’s Air Connectivity Program is introducing new direct flights connecting cities like Jeddah and Riyadh with international destinations such as Casablanca, Brussels, and Beijing.
Moreover, a strategic plan by the General Authority for Civil Aviation aims to draw $100 billion in investments by 2030, enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and transparency. This includes a substantial increase in hotel room inventory to nearly 450,000, anticipating a development expenditure of approximately $37.8 billion.