Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, recently declared that the country’s tourism sector has successfully reached its goal of hosting 100 million tourists by 2023. This impressive figure combines both domestic visitors and international tourists, who collectively spent SAR100bn during their visits.
During a conference organized by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Al-Khateeb highlighted the new strategy set by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to attract 150 million tourists by 2030. The targeted number includes 80 million domestic visitors and 70 million international tourists.
Al-Khateeb expressed optimism about achieving this ambitious goal, citing the expanding middle class in India and China as a driving force for increased travel. He also mentioned the World Travel and Tourism Council’s projection that international arrivals will double by 2032, which presents a great opportunity for Saudi Arabia.
To accommodate the expected growth, Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in training programs. Last year alone, more than 100,000 young individuals were trained for the tourism sector, with 15,000 receiving training from top institutes worldwide. The Human Resources Development Fund also plays a vital role in the sector by increasing salaries and improving employment conditions.
In addition to the focus on human resources, Saudi Arabia is actively working on improving legislation and encouraging investment in the tourism sector. This includes the establishment of the Tourism Development Fund, which has already financed over 50 projects, amounting to SAR35bn, making Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for global investments.
The kingdom’s commitment to tourism is evident in its Vision 2030 agenda, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy by transitioning away from fossil fuels and preparing for a post-oil future. To support this vision, the Saudi government has allocated nearly $800bn for infrastructure development, including plans for a new airport in Riyadh that can accommodate 120 million passengers by 2030.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia remains positive about its economic prospects. According to the World Bank, the kingdom’s economy is projected to grow by 4.1% this year, contributing to an overall rise in the combined GDP of GCC countries.
Saudi Arabia’s success in reaching its tourism goals demonstrates the country’s commitment to diversify its economy and capitalize on its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. As investments and infrastructure continue to develop, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a leading destination for both domestic and international travelers.
FAQ:
1. What was the goal set by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism?
The goal set by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism was to host 100 million tourists by 2023.
2. Has Saudi Arabia achieved its goal?
Yes, Saudi Arabia has successfully reached its goal of hosting 100 million tourists by 2023.
3. How much did domestic visitors and international tourists collectively spend during their visits?
Domestic visitors and international tourists collectively spent SAR100bn during their visits.
4. What is the new strategy set by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman?
The new strategy aims to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, with a targeted number of 80 million domestic visitors and 70 million international tourists.
5. What is the driving force for increased travel according to Al-Khateeb?
Al-Khateeb mentioned the expanding middle class in India and China as a driving force for increased travel.
6. What are some measures taken by Saudi Arabia to accommodate the expected growth in tourism?
Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in training programs for the tourism sector and has trained over 100,000 young individuals last year. The Human Resources Development Fund is also increasing salaries and improving employment conditions in the sector.
7. What initiatives have been taken by Saudi Arabia to encourage investment in the tourism sector?
Saudi Arabia has established the Tourism Development Fund, which has already financed over 50 projects amounting to SAR35bn, making the country an attractive destination for global investments.
8. What is Vision 2030 and who is spearheading it?
Vision 2030 is an agenda aimed at diversifying the Saudi Arabian economy and preparing for a post-oil future. It is spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
9. How much has the Saudi government allocated for infrastructure development to support Vision 2030?
The Saudi government has allocated nearly $800bn for infrastructure development, including plans for a new airport in Riyadh that can accommodate 120 million passengers by 2030.
10. What is the projected growth of Saudi Arabia’s economy according to the World Bank?
According to the World Bank, Saudi Arabia’s economy is projected to grow by 4.1% this year, contributing to an overall rise in the combined GDP of GCC countries.
Definitions:
1. SAR – Saudi Arabian Riyal, the currency of Saudi Arabia.
Related links:
– Saudi Arabia Official Website
– Visit Saudi Arabia
– World Travel and Tourism Council