Saudi Arabia overtakes UAE as GCC's fastest-growing travel market
After years of trailing behind the UAE, Saudi Arabia has now
taken the lead in the GCC as the fastest-growing travel market. In 2022, Saudi
Arabia witnessed a remarkable 107% increase in gross bookings compared to the
previous year, with a projected growth of 65% by 2026, according to a report
jointly conducted by Insight Out Consultancy and Phocuswright.
In 2022, Saudi Arabia welcomed an estimated 18 million
international visitors, solidifying its position as the most visited among all
Arab countries. In contrast, the UAE, its regional counterpart, hosted around
15 million tourists last year, according to the United Nations World Tourism
Organization. This trend aligns with the broader trajectory of the Middle
East's travel sector, expected to expand by 40% from 2022 to 2026.
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Saudi Arabia's allure to tourists is multifaceted, with a
range of offerings that include several World Heritage Sites, the Saudi
Seasons, and various sporting events. The nation is also home to the largest
pilgrimage in the Muslim faith, the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Islam's holiest
city, Mecca, which all Muslims are obligated to undertake at least once in
their lifetime. Over three million people perform the Hajj during the month of Dhu
al-Hijjah, and two million during the month of Ramadan. Additionally, another
four million visitors make pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina at other times of
the year.
The ambitious outlook for tourism growth is driven by
strategic collaboration between the Saudi government and the private sector,
focusing on major initiatives like the Red Sea Project and Neom. These
endeavors are anticipated to attract millions more tourists, supported by the
nation's colossal $800 billion, 10-year investment plan, a crucial component of
Vision 2030.
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Looking ahead, the Insight Out Consultancy and Phocuswright
report suggests that Saudi Arabia's tourism sector will maintain its rapid
momentum. By 2026, the number of tourists visiting the country is projected to
be 65% higher than the current figures.
In anticipation of increased tourist numbers, Saudi Arabia
has made significant investments in enhancing vital infrastructure, including
airports, roads, hotels, and transport. The Kingdom has also streamlined visa
requirements and now offers a unified GCC tourism visa, which has played a
pivotal role in increasing leisure tourist arrivals.
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Travel suppliers, particularly hotels, have responded by
integrating more sophisticated online back-end systems, including booking
engines and distribution channels. The overall hotel room capacity in Saudi
Arabia is set to triple to 450,000 by 2030.
Saudi Arabia, along with most of the GCC countries, has been
diligently working to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels by promoting
other industries, including tourism. With an eye on the 2034 World Cup, to be
hosted by Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom's leadership is determined to boost its
international appeal in the run-up to the event.
Source: https://www.consultancy-me.com/
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