Saudi Arabia is committed to advancing global travel and tourism: Minister

 

Saudi Arabia's commitment to global travel and tourism promotion discussed at Davos  

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing global travel and tourism during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos. Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Monday, Al Khateeb highlighted the central role of tourism in driving economic growth and cultural exchange worldwide.

“Tourism is a key focus at this year’s forum, and Saudi Arabia’s participation underscores our dedication to shaping the global dialogue on the sector’s future,” Al Khateeb stated. He pointed to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to showcase its achievements and foster international partnerships aimed at accelerating global tourism growth.

 

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Unprecedented Growth Under Vision 2030

Al Khateeb noted that Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is undergoing rapid expansion as part of Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program. With a bold target of welcoming 150 million tourists annually, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a premier global destination.

Currently contributing 5% to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, the tourism sector is projected to double its impact to 10% by 2030. This growth is being driven by landmark projects such as:

• The Red Sea Project,
• Diriyah,
• Qiddiya,
  and numerous private-sector initiatives enhancing tourism offerings across the Kingdom.

“Saudi Arabia is setting a new standard for tourism-led economic development, leveraging our unique natural and cultural assets to create a globally recognized benchmark,” Al Khateeb said.

 

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Global Tourism’s Vital Role

The minister underscored tourism’s broader economic significance, referencing the 2023 Economic Impact Report (EIR) by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The report revealed that the global travel and tourism sector contributed 9.1% to global GDP in 2023, marking a 23.2% increase from the previous year.

Al Khateeb described Saudi Arabia’s participation in Davos as a platform to amplify its successes, strengthen public-private partnerships, and enhance collaboration with global leaders. “Our presence reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a hub for international cooperation and innovation in tourism,” he added.

Saudi Arabia’s engagement at WEF 2025 not only highlights its transformation into a leading tourism destination but also demonstrates its broader vision of fostering global economic and cultural connections.

Source: Asharq Al-Awsat