Minister reaffirms Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting inclusive tourism
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Princess Haifa bint Mohammed, underscored the Kingdom’s crucial role in defining the future of tourism during her address at the inaugural Tourism Investment Summit in Mpumalanga and Cape Town, South Africa. Speaking at both the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting and the Tourism Investment Summit, Princess Haifa reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's dedication to promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism, solidifying its position as a global leader in the sector.
Princess Haifa emphasized that tourism holds the power to transform lives, economies, and bridge cultures worldwide. "Through Saudi Vision 2030, we are showing that tourism is not just an economic driver but also a powerful force for inclusive social progress. This potential can only be unlocked if we act with boldness and in collaboration," she stated.
During her speech to G20 delegates, the Deputy Minister expressed Saudi Arabia’s shared commitment to advancing tourism growth and embedding sustainability at the heart of global tourism efforts. "The lesson from South Africa and Saudi Arabia is clear: lasting transformation happens when we share ideas and build together. This is why we launched TOURISE, the world’s first-ever global platform for action, year-round collaboration, and meaningful impact. We invite the world to join us this November to co-create the future of tourism," she added.
Read
More Saudi
Arabia leverages AI and immersive tech to boost tourism growth
Princess Haifa also noted that Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global tourism policies. As a permanent member of the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting, Saudi Arabia contributed to the final ministerial declaration, ensuring that key priorities—such as sustainability, digital transformation, inclusivity, and skills development—are integral to global tourism policy.
In addition, Princess Haifa hosted a TOURISE-sponsored ministerial dinner on behalf of Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, inviting delegates to participate in the first-ever TOURISE summit. This gathering of public and private sector leaders, innovators, and investors aims to design a new global tourism agenda for the coming decades.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is one of the fastest-growing in the world. In 2024, the Kingdom welcomed 116 million domestic and inbound visitors—an increase of 6% from 2023 and surpassing its 100 million annual visitors target for the second consecutive year, in line with Vision 2030.
Read
More Saudi
Arabia witnesses record $41 billion in tourism spending as Vision 2030 makes
strides
This growth is fueled by significant investments in destinations, flight routes, airport infrastructure, and world-class tourism facilities, including mega-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and Diriyah. These initiatives are positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for tourism, innovation, and investment, with opportunities across hospitality, cultural heritage, entertainment, and sports tourism.
Through sustainable development, empowering national talent, and strengthening international partnerships, Saudi Arabia continues to raise the bar for global tourism. By collaborating with leading global organizations, the Kingdom is setting new standards for a more resilient, inclusive, and impactful tourism industry—ensuring long-term economic and social benefits both locally and globally.
Source: Saudi Gazette
0 Comments