Saudi Arabia Expands Tourism Offerings to Cater to Broader Market
Minister Announces Plan to Increase Access to Mid-Range Accommodation for Religious and General Tourists
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is shifting its focus from luxury tourism towards the mid- and upper-mid-range market, aiming to cater to a broader demographic of tourists.
According to Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the kingdom has been concentrating on developing high-end resort destinations but is now turning its attention to the middle class.
The move aligns with Vision 2030, an economic diversification plan championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that seeks to reduce dependency on oil and modernize Saudi society.The strategy includes increasing accessibility for pilgrims to Mecca and Medina, with plans to nearly double the number of pilgrims from 15 million in 2025 to 30 million by 2030.
This growth is expected to be supported by the addition of thousands of new hotel rooms dedicated to these purposes.In a bid to attract tourists within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond, Saudi Arabia plans to introduce a regional visa system similar to the Schengen visa, allowing for easier travel between member states.
The minister expects this initiative to become operational by 2026 or 2027.The tourism sector is seen as pivotal in the kingdom's quest to diversify its economy and create job opportunities across various sectors.
The goal is to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030, with a significant portion expected to come from international visitors.New developments on Shebara Island in the Red Sea are set to offer more affordable accommodation options for mid-range travelers, providing alternatives that cater to price-sensitive segments of the market.
As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a destination for both religious and leisure tourists, these changes highlight a strategic shift towards a broader tourism strategy.
According to Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the kingdom has been concentrating on developing high-end resort destinations but is now turning its attention to the middle class.
The move aligns with Vision 2030, an economic diversification plan championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that seeks to reduce dependency on oil and modernize Saudi society.The strategy includes increasing accessibility for pilgrims to Mecca and Medina, with plans to nearly double the number of pilgrims from 15 million in 2025 to 30 million by 2030.
This growth is expected to be supported by the addition of thousands of new hotel rooms dedicated to these purposes.In a bid to attract tourists within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond, Saudi Arabia plans to introduce a regional visa system similar to the Schengen visa, allowing for easier travel between member states.
The minister expects this initiative to become operational by 2026 or 2027.The tourism sector is seen as pivotal in the kingdom's quest to diversify its economy and create job opportunities across various sectors.
The goal is to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030, with a significant portion expected to come from international visitors.New developments on Shebara Island in the Red Sea are set to offer more affordable accommodation options for mid-range travelers, providing alternatives that cater to price-sensitive segments of the market.
As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a destination for both religious and leisure tourists, these changes highlight a strategic shift towards a broader tourism strategy.
