Tareq Al-Shaghrood, General Manager of Investment Planning and Attraction, speaking at IHIF Asia Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in tourism, with the Kingdom’s remarkable achievements in 2023 setting a new benchmark for the industry. This progress was on full display at the IHIF Asia International Hospitality Investment Forum in Hong Kong, where the Saudi Ministry of Tourism highlighted the vast potential for international investors to capitalize on the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding and diverse tourism sector. Saudi Arabia’s strategic location at the crossroads of three continents and its strong economic ties with Asia underscore its potential as a global tourism hub. In 2023, the Kingdom welcomed over 20.9 million tourists from Asia, who collectively spent $25.7 billion. This significant influx highlights the increasing confidence Asian markets have in Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential and the lucrative opportunities it presents for investors. The Kingdom’s appeal to Asian travelers is further evidenced by the substantial growth in tourism receipts, reflecting the strong demand for Saudi Arabia as a diverse and culturally rich destination.

The TIEP, encompassing various initiatives, aims to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Kingdom, fostering a vibrant tourism sector. The program focuses on key areas like infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and marketing and promotion. The Kingdom’s commitment to tourism development is evident in its ambitious goals for the sector.

These positive trends suggest a strong recovery from the pandemic and a growing interest in Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination. The success of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector can be attributed to several factors. First, the Kingdom’s ambitious investment in infrastructure development, particularly in airports and transportation networks. This has made it easier for tourists to reach the country and explore its diverse attractions.