Tourism to be 2nd main contributor to Saudi economy after oil by 2030: Minister

Ahmed al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism

Tourism will be the second fundamental pillar for the Saudi Arabian economy after the oil sector by 2030, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said, noting that the ministry aims to raise the sector's GDP contribution to 10% by 2030.

During a panel discussion at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, the Minister indicated that 30 million international tourists are currently visiting Saudi Arabia, up from 5 million in 2019, placing it among the 10 most visited countries internationally. The Kingdom eyes attracting 50 million international tourists by 2030, making it one of the five most visited countries in the world by that date.

Al Khateeb further emphasized that this comes within the Kingdom's efforts to diversify its sources of income away from oil, by tapping into promising sectors such as tourism, culture, and sports. He also highlighted the Kingdom's efforts to open its borders to international tourists and visitors and facilitate the process of obtaining an electronic visa, which can be issued within four minutes.

He noted that Saudi Arabia is working to change the prevailing stereotype by promoting its diverse natural and cultural treasures, such as the green mountains in the south, the Red Sea beaches, and historic cities, in addition to its culture and sports, as well as having human resources capable of dealing professionally with tourists to develop this sector, the minister added.

According to data available on Argaam, Saudi Arabia lured 127 million tourists in 2024, and eyes receiving 150 million tourists by 2030.