Saudi Arabia Aims for 70 Million Annual Tourists by 2030
At the 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, announced the Kingdom’s ambitious goal to attract 70 million tourists annually by 2030, while also aiming to rank among the top seven global tourist destinations.
Record Tourist Influx
Al Khateeb highlighted that Saudi Arabia welcomed nearly 30 million international tourists last year, showcasing the country’s growing appeal as a travel destination. He emphasized the ongoing increase in international arrivals and the initiatives driving this growth.
Key Factors for Tourism Success
The Minister attributed the success of the tourism sector to effective governance and comprehensive planning.
Initiatives such as the introduction of e-visas and the development of major airports have significantly boosted international visitor numbers.
Al Khateeb stated, “Saudi Arabia focuses on enhancing the entire tourist journey, from flights and landing points to mobility and destinations.” King Salman International Airport is set to accommodate over 120 million travelers, and the recent launch of Riyadh Air aims to further support the tourism sector.
Global Recognition
During the session, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, praised Saudi Arabia’s advancements in tourism. The Kingdom’s collaborations with various destinations and nations were highlighted as evidence of its robust performance in the sector.
Showcasing Achievements
At the Saudi House pavilion at WEF 2025, visitors explored the Kingdom’s achievements and investment opportunities under Vision 2030, spanning various sectors including health, transport, tourism, and infrastructure. The pavilion served as a platform for discussions on topics such as smart technology, healthcare innovation, and sustainable tourism.
Connecting Innovators
The pavilion also aimed to connect entrepreneurs and innovators, hosting dialogue sessions on critical issues shaping the future, including logistics, non-GDP growth measurement, and investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
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