Saudi Arabia is transforming under Vision 2030 with tourism playing a central role in reshaping its economy. The Saudi Vision 2030 tourism initiatives are set to boost the country’s tourism sector and turn it into a reliable revenue source. From the islands of the Red Sea to the ancient ruins of Al-Ula, KSA is providing new opportunities to tourists and investors. The Saudi Tourism Development Fund is the government initiative that is leading this change. As a Saudi market research agency, AMC Insights covers Saudi Arabia’s foreign tourism strategy and opportunities in the Saudi tourism sector in this blog.
Core Strategy of Vision 2030 Tourism Strategy
Government-Led Initiatives & Public-Private Partnerships
For the best results, the Saudi tourist sector requires the public and private sectors work to together. Following this strategy, Saudi Tourism Investment Company (STIC) has partnered with international hospitality brands to develop over 50,000 hotel rooms by 2030. The Tourism Development Fund has also allocated $4 billion to fund tourism infrastructure like airports and resorts. The Saudi government has also introduced a simplified Saudi e-visa tourism system to make travel easier for foreign tourists. Under these efforts, KSA hopes to increase tourism’s share of GDP to 10% by 2030 while creating over 1 million jobs in related sectors.
Flagship Projects & Their Impact
| Project | Focus | Key Features | Contribution to Tourism in Saudi Arabia 2030 |
| NEOM Saudi Arabia | Luxury & Sustainable Tourism | Renewable energy, cutting-edge tech, digital experiences | Showcases sustainable tourism in Saudi Arabia |
| Red Sea Project | Eco-friendly Resort Development | Ultra-lux resorts, eco-tourism, conservation (75% preserved) | Drives Saudi tourism GDP contribution and job creation |
| Al-Ula & Diriyah Gate | Cultural & Heritage Tourism | Archaeological sites, UNESCO heritage, cultural festivals | Enhances Saudi cultural tourism and Saudi heritage tourism |
| Qiddiya | Entertainment & Sports Tourism | Theme parks, sports facilities, cultural events | Boosts Saudi entertainment tourism |
NEOM: A New Era of Luxury and Sustainability
The most famous Saudi tourist initiative is NEOM, a 0.5 TRILLION USD futuristic megacity. The biggest name under NEOM is The Line, a 170-kilometer car-free urban zone powered entirely by renewable energy, which aims to house 9 million residents and visitors. Trojena, a mountain resort within NEOM, will offer skiing and adventure sports. Aside from residential projects, NEOM will also house IT and AI centers to boost the country’s standing in the tech industry. || link to be added later, do not add this line yet Learn more about NEOM’s role in Vision 2030 ||
The Red Sea Project: Where Luxury Meets Conservation
Situated along the Kingdom’s western coast, the Red Sea Project is developing 50 luxury resorts across 22 islands. Over 75% of the area’s natural environment will remain untouched, with coral reef restoration programs ensuring marine biodiversity thrives. Six Senses and St. Regis are among the brands opening properties here, blending eco-conscious design with high-end hospitality. This project is expected to contribute $5.3 billion annually to Saudi Arabia’s economy by 2030.
Al-Ula & Diriyah Gate: Reviving Cultural Legacy
Al-Ula is a Saudi UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to ancient Nabatean tombs and gorgeous natural sandstone landscapes. The Royal Commission for Al-Ula has launched festivals like Winter at Tantora to attract global audiences. Diriyah Gate, near Riyadh, is revitalizing the birthplace of the Saudi state with museums and heritage tours. These cultural heritage sites form the other side of the Saudi tourism coin – of modernity and history.
Qiddiya: Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Playground
KSA plans to make Qiddiya, its $8 billion entertainment city, the Middle East’s premier destination for sports and fun. Qiddiya will be full of massive theme parks, motorsport tracks, and a Six Flags resort. By 2030, it hopes to welcome 17 million visitors annually in hopes of boosting Saudi entertainment tourism.
Religious Tourism Under Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia has another edge over its Middle Eastern competitors like Dubai because of its importance in religious tourism. Home to the pillars of Islam – Mecca and Medina, the country hosts tens of millions of pilgrims every year. In order to better manage these religious rites and to generate more profit, Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in infrastructure and policy changes for
Infrastructure Development in Mecca and Medina
In line with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to increase the number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to 30 million annually by 2030. To support this influx, major projects are underway, such as the Public Investment Fund-backed Masar initiative in Mecca, which plans to add 40,000 new hotel rooms. This expansion addresses the growing demand for accommodation and enhances the overall pilgrim experience.
Policy Reforms for Pilgrim Welfare
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced policies to improve the pilgrimage experience. For the 2025 Hajj season, children are not permitted to accompany pilgrims, a measure aimed at safeguarding them from potential risks associated with the strenuous journey.
Economic & Cultural Impact
Tourism’s Role in GDP Growth & Cultural Revival
Tourism contributed $58 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy in 2024. This figure is predicted to have tripled by 2030. Cultural initiatives like the Saudi Seasons festivals have drawn 93 million visitors since 2023. Al-Ula alone saw a 200% increase in international tourists last year. These results show that tourism is a very successful investment for the Saudi government and foreign investors.
Marketing Saudi Arabia to the World
The Saudi government has launched marketing campaigns like Visit Saudi to paint a clear image of the country’s opportunities and future potential. Partnerships with global influencers and airlines have amplified this message, resulting in a 156% rise in international arrivals since 2019.
Saudi Arabia still has tough competition from the leader in Middle Eastern tourism – Dubai. However, KSA has a smart plan to market itself as providing a modern but culture-rich and sustainable experience. This marketing strategy can help it stand out as a competitor against Dubai, which emphasizes modernity and opulence. This way, Saudi Arabia has an ambitious plan to seize a broad portion of the tourism market—from luxury-seekers to culture enthusiasts.
Investment Opportunities
Investing in Saudi Tourism: Opportunities Under Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia offers diverse opportunities for investors, from luxury resorts in NEOM to eco-lodges in the Red Sea. The ASFAR: a Saudi Tourism Investment Company (STIC) provides incentives like tax breaks and fast-tracked permits for foreign investors. Infrastructure projects, including new airports in Riyadh and Jeddah, are also open for partnerships. With tourism revenue projected to reach $80 billion by 2030, early investors can reap significant benefits.
Building Modern Infrastructure
Over $100 billion is being invested in tourism infrastructure Saudi Arabia, including high-speed rail networks and smart hotels. The expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah will double its capacity to 60 million passengers annually, easing travel for global visitors.
Interested in investing in KSA? Check out our full foreign investment guide.
Future Outlook & Practical Travel
Saudi Tourism in 2030: What Travelers Can Expect
By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 150 million visitors annually. The Saudi e-visa tourism system, now available to citizens of 63 countries, has simplified entry requirements. Travelers can look forward to seamless experiences, from AI-driven concierge services in NEOM to heritage tours in Diriyah. Luxury remains a focus, with brands like Aman and Banyan Tree opening properties in Al-Ula.
The massive revenue generation potential should make it clear to interested investors that the Saudi tourism market is a great opportunity for early investments and returns.
Tips for Visitors
Plan visits during cooler months (November to March) for outdoor activities. Engage local guides to explore hidden gems like the Farasan Islands or the Asir Mountains. Respect cultural norms, such as modest dress in public areas, to ensure a smooth experience.
Conclusion
The Saudi Vision 2030 tourism initiatives are reshaping the Kingdom into a global destination that honors its past while rapidly entering a modern era. With projects like NEOM and the Red Sea leading the way, Saudi Arabia is set to become a leader in sustainable and cultural tourism. For investors interested in the Saudi tourism scene, AMC Insights offers more in-depth market research services. We’ll get you the right market insights to make informed decisions related to your business.
