"which had a GDP of $1.4 trillion in 2024, opened its doors to international leisure tourists in 2019, after years of only allowing travel for business, religious or family purposes. "We are unlocking the value of this great country. We have a lot to offer to the world," Saudi Arabia's first tourism minister H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb said at the Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh. "We want travelers to come and experience the Saudi hospitality, enjoy our coffee and food, and learn about Arabian culture.""
"Al Khateeb pitched tourism as a way "to open new jobs-for youth, for women-and to diversify our economy and make it more sustainable." Saudi Arabia outlined its development goals in a government program called Saudi Vision 2030. Announced in 2016, the policy seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy, society and culture, in line with the vision from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman."
Saudi Arabia opened to international leisure tourists in 2019 after previously allowing travel mainly for business, religious or family reasons. The country reported a record 116 million tourists in 2024, up from 80 million in 2019, and aims for 150 million visitors annually by 2030. Tourism is being promoted to create jobs for youth and women and to diversify and sustain the economy under Saudi Vision 2030. Major events, new carriers like Riyadh Air, expanded airports such as King Salman International, and plans for over 300,000 new hotel rooms are planned to support growth.
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