saudi arabia tourism slogan

Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

New Ministry, New Look

By Saeshanee

Saudi Arabia’s reveals merged logo creating new identity for the Kingdom.

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism begins its journey into the new decade by revamping the logo shortly after the launch of the new ministry.

Staying authentic to the Kingdom, the new design reveals an abstract look resembling the outline of Saudi Arabia and the flags colors. Ready to show the world change, their new slogan “Hello World” welcomes visitors from across the globe.

“Signifying a rich diversity in tourism and cultural heritage. The logo’s motion represents the visitor’s travelling across the country’s destinations. Getting a glimpse of the welcoming and hospitality of the people” – The Saudi Ministry of Tourism

After the initiative to grant tourist visas for citizens from up to 49 countries, Saudi welcomed over 400,000 foreigners up to date which has demonstrated a positive change towards the economy.

With tourism on the rise, a new society is unveiled to drive growth and diversify. Hospitality is apparent after revealing a new helpline for tourists – #19988/930.

Rebranding their image, the Ministry of tourism has remained optimistic about their strategies towards achieving their goals.

The new identity aims to aid towards the Vision 2030 by increasing attraction into the country by 100 million visits by tourists, with direction of the ministry in order to fulfill the national strategic goals

Keep Exploring

Riyadh Season Teams Up with the World Boxing Association (WBA)

Riyadh Season Goes Global: Crawford vs. Madrimov in Los Angeles

The Historic Debut of Saudi Opera Zarqa Al Yamama

Explore Mansard Riyadh's Special Ramadan Offerings

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Share this content.

• Share this article on facebook
• Share this article on twitter
• Share this article on linkedin

UN Tourism Applauds Saudi Arabia's Historic Milestone of 100 Million Tourists

• All Regions
• 26 Feb 2024

In a testament to its strategic vision and robust sector growth, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists, marking a significant milestone in its journey to become a global tourism powerhouse.

In an exceptional achievement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists , a milestone celebrated by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This remarkable accomplishment achieved seven years ahead of its original schedule, not only underscores Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global tourism powerhouse but also highlights its leading role in the economic diversification and sustainable development of the tourism sector worldwide. This milestone, marked by the arrival of over 27 million international tourists and over 79 million domestic tourists with a combined total spend of over USD 67 billion, not only showcases the Kingdom's robust tourism sector but also underscores the Saudi Ministry of Tourism's commitment to advanced data gathering and statistical analysis, a priority echoed by UN Tourism.

The Kingdom's success story is built on a foundation of strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector to new heights. With a staggering 390% increase in demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 and the contribution of tourism to the non-oil GVA estimated to exceed 7%, Saudi Arabia's vision for the future is clear. With the tourism sector's direct contribution to the GDP estimated to exceed  4 %, the country has showcased its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Leadership

UN Tourism has closely collaborated with Saudi Arabia, recognizing its efforts in developing a robust tourism infrastructure and statistical analysis capabilities. The inauguration of UN Tourism's Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021 marked a significant step towards fostering tourism innovation, education, and rural development. This partnership has been instrumental in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable tourism practices and statistical excellence.

Elevating its global position in the tourism sector, Saudi Arabia has distinguished itself by leading the G20 in international tourist growth rate in 2023 compared to 2019. This recognition underlines the Kingdom's pivotal role in the global tourism sector's recovery following the pandemic. Moreover, the Middle East has emerged as the sole region not only to rebound but also to outpace pre-pandemic tourism levels , with a 122 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019. At the forefront of this remarkable growth, Saudi Arabia witnessed a staggering 156 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019, underscoring its central role in the region's tourism boom.

A Testament to Resilience and Innovation

The Kingdom's tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience, with inbound spending reaching over USD 37 billion in 2023 and a significant increase in hotel keys across the kingdom. These achievements are a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to creating a prosperous and sustainable tourism sector.

Empowering the Workforce

The employment opportunities created by the tourism sector are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's success. As of 2023, with 925.5 thousand jobs in the tourism sector and significant investments in training, the Kingdom is on track to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030. This focus on workforce development ensures that the benefits of tourism growth are shared widely and sustainably.

Gratitude and Future Vision

UN Tourism extends its congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this historic achievement. We commend the leadership, the Ministry of Tourism, and all partners for their unwavering support and dedication. As Saudi Arabia continues to drive towards its goal of 150 million tourists by 2030, UN Tourism looks forward to supporting its journey, celebrating its successes, and promoting a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for global tourism.

Saudi Arabia's achievement of welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023 is a beacon of what is possible through collaboration, innovation, and a clear vision for the future. The Kingdom not only promises a diverse and rich tourism experience but delivers on that promise, paving the way for a brighter future for the global tourism industry.

Related links:

• Download the News Release on PDF
• International Tourism to Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024

Related Content

Un tourism joins launch of ireland’s first sustainable ..., un tourism: putting communities at the centre of touris..., women take centre stage building inclusive tourism in a..., seychelles draft tourism.

• Arab News JP
• Arab News FR

Search form

• World " data-color="d85229"> China publicizes for the first time what it claims is a 2016 agreement with Philippines
• World " data-color="d85229"> Biden and Trump offer worlds-apart contrasts on issues in 2024’s rare contest between two presidents
• Business & Economy " data-color="d85229"> Saudi Arabia’s on the frontline of battle against climate change
• Sport " data-color="d85229"> Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli help Bengaluru stay in IPL play-off race
• Business & Economy " data-color="d85229"> Ukraine keen to cooperate with KSA in digitalization push: vice minister
• World " data-color="d85229"> Netherlands remembers World War Two dead amid tight security due to Gaza war
• Business & Economy " data-color="d85229"> Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector driving digital transformation
• Pakistan " data-color="d85229"> Security forces kill six militants in northwest Pakistan
• Pakistan " data-color="d85229"> Pakistan telecom authority seeks review of tax agency directive to block SIMs of non-filers
• World " data-color="d85229"> Students in Ireland, Switzerland join the protest wave over Gaza

You are here

Saudi tourism ministry unveils new logo.

https://arab.news/8vknc

• The logo reinforces the Ministry of Tourism’s aim to achieve the goals of the national tourism strategy

RIYADH: The Ministry of Tourism has unveiled its new logo, which embodies the slogan “Hello World,” a day after the initiation of the new ministry.

The design’s lines and vibrant colors were inspired by the color of the Saudi flag and incorporates the Kingdom’s map.

The new slogan’s reveal coincided with the launching of the new Saudi tourist visa to visitors from all over the world, granting citizens of 49 countries access to the Kingdom, either online or upon arrival. 

It also applies members of the Schengen area visa, US visa and UK entry visa, provided travelers have used their visa to reach these countries first, using a national air carrier to reach the Kingdom where they can obtain the visa upon arrival. 

The logo reinforces the Ministry of Tourism’s aim to achieve the goals of the national tourism strategy, which includes increasing the sector’s contribution to national income by 10 percent, in addition to creating 1 million new jobs, and facilitating 100 million visits by tourists by 2030.

Hide comments Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.

Saudi tourism body launches instant tourism licensing system

‘Incredible’ destination Saudi Arabia must develop tourism infrastructure, global travel expert says

Metal bands battle it out in jeddah.

• Saudi band Wasted Land emerged as champions of the 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Middle East

JEDDAH: Wacken Metal Battle Middle East arrived in Jeddah’s Makan Music Center on Friday night, providing a platform for local metal bands to showcase their musical prowess.

The battle of the bands event featured Jaheem, Volfram, Kaizer, and Wasted Land aiming for top spot, creating a memorable experience for regional metal fans.

Wacken Metal Battle Middle East — supported by the German Consulate in Jeddah and European Weeks in Saudi, and a competition connected with Germany famous Wacken music festival — featured a jury of music experts and international guests, including judges from Germany, who evaluated the bands based on technical ability, song composition, and musical interpretation. They also took into account the band’s uniqueness, stage presence, audience interaction, execution of sound checks, communication, punctuality, and overall attitude.

HIGH LIGHTS

• Wacken Metal Battle Middle East was supported by the German Consulate in Jeddah and European Weeks in Saudi Arabia, and a competition connected with Germany’s famous Wacken music festival.

• Saudi band Volfram described the night as a ‘unique and unforgettable experience.’

The jury selected Wasted Land as the champions of the competition, meaning they now have the chance to perform at the Wacken festival, which takes place annually in Hamburg. Adding to the excitement, the winners of the 2023 event, Egyptian band Erasing Mankind also took to the stage as guest performers.

Promoter Monika Bremer said, “Since its inception 10 years ago, Metal Battle Middle East has provided numerous emerging bands with the opportunity to showcase their talent and advance their careers. This anniversary edition is an important milestone for the regional metal scene.

“Thanks to the support of our partners, emerging metal bands have the opportunity to participate in this competition and gain valuable experience,” she added.

Emad Ashor, guitarist and vocalist of Jeddah-based death metal outfit Immortal Pain and one of the judges at the event, said, “Talent, passion, and professionalism are key. This platform allows all bands to explore new experiences and pursue their dream of victory.”

Karim Mounir, composer and bassist of Erasing Mankind, who was also a judge at the event, said: “Wacken is all about embracing the present moment and fostering camaraderie between bands and the audience. Live performances truly distinguish bands, and the Saudi metal scene’s exceptional talent and musicianship have demonstrated their worthiness for such a significant event.

“The band that can most effectively captivate Wacken’s lively and inclusive crowd would be a perfect representative from the Middle East.”

Saudi band Volfram described the night as a “unique and unforgettable experience.”

Reflecting on the band’s journey to the final of the Wacken Metal Battle, a member of Kaizer said, “Being part of this competition is an honor in itself, and sharing the stage with incredible bands is an experience we will always treasure.

“Kaizer is just beginning and has so much more to offer. Our goal is to represent the Saudi metal scene in the most intense and impactful way possible. Earning the title of Jeddah’s Heaviest Music from the crowd is a recognition we deeply appreciate.”

Show comments Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.

Saudi metal music enthusiast turns artwork into business

DJ rediscovers Saudi music through vinyl

Meet the russian stylist living ‘blissfully’ in saudi arabia.

• “True to our expectations, we’ve found immense satisfaction living in Saudi Arabia. We consider it the best decision we’ve made for our family, and have no regrets.” Marsden, a professional stylist, told Arab News

RIYADH: Margo Marsden relocated to Saudi Arabia two years ago when her husband — a British oil and gas engineer — accepted a job in the Kingdom. Since her arrival, she has been documenting her experience of life in Saudi Arabia on social media. Her TikTok profile states she is a “Russian mother married to British father … living blissfully in Saudi Arabia.”

“True to our expectations, we’ve found immense satisfaction living in Saudi Arabia. We consider it the best decision we’ve made for our family, and have no regrets.” Marsden, a professional stylist, told Arab News. “Living here is incredibly invigorating; one can palpably sense the positive transformations taking place in the country, aligned with the ambitious Vision 2030 plan. In my view, Saudi Arabia stands as the premier destination for living in 2024.”

Marsden was born and raised in Kazakhstan before moving to Russia with her parents when she was 14 years old. She lived in several countries before relocating to Saudi Arabia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Italy, Turkiye, Lebanon, Thailand, the UK, and Norway.

Living here is incredibly invigorating; one can palpably sense the positive transformations taking place in the country, aligned with the ambitious Vision 2030 plan. Margo Marsden , Russian stylist in KSA

Marsden had worked in Riyadh for a month in 2019 with fashion retailer Zara during Ramadan, and when her husband told her about his job offer, she was thrilled at the prospect of visiting the Kingdom again.

“I love it here, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge with local and expat women, to elevate their confidence and refine their fashion identity,” she said.

Marsden now has more than two decades of experience in the fashion industry. It’s a passion that began in her childhood, when she would meticulously craft outfits for her Barbie dolls with her mother’s guidance.

Marsden said she worked as a model — treading catwalks in Russia, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, and Thailand — before moving into the business side of the industry, studying fashion design at Accademia Italiana in Bangkok and personal styling at the London College of Style. She has worked as a buyer, content creator and stylist.

“My artistic pursuits also extend behind the camera; I coordinated photoshoots for both personal and corporate clients,” she added.

As a stylist, she said, her main objective is “to enhance my client’s natural beauty and instill confidence in each customer I work with.” While Marsden doesn’t currently have any clients in the Kingdom, she is hoping to establish her own business eventually.

“I’m eager to offer my expertise to individuals keen on enhancing their appearance. Helping others look and feel their best is immensely fulfilling to me,” she added.

To follow Marsden’s journey in Saudi Arabia, visit her Instagram @margo.marsden.

Saudi woman completes 1,400 km cycling trip around Iceland

Meet the women shaping rugby history in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh forum to explore role of translation in promoting saudi identity.

• The conference aims to contribute to a key objective of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in promoting Islamic values and national identity, by encouraging Saudis to translate these concepts into other languages and cultures

RIYADH: The College of Languages at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh will host a conference titled “Translating the Saudi identity through other languages and cultures” on May 15.

The event, carrying the slogan “We translate our identity,” will take place at the Department of Conferences and Seminars, and is sponsored by Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.

It will focus on sharing the Kingdom’s cultural, historical, literary and intellectual heritage with a global audience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The conference will attract researchers and enthusiasts interested in Saudi identity and its translation for foreign cultures. Students specializing in national identity and translation will take part, alongside representatives from sectors focused on translating Saudi identity, including ministries, agencies and companies.

The role of translation in promoting a positive image of the Kingdom will also be discussed, as well as fostering international recognition and underscoring the Kingdom’s cultural impact.

The conference aims to contribute to a key objective of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in promoting Islamic values and national identity, by encouraging Saudis to translate these concepts into other languages and cultures.

A competitive environment will be established among university students to introduce them to their identity through other languages and cultures.

Six scientific sessions and workshops will be hosted at the conference, as well as topic-related exhibitions and cultural events. Sessions will cover themes including “Saudi family identity,” “National identity,” “Linguistic communication,” “The role of translation and publishing in sharing the Saudi identity with the world,” “Translating national heritage into global languages” and “National identity in film translation.”

The conference’s workshops will focus on topics including translating the Saudi identity within the tourism sector.

The College of Languages organized the event as part of its commitment to the 2025 strategic goals of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, Manga Arabia help transform Saudi literature into comic stories

Saudi Arabia, UNESCO to bridge cultures through translation

King salman issues royal decree to appoint investigative lieutenants at public prosecution.

RIYADH: King Salman issued a royal decree on Saturday to appoint 261 investigative lieutenants at the Ministry of Justice’s Public Prosecution, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib thanked the king for the royal decree and said it reflected the support provided by the King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the ministry and its departments, SPA added.

Al-Mujib praised the commitment to advancing the development and prosperity of the justice ministry in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Saudi Public Prosecution approves establishment of intellectual property body

Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution refers two residents to court over money laundering charges

Saudi arabia, turkey and pakistan discuss enhancing defense cooperation.

• The Saudi-Turkish bilateral defense cooperation committee also met in Istanbul

ISTANBUL: Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan’s tripartite committee held its third meeting recently in Istanbul to discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation.

Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Turkish Deputy Minister of National Defense Bilal Durdali, and Lt. Gen Mohammed Owais from Pakistan were among the officials present at the meeting, the Defense Ministry said in a report on Saturday.

The meeting focused on joint cooperation in defense, the transfer and localization of technology, and the development of scientific research in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030, the ministry stated.

The Saudi-Turkish bilateral defense cooperation committee also met in Istanbul recently.

Saudi-Turkiye trade volume to reach $10bn in coming years, says Turkish minister

Saudi defense minister guest of honor at Pakistan Day parade, gets top civilian award

Latest updates, china publicizes for the first time what it claims is a 2016 agreement with philippines.

Japan seeks Sri Lanka recovery for regional stability

Biden and Trump offer worlds-apart contrasts on issues in 2024’s rare contest between two presidents

Togo ruling party wins sweeping majority in legislative poll, final provisional results show

Warren Buffett says AI may be better for scammers than society. And he’s seen how

Recommended

Why the oslo accords failed to put palestinians on the path to statehood.

How sustainable tourism can help preserve Saudi Arabia’s iconic desert wildlife 

How fierce but undeclared Israel-Hezbollah war is hurting civilians in south Lebanon

Print Edition

•   Home
•   Pakistan
•   Press Review
•   Saudi Arabia
•   Middle East
•   World
•   Business
•   Opinion
•   Lifestyle
•   Sport
•   Jobs
• Editorial Management
• corporate pr
• about arabnews
• Privacy & Termes of Service

• TradeArabia Network
• Business Directory

Business Directories

• Premium Content

Saudi tourism ministry unveils new logo

Riyadh, february 27, 2020.

Saudi Arabia's tourism ministry has unveiled its new logo, which embodies the slogan “Hello World,” a day after the initiation of the new ministry, said a report. The design’s lines and vibrant colours were inspired by the colour of the Saudi flag and incorporates the kingdom’s map, said a report in Arab News . The new slogan’s reveal coincided with the launching of the new Saudi tourist visa to visitors from all over the world, granting citizens of 49 countries access to the kingdom, either online or upon arrival. It also applies to members of the Schengen area visa, US visa and UK entry visa, provided travellers have used their visa to reach these countries first, using a national air carrier to reach the kingdom where they can obtain the visa upon arrival, the report said.

More Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Stories

• Gulf Air hosts global summit on sustainable future
• Dubai gears up for top travel expo; to draw over 2,300 exhibitors
• Ajman's tourism revenue in Q1 surges 7pc
• Egyptair to launch direct flights from Fujairah to Cairo
• Rayna Tours launches ‘Kids Go Free’ packages for summer
• What to expect this year at the Emirates stand at ATM
• ATM set to return with 2,300 exhibitors, over 41,000 attendees
• Rixos Premium Dubai joins forces with Dubai Autism Center
• New Marriott Hotels suite pays tribute to Manchester United legacy
• AlUla to host debut Arab camel racing championship
• Etihad inks reciprocal interline deals with five airlines
• Eduoutings makes landmark debut at Arabian Travel Market
• Wellbeings unveils new outlet at Marriott Marquis Jewel of The Creek
• Khalidia Palace Hotel makes strides in sustainable guest experience
• Arada launches new hospitality and entertainment division
• Stella Stays boosts Riyadh presence with two new buildings
• Discover Europe Travel Summit returns to Dubai, 100 partners join
• Oman Air Appoints Con Korfiatis as New CEO
• France to reveal innovations, entrepreneurial spirit at ATM
• Visit Qatar plans strong show at Arabian Travel Market
• Oman Air Cargo partners with RTS to boost digital capabilities
• Club Med sets eyes on Omani home
• Emirates resumes flights to Phnom Penh
• Asfar announces partnership to elevate integrated living in Yanbu
• Global air passenger demand grows 13.8% in March
• DET to bring together Dubai’s tourism stakeholders at ATM
• Jeddah summit to discuss future-ready infrastructure solutions
• Japan Tourism to showcase country as premium destination
• Four Seasons to unveil latest innovations at ATM 2024
• Palace Dubai Creek Harbour Hotel opens its doors in the heart of Dubai

Calendar of Events

• View all events

Information |

• Construction & Real Estate
• Energy, Oil & Gas
• Finance & Capital Market
• Industry & Logistics
• IT & Telecommunication
• Health & Environment
• Retail & Wholesale
• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
• Government & Laws
• Media & Promotion
• Back to top
• Advertising
• Privacy Statement
• Terms of Service

First-ever destination brand campaign for AlUla, Saudi Arabia unveiled

The first-ever destination brand campaign for AlUla, the heritage and culture centrepiece of Saudi Arabia, has been unveiled. The campaign, developed by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) with creative partners Leo Burnett, includes a film directed by renowned cinematographer Bruno Aveillan and a suite of digital assets under the concept of The World’s Masterpiece.

AlUla is the first of the Saudi Vision 2030 projects to open to tourism following Saudi Arabia launching visitor visas for the first time in September 2019. Saudi Arabia was added to the UK corridor list on 10 December 2020.

AlUla will target discerning travellers seeking meaningful, authentic travel experiences. Visitors will explore the main heritage sites of Hegra, Jabal Ikmah and Dadan and adventure tourists will also be catered for with opportunities to tour the key sites of the Ashar Valley in a desert buggy, or ziplining through the canyons. For families, farm visits located close to Hegra offer a chance to get up close and personal with the local flora and fauna.

In what is hoped will be a year of travel recovery, AlUla’s new brand campaign will help to achieve RCU’s long term visitor target of two million visitors by 2035. Melanie de Souza, executive director of marketing in RCU said: “We are already receiving a lot of interest from international travellers excited to explore a new destination with such history including 7000 years of civilisations from the Nabataeans to the Romans. The travel landscape has been irreversibly altered, but as travel slowly resumes, research tells us people will be looking for meaningful travel, vast open spaces and close to nature experiences. AlUla is well-positioned in the domestic market for all of those reasons and internationally as a new and significant boutique heritage and culture destination.”

“The World’s Masterpiece is a play on both the skilful artistry of ancient civilisations who carved elaborate artworks into the rocky outcrops, as well as the pure and unspoilt beauty of the geological rock formations and landscapes sculpted by nature,” said Phillip Jones, chief management and marketing officer in RCU.

The campaign has been launched in broadcast, outdoor and digital from 10 January 2021.

AlUla adds five new preferred Destination Management Companies in line with…

Maraya takes centre stage as thriving hub for classical music in AlUla and the region

AlUla named Middle East’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2023 at World Travel…

AlUla Moments adds three regional superstars to concert lineup

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you design and create an advertising campaign

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

Yes, contact me I want to download the media kit

Comments are closed.

More Re-opening updates

Government announces zero restrictions to enter Fiji

Germany drops mask requirement

Macau expects surge in tourists during Chinese New Year

China may soon shorten Covid-19 quarantine requirements

Spain drops all Covid entry measures for non-EU travellers

APAC and European rush for Japan: Trip.com

South Korea lifts COVID testing for inbound travellers

Germany to apply relaxed Covid entry rules till 31 Jan

Netherlands removes all COVID travel restrictions

Village Hotel Sentosa reopens in Singapore

Samoa's borders reopen to international travellers

Japan to open to tourists after COVID, with masks, insurance and chaperones required

Welcome, Login to your account.

Sign in with Google

Powered by wp-glogin.com

Recover your password.

A password will be e-mailed to you.

Welcome back, Log in to your account.

SIGN UP FOR FREE

Be part of our community of seasoned travel and hospitality industry professionals from all over the world.

• LOGIN / SIGN UP
• Middle East
• UK & Europe
• USA & Canada
• Hospitality
• HR & Careers
• Luxury Travel
• MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)
• Travel Tech
• Travel Agents
• Airlines / Airports
• Conferences
• Cruising (Ocean)
• Cruising (River)
• Destination Management (DMC)
• Hotels & Resorts
• Hotel Management Company
• Hotel Technology
• HR / Appointments
• Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE)
• Travel Agents (all)
• Travel Technology
• Tourism Boards
• Industry appointments
• Travel Bloggers
• Podcasts – Features
• How to join
• RSVP Portal
• Event Photos/Videos
• Competitions
• Search for Jobs
• Destination NaJomtien BanAmphur BangSaray *NEW*
• จุดหมายปลายทาง นาจอมเทียน หาดบ้านอำเภอ บางเสร่ *NEW*
• South Australia Reward Wonders *NEW*
• Ponant Yacht Cruises and Expeditions
• Encore Tickets (Chinese Guide)
• Affordable Luxury in Thailand by Centara Hotels
• Rising Above the Oridinary by Conrad Bangkok
• The Best of Thailand
• Who is IWTA
• Philippines
• Recommend Someone
• Recommend yourself
• IWTA AWARDS
• TRAVEL CLUB

' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + '

" + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + "

" + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + "

Ministry of Tourism launches initiatives to enable investment in hospitality sector

RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Ministry of Investment launched the Hospitality Sector Investment Initiative, which comes within the Tourism Investment Program, under the slogan “Invest in Saudi Arabia and Prosper in Tourism”.

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism Eng. Mahmoud Abdel Hadi said that Investment Enablers Initiative in the hospitality sector is part of the strategic objectives of the Ministry.

He pointing out that the initiative aims to increase and diversify tourism offers, and raise the capacity of tourist hospitality facilities in tourist destinations.

He added that the initiative seeks to attract private investments in the hospitality sector in specific tourist destinations, amounting to about SR42 billion, with revenues estimated at about SR16 billion on the Kingdom’s gross domestic product by 2030.

He noted that the initiative will contribute to providing up to 120,000 additional job opportunities by 2030 in those destinations.

The Ministry’s cooperation with a number of partners in various government sectors is a step to improve the investor’s journey, resulting in a reduction in annual government fees related to the sector by approximately 22%.

He stressed that this step is to advance the tourism sector in achieving the goals of Vision 2030 related to diversifying the sources of the state’s general budget, and raising the sector’s contribution to the domestic product to reach 10% by 2030.

Tourism slogan of Saudi Arabia

Tourism slogan of Saudi Arabia: N/A .

Saudi Arabia National symbols

⏪ Back to the national symbols of Saudi Arabia

What is Saudi Arabia known for?

Saudi Arabia is known for Oil, Arabian horses, origin of Islam, and world's largest desert (Rub Al Khali)

Where is Saudi Arabia located?

Neighbours of Saudi Arabia

Questions & Answers about Saudi Arabia

• Who is the national founder of Saudi Arabia?
• Who is the national poet of Saudi Arabia?
• When is the national day of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national animal of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the ethnicity of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national dish of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national dance of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national emblem / coat of arms of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the religion of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the ISO-4217 of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the domain extension of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national monument of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national anthem of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national fruit of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national flower of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national colors of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national language of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national sports of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national tree of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national bird of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national currency of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the country code of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the capital city of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national airline of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national drink of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national instrument of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national dress of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national hero of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national mausoleum of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the nationality of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the driving side of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the date format of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the total area of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the timezone of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national football team of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the tourism slogan of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the literacy rate of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the average elevation of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the coastline of Saudi Arabia?
• What type of plugs and sockets are used in Saudi Arabia?
• What are the emergency telephone numbers of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the alternative name of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the mythical creature of Saudi Arabia?
• What is the national government of Saudi Arabia?
• Who is the president of Saudi Arabia?
• Who is the prime minister of Saudi Arabia?
• What are the proverbs of Saudi Arabia?

Compare Saudi Arabia with other countries

Compare saudi arabia with its neighbours.

• Vs. United Arab Emirates
• Vs. Bahrain

Guess the Flags Quiz

• Capital Cities of the World Capital Cities of Asia Capital Cities of Africa Capital Cities of Europe Capital Cities of North America Capital Cities of South America Capital Cities of Australia & Oceania
• Coat of Arms of the World Coat of Arms - Asia Coat of Arms - Africa Coat of Arms - Europe Coat of Arms - North America Coat of Arms - South America Coat of Arms - Australia & Oceania
• Country Codes of the World Country Codes - Asia Country Codes - Africa Country Codes - Europe Country Codes - North America Country Codes - South America Country Codes - Australia & Oceania
• Languages of the World Asian Languages African Languages European Languages North American Languages South America Languages Oceanic Languages

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Is Too Expensive For Tourists – And Everyone Knows It

Josh Corder , Skift

May 1st, 2024 at 9:31 AM EDT

Fancy a stay in the heart of Arabia? It'll cost you.

Josh Corder

Are Saudi Arabia’s new tourism offerings too pricey? That’s the sentiment on the ground at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Riyadh this week.

Between now and the end of the decade, 320,000 new hotel rooms are expected to open in Saudi Arabia. According to Knight Frank, 82% of those new rooms are in the luxury and upscale segments. And 66% of Saudi’s current 149,400 rooms are also upscale and luxury.

Saudi eventually wants 70 million international tourists to come visit. But it was only in 2019 that it opened for tourism at all. Saudi had 27 million international visitors in 2023 – many of them came for religious travel rather than stays at newly-developed leisure hubs.

‘Ego Projects Are Going Away’

Radisson’s regional vice president of development, Elie Milky said on a panel at the summit that “ego projects” by private investors are becoming less prevalent.

“Emotional and ego investments are going away. We need to be in line with the tourism strategy but we need to help it in not only promoting five-star categories,” Milky said. “It’s too risky for some investors to go into a place with a five-star hotel. It might be a nice idea for a five-star hotel, but you might not see return on investment.”

Many developments are being funded by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Chaired by the crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, PIF owns and develops tourism sites such as Neom, Diriyah Gate and The Red Sea – three leisure destinations with a swell of luxury facilities.

“Giga-projects” are being built solely with five-star hotels. Some of them are planning to cap visitation as well, making it even tougher to accommodate 70 million visitors.

The Red Sea is one such example: The Maldives-like project along the Saudi coastline is planning to open 50 luxury hotels. The plan is to open 16 hotels by 2025, and another 34 before 2030.

To date, every hotel announced there has been a luxury name.

Despite costing billions, The Red Sea is going to chip in one-seventieth towards achieving international tourism goals. The site will limit visits upon completion to protect the environment.

‘Mid-Markets Democratize Travel’

With luxury projects not moving the needle much in achieving visitor goals, hotel developers are hammering for more economical brands.

At another session at the summit this week, Wyndham’s regional MD, Panos Loupasis said: “Saudi will become exclusive. That’s a problem. If you want to attract people, and have them come again and again, visit more cities, it can’t be so exclusive. Three-star hotels are enablers for travelers. They democratize travel.”

“The market is not well-educated in mid-scale brands. There seems to be a strong focus on luxury in Saudi,” added Leva Hotels CEO JS Anand, a Dubai-based operator serving mid-scale.

“Not everybody will pay $2,000 a night,” he added.

The CEO of a privately-held hotel developer and owner had similar thoughts. “Mid-market hotels are the core accommodation in any city. A lot of people in the segment are just looking for glitz and glamor rather than a real investment strategy,” said Tashyid Urban Development CEO Falih Motasim Hajaj.

Following the publication of this article, a spokesperson from Saudi Tourism Authority sent a statement to Skift acknowledging the importance of luxury accommodation but also the range of mid-market choices in the country.

“Luxury hotels and products are a key part of what we are developing in Saudi, and we know that for some of our target audiences, both domestically and internationally, having luxury destination hotels is essential to their experience,” the spokesperson said. “However, our strategy and ambition are much bigger than that, as set out in our national tourism strategy. It is not just about luxury, it’s about building a year-round offering that caters for visitors across all tiers.”

Luxury First, Mid-market Second

Accor is one of the biggest players in growing Saudi’s tourism and hospitality infrastructure. The French operator wants an additional 45 properties with more than 9,800 rooms by 2030 in Saudi.

In the major locations like the giga-projects, these will be luxury hotels, according to Accor’s Group Deputy CEO and Premium, Midscale & Economy Division CEO, Jean-Jacques Morin.

“Luxury is in the big leisure projects – Neom, Red Sea, Diriyah and so on,” he said. “We are by far the largest operator in the holy cities as well… While in second-tier cities we have a strategy for premium, midscale and economy.”

Are There Any Mid-market Hotels Opening Up in Giga-projects?

There are a few mid-market hotels, but they mostly act as lodging for incoming consultants, contractors and architects. The Red Sea has Turtle Bay hotel to put up staff in, while Trojena – one part of the Neom project – has a Hampton by Hilton up and running.

Even this hotel is commanding high rates as the only hotel for business people to use in the area.

“In terms of today, converting mid-scale hotels will drive super-normal profits,” said Hilton’s Managing Director, Development, Middle East & North Africa, Amir Lababedi. “As much as we can, we will convert existing buildings. Trojena has no hotels that any contractor can use. That’s why we brought the Hampton.”

He added that Hilton is looking at many of Saudi’s existing budget hotels as options for its new Spark brand.

Elsewhere in Neom, Oxagon has a Yotel on the way, again designed mostly for professionals.

How Many Annual Visits Saudi Projects Expect by 2030 :

• The Red Sea: 1 million
• Amaala: 500,000
• Trojena (a part of Neom): 700,000
• Sindalah (a part of Neom): 876,000
• Neom altogether: 5 million
• Diriyah: 50 million (including domestic day trips)

The Daily Newsletter

Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: diriyah , middle east report , neom , saudi news , Saudi Tourism , The Red Sea

Photo credit: Riyadh

Advertisement

Supported by

As Anger Grows Over Gaza, Arab Leaders Crack Down on Protests

Grief and rage over the war and Israel have led to demonstrations across the Arab world. Arrests suggest governments fear the outrage could boomerang.

• Share full article

By Vivian Yee ,  Vivian Nereim and Emad Mekay

Vivian Yee and Emad Mekay reported from Cairo, and Vivian Nereim from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Like other governments across the Middle East, Egypt has not been shy about its position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its denunciations of Israel over the war in Gaza are loud and constant. State media outlets broadcast images of long lines of aid trucks waiting to cross from Egypt into Gaza, spotlighting Egypt’s role as the main conduit for aid entering the besieged territory.

Earlier this month, however, when hundreds of people gathered in downtown Cairo to demonstrate in solidarity with Gaza, Egyptian security officers swooped in, arresting 14 protesters, according to their lawyer. Back in October, the government had organized pro-Palestinian rallies of its own. Yet at those, too, it detained dozens of people after protesters chanted slogans critical of the government. More than 50 of them remain behind bars, their lawyers say.

It was a pattern that has repeated itself around the region since Israel, responding to an attack by Hamas, began a six-month war in Gaza: Arab citizens’ grief and fury over Gaza’s plight running headlong into official repression when that outrage takes aim at their own leaders. In some countries, even public display of pro-Palestinian sentiment is enough to risk arrest.

Out of step with their people on matters of economic opportunity and political freedoms, some governments in the Arab world have long faced added discontent over their ties with Israel and its chief backer, the United States. Now the Gaza war — and what many Arabs see as their own governments’ complicity — has driven an old wedge between rulers and the ruled with new force .

Morocco is prosecuting dozens of people arrested at pro-Palestinian protests or detained for social media posts criticizing the kingdom’s rapprochement with Israel. In Saudi Arabia, which is pursuing a normalization deal with Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, which has already struck one, the authorities have displayed such hypersensitivity to any hint of opposition that many people are too frightened to speak on the issue.

And Jordan’s government, caught between its majority-Palestinian population and its close cooperation with Israel and the United States, has arrested at least 1,500 people since early October, according to Amnesty International. That includes about 500 in March, when huge protests were held outside the Israeli Embassy in Amman.

Afterward, the president of the Jordanian Senate, Faisal al-Fayez, said that his country “ will not accept that demonstrations and protests turn into platforms for discord.”

Arab autocracies rarely tolerate dissent. But activism around the Palestinian cause is particularly thorny.

For decades, Arab activists have linked the struggle for justice for the Palestinians — a cause that unites Arabs of different political persuasions from Marrakesh to Baghdad — to the struggle for greater rights and freedoms at home. For them, Israel was an avatar of the authoritarian and colonialist forces that had thwarted their own societies’ growth.

“What’s happening to the Palestinian people clarifies the foundation of the problem for Arabs everywhere, that the problem is tyranny,” said Abdurrahman Sultan, a 36-year-old Kuwaiti who has participated in sit-ins in support of the Palestinian cause since the war began.

Kuwait initially tolerated some of the sit-ins. But for some Arab governments, the connection evokes peril. Palestinian flags were a common sight at the Arab Spring protests that swept the region in 2011. In Egypt, where since taking power in 2013 President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has quelled protest and muffled most criticism, the authorities are ever mindful that activism can quickly boomerang against them.

“Today they’re out to protest for Palestine; tomorrow they might protest against him himself — the president,” said Nabeh Ganady, 30, a human rights lawyer who represents the 14 activists arrested at the April 3 protest in Cairo.

The message, said Mahienor El-Massry, a human rights lawyer who joined the demonstration, “is that people shouldn’t even dream that there exists any margin for freedoms or for democracy, and that you should never gain confidence and then move toward bigger demands.”

Ms. El-Massry was arrested along with 10 other protesters during a smaller solidarity protest outside United Nations offices in Cairo last Tuesday, according to Ahmed Douma, a well-known Egyptian activist. They were later released.

In interviews conducted around Egypt, Morocco and Persian Gulf countries — including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait — many citizens described the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in stark terms, viewing the Palestinian cause as a struggle for justice, Israel as a symbol of oppression and, in some cases, their rulers’ dealings with Israel as morally bankrupt.

Coming after agreements by Bahrain, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates to normalize ties with Israel, along with Saudi steps toward following suit, the war has galvanized outrage in those countries toward not only Israel but also Arab leaders willing to work with it.

“If you’re willing to sell that, and sell those people out — sell yourself out — what’s next? What else is for sale?” said Salem, an Emirati in his 20s who asked to be identified by a middle name, given the Emirati authorities’ record of punishing dissent.

Governments that signed agreements with Israel have often described the decision as a step toward greater regional dialogue and interfaith tolerance . In February, the Emirati government said in a statement to The New York Times that keeping its diplomatic ties with Israel open was “important in difficult times.”

But because of hostility or, at best, indifference toward Israel in the broader Arab public, there is a “direct, necessary connection” between authoritarianism and the signing of such agreements, said Marc Lynch, a political science professor focused on the Middle East at George Washington University.

The fact that some gulf Arab states have used Israeli surveillance tools to monitor critics only cements that impression.

“If people had any space to democratically elect or express, they wouldn’t choose to normalize with Israel,” said Maryam AlHajri, a Qatari sociologist and anti-normalization activist.

Many Arab governments have tried to tame or harness popular anger with heated rhetoric condemning Israel over the war. Yet they see too many practical benefits to ties with Israel to renege on peace deals, analysts said.

Egypt, the first Arab country to make peace with Israel, has developed a close security partnership with its neighbor over years of jointly combating militancy in northern Sinai. Egypt and Israel have also worked together to blockade Gaza to contain Hamas, whose brand of militant political Islamism Egypt considers a threat. And Egypt needs Israel’s cooperation to prevent a huge influx of Palestinian refugees from Gaza.

Gulf monarchies, including Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, which have for years faced attacks by Iran-backed groups, have long maintained back-channel security connections with Israel, which sees Iran as its greatest threat. That enemy-of-my-enemy arrangement paved the way for normalization talks later on, and critiques of those initiatives are rare since many gulf monarchies effectively ban all forms of protest and political organizing.

H.A. Hellyer, a Middle East security expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said governments were “trying to thread a line between that anger, which I think is very genuinely felt, across all sectors of Arab societies, and what those states interpret as their national security considerations.”

In the past, some of the region’s leaders permitted their frustrated populations to blow off steam with pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel activism. But now that the suffering in Gaza implicates Arab governments in the eyes of many of their citizens, the chants tread on sensitive territory.

Some Egyptians have criticized their government for, among other things, allowing Israel any say over the delivery of desperately needed aid into Gaza through a border crossing in Egypt. And since October, Moroccans have gathered for large, near-daily solidarity demonstrations in about 40 cities that bring together leftists and Islamists, young and old, men and women.

Mostly, the authorities have left them alone. But a few protests have been repressed, according to rights groups and witnesses, and dozens of protesters have been arrested, including a group of 13 in the city of Sale and an activist named Abdul Rahman Zankad, who had criticized Morocco’s normalization agreement with Israel on Facebook.

Mr. Zankad was sentenced to five years in prison this month.

“People are arrested simply for voicing their opinions,” said Serroukh Mohammed, a lawyer in the port city of Tangier and a member of an Islamist political organization. Moroccans will continue to protest, he said, as long as their government defies popular sentiment to maintain ties with Israel.

Representatives for the governments of Egypt and Morocco did not respond to requests for comment.

For Arabs like Mr. Sultan, from Kuwait, the absence of popular support for relations with Israel means any normalization agreements are doomed to fail.

“To make peace, you need regimes and governments that represent their people, that are elected,” he said.

Aida Alami contributed reporting from Rabat, Morocco.

Vivian Yee is a Times reporter covering North Africa and the broader Middle East. She is based in Cairo. More about Vivian Yee

Vivian Nereim is the lead reporter for The Times covering the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. She is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. More about Vivian Nereim

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Rebuilding all the homes destroyed by Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip could take until the next century  if the pace of reconstruction were to match what it was after wars there in 2014 and 2021, according to a United Nations report.

A Hamas leader said that the group would soon send a delegation to Cairo to “complete ongoing discussions”  on a cease-fire deal for the war in the Gaza Strip, raising hopes of progress in the stalled efforts for a truce.

Israeli officials weigh sharing power with the Arab states in a postwar Gaza, which will likely displease both Israel’s right-wing faction and many Arab states. But it does signal that Israel is thinking about the future , and it could inform future talks.

No Palestinian Flags at Eurovision: The organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest, a glitzy singing contest, said that attendees would be allowed to wave  only the flags of participating nations — including Israel’s.

Nonviolent Resistance in the West Bank: Issa Amro, a Palestinian activist who has been arrested and beaten for simple acts of defiance, is aiming to emulate Gandhi  at a time when violence is inescapable.

Campus Protests in the U.S.: On quads and lawns from coast to coast, U.S. colleges are grappling with a groundswell of student activism  over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Administrators are having to make controversial decisions .

Cracking Down on Protests: Grief and rage over the Gaza war and Israel have led to demonstrations across the Arab world. Arrests suggest governments fear the outrage could boomerang .