Saudi Arabia aims to convert tourism into huge investment sector, says official

Saudi Arabia adopted a national strategy to convert tourism industry into a huge investment sector that will contribute 10% returns to national income, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing Ahmed Al-Khatib, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (CTNH).

The Kingdom aims to boost the private sector’s contribution to reducing unemployment to 6% through providing 1 million additional job opportunities by 2030.

“We look forward in the Kingdom to become the fifth country that embraces tourists worldwide, attracting about 100 million visits in 2030," Al-Khatib said during the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism and Council of Arab Tourism Ministers sessions held in Al-Ahsa.

Meanwhile, he also highlighted the importance of joint Arab action in tourism, adding that the Kingdom and the rest of Arab countries can benefit from the rise in tourist arrivals annually.

Saudi Arabia had earlier announced it will open its doors to international tourists for the first time ever, in line with Vision 2030.