Saudi tourism sector expected to achieve record growth in 2022: Al Khateeb

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb

Saudi Arabia’s tourism market will see significant growth, in light of last year’s record levels, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb told Asharq News, expecting stronger growth this year.

Growth resumption was very rapid, as reopening borders and easing Umrah measures will contribute to reaching the target growth.

Al Khateeb explained that global inflation impacted the world’s travel market, which will reduce the number of passengers on higher travel costs.

Elsewhere, he added that the Saudi government offers support for airlines as part of the National Air Connectivity Program. The Kingdom closed a deal with Saudia to operate flights to Zurich and Barcelona under this program.

“The main purpose is to create direct flights to our main target markets. The program will compensate airlines to cover their losses from flying direct flights to these very important hubs for us,” he added.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s planned airline, which will be owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will help fill a large gap in the number of routes to the Kingdom, Al Khateeb concluded.