#Saudi Arabia #Economic Growth #Tourism #Davos

Saudi Arabia's Vision for Tourism as Economic Infrastructure

During the 2026 World Economic Forum held in Davos, Saudi Arabia's Tourism Minister, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, shared a resounding message: tourism must be recognized as an essential economic infrastructure. His statements were aimed at global leaders, pushing them to rethink the traditional view of tourism as merely a discretionary sector.

Minister Al-Khateeb emphasized that for tourism to truly stimulate growth, create jobs, and enhance human connections, it must be meticulously planned and governed. He stated, "As we anticipate approximately 2 billion international arrivals by 2030, the focus should shift from whether tourism will expand to how we can ensure that this growth is responsible and beneficial."

The Minister referred to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, where tourism has emerged as a cornerstone for economic transformation within the Kingdom. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia welcomed 30 million visitors in 2025 and aims to boost this number to 150 million by 2030. With tourism currently representing around 5% of the Kingdom’s GDP and employing over a million people, the sector showcases a significant potential for national growth and employment.

Al-Khateeb spotlighted notable projects such as AlUla, Diriyah, and the Red Sea as shining examples of a comprehensive and strategic approach to destination development. These initiatives prioritize safety, sustainability, governance, and overall quality of life, proving that tourism can align with community interests while preserving cultural heritage.

While speaking at the Forum, he also unveiled the "Beyond Tourism" initiative. This multi-sectoral program aims to elevate the discourse around tourism from a mere discussion point to a leadership agenda that underscores sustainability, resilience, and financial commitments in tourism policy. "Tourism should not be sidelined in economic decision-making; it has the potential to drive productivity and foster global connectivity if supported by coherent policies based on data," said Al-Khateeb.

Additionally, he pointed to TOURISE, a global platform developed to transition tourism ambitions into actionable plans, linking governments, investors, and industry leaders. Since its inception, TOURISE rendezvoused nearly 10,000 leaders from over 100 countries, catalyzing more than $113 billion in tourism-related investments. The next global gathering is scheduled for March 2027, promising to further elevate collaborative efforts in the tourism sector.

Al-Khateeb further argued that globally, travel and tourism contribute about 10% of the world’s GDP, supporting 357 million jobs and remaining one of the most inclusive sectors of the global economy. He stressed that, beyond economic factors, tourism plays a crucial role in fostering intercultural dialogue amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The Minister reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to leveraging tourism not just for national benefit but also to assist underdeveloped countries in enhancing their tourism sectors, particularly in regions like Africa and Latin America. He noted, "Eighty percent of the world’s countries fail to attract sufficient tourist numbers. We aim to connect with these nations to help grow their tourism economies for the collective benefit of the world."

As discussions continued throughout the week in Davos, the Saudi delegation engaged with global leaders from governments, businesses, academia, and civil society, aiming to promote global stability and prosperity. The Kingdom’s broader commitments under Vision 2030 showcase its intention to be a responsible global player, aiming for transformative growth and motivation in the tourism sector.

The Saudi House made its notable return to Davos, facilitating over 20 sessions, including ten accredited by the WEF, covering vital themes such as Bold Vision, Impact Perspectives, Human Capacity, Quality of Life, Investment Collaboration, and Welcoming the World. It launched the NextOn series, featuring influential talks by esteemed leaders, thus solidifying the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to a robust global dialogue.

In conclusion, Minister Al-Khateeb's discussions painted a comprehensive picture of how tourism can be harnessed as a solid economic infrastructure. By framing tourism as a strategic asset and fostering international collaboration, Saudi Arabia is setting the stage for a resilient and interconnected global economy.