With signs that global tourism is rebounding as the coronavirus pandemic recedes, Saudi Arabia is poised to become the world’s flagbearer for a new form of sustainable, authentic and responsible tourism.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s last tourism frontiers and home to the world’s largest tourism projects,” Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister of Investment Attraction, told the Arabian & African Hospitality Investment Conference (AHIC) in Dubai this September.
“As the Ministry works to meet our target of becoming a top five global tourist destination, our strategy involves building a sustainable tourism market that provides stable growth opportunities whilst protecting the Kingdom’s natural environment.”
Major global investors and hospitality brands are lining up to stake out a position in the high-potential Saudi market.
During the conference, hotel giant Accor said it would partner with Taiba Investments to open the first Novotel brand in the holy city of Medina. The property will include nearly 400 rooms and three food and beverage outlets, as well meeting rooms and retail space.
Meanwhile, Saudi mega projects such as The Red Sea Development Project, Amaala and the Soudah Development Company are implementing a new vision of tourism, based on restoring and regenerating environmental resources, creating high-quality employment for locals, and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich and varied cultural heritage.
Sustainability is a major driver of the current surge in investment in the Saudi tourism industry. During the conference, Abdulhadi explained the Kingdom’s strategy to contribute to global sustainability agendas while promoting a more sustainable and inclusive life for its residents and visitors.
“It is the perfect time to invest in Saudi tourism and, by investing now, our partners can directly contribute to the evolution of our nascent tourism sector,” Abdulhadi said
