Top 6 Business Opportunities Emerging from Saudi Tourism Sector
Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most ambitious tourism transformations in modern history. Backed by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is deploying over $1 trillion in tourism-related investments to position itself as a premier global destination. The results are already evident:
- 29.7 million international tourists in 2024 (+9.4% from 2023).
- 86 million domestic trips in the same year.
- Tourism spending has surged 148% compared to 2019 levels.
Visitors now come from a diverse range of countries, reflecting the global appeal of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. With a target of 150 million visitors annually by 2030, the Kingdom is not just catching up it is setting a new benchmark in global tourism growth.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector at a Glance
The scale of Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion is reshaping its economy:
- Market size: $53.9 billion in 2024, projected to reach $100.2 billion by 2030 (10.9% CAGR).
- GDP impact: Tourism contributed 4.4% in 2023, expected to exceed 10% of GDP by 2030.
- Jobs: The sector supports 2.7 million jobs today, expected to reach 3.6 million by 2034.
- Investment: Over $800 billion in government-backed projects and $13 billion in private inflows are fueling growth.
Beyond numbers, the government is preparing the workforce of tomorrow. In 2025, Tourism & Hospitality became a core subject for Grade 12 students, ensuring a pipeline of skilled talent to sustain this booming sector.
Saudi Vision 2030 and Tourism Development
Tourism sits at the heart of Vision 2030, recognized as a powerful driver of economic diversification and global influence. Through the National Tourism Strategy and Tourism Development Fund, Saudi Arabia is building infrastructure, nurturing talent, and positioning itself as a global destination.
By leveraging its landscapes, cultural heritage, and giga-projects, the Kingdom is creating a tourism ecosystem designed for both long-term sustainability and global competitiveness.
Mega Projects Powering Tourism Growth
Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects are redefining the future of global tourism, with opportunities across luxury, culture, and innovation:
- The Red Sea Project: A 28,000 km² eco-destination with 50 luxury resorts, contributing SAR 85 billion to GDP.
- Amaala: A wellness hub projected to add $3 billion to GDP and create 50,000 jobs.
- NEOM: The futuristic smart city with destinations like Sindalah (luxury island) and Trojena (ski resort), collectively adding $48 billion to GDP.
- Rua Al Madinah: A $37 billion project adding 47,000 hotel rooms for 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually.
- Diriyah Gate: A $50 billion cultural landmark, blending heritage with modern tourism experiences.
These projects are not just construction ventures they are economic engines, creating jobs, elevating global visibility, and reshaping the way visitors experience Saudi Arabia
The Top 6 Business Opportunities in Saudi Tourism For your Business
1. Luxury & Eco-Resort Development
Projects like the Red Sea and NEOM are setting new global standards for sustainable luxury. Demand is rising for resorts, eco-lodges, and wellness retreats. For investors, this segment offers high margins and long-term brand positioning.
2. Cultural & Heritage Tourism
Sites such as Diriyah, AlUla, and Jeddah’s Al-Balad are becoming cultural anchors. Businesses can build guided tours, artisan markets, cultural festivals, and immersive museums to tap into rising global demand for authentic cultural experiences.
3. MICE & Business Tourism
Saudi Arabia is fast emerging as a MICE powerhouse. Venues like Jeddah Superdome and Riyadh’s KAFD are already attracting global events. With Expo 2030 on the horizon, demand will surge for event management, logistics, hospitality, and corporate services.
4. Midscale & Budget Hotels
While luxury dominates headlines, most travelers especially domestic tourists and pilgrims need affordable, quality stays. Expanding midscale hotels, serviced apartments, and guesthouses is a reliable, high-volume opportunity.
5. Smart Tourism & Digital Services
A tech-savvy population and e-visa reforms are driving demand for booking apps, mobility platforms, digital concierge services, and AI-powered travel solutions. Businesses that innovate here will define the visitor experience of the future.
6. Pilgrimage Tourism Enhancements
Religious tourism remains Saudi Arabia’s foundation. In early 2025 alone, 15.2 million Umrah pilgrims visited the Kingdom. With multilingual mosque services and massive infrastructure projects like Rua Al Madinah, opportunities abound in logistics, accommodation, and crowd management.
Expo 2030: A Global Catalyst
Tourism will accelerate further with Expo 2030 in Riyadh, set to attract 40 million+ visitors and more than 1 billion virtual participants. Beyond the event, Expo is building a legacy of infrastructure, hotels, transport hubs, and cultural venues that will serve the sector for decades.
For businesses, Expo 2030 is a gateway to scale. It will amplify every opportunity, from luxury and cultural tourism to MICE and smart services, while keeping Saudi Arabia in the global spotlight.
For deeper insights, read our related blog: How Expo 2030 Will Transform Saudi Arabia’s Economy
Capturing the Momentum
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is no longer an emerging vision it is happening now. With 150 million visitors targeted by 2030, a market exceeding $100 billion, and global events like Expo 2030 and FIFA 2034, the Kingdom is becoming one of the world’s most dynamic tourism economies.
For executives, the choice is clear: early movers will capture the partnerships, market share, and visibility that latecomers cannot.
Tap into Saudi Arabia’s Top Tourism Opportunities with TASC
With over 18 years of regional expertise, TASC helps companies unlock growth in Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving tourism sector. From compliance and GRO/PRO support to workforce solutions and scalable operations, we ensure businesses enter and expand in the Kingdom with confidence.
Contact us today, and let's Help you explore Saudi Arabia’s tourism opportunities
