Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, proudly announced the Kingdom’s transformative vision for the global travel and tourism sector during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. With a steadfast commitment to reshaping global travel and promoting cultural exchange, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a pivotal player in the international tourism dialogue.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is booming like never before. Tourism contributes 5% to the Kingdom’s GDP, with projections to double to 10% by 2030. Fueling this growth are multi-billion-dollar investments in iconic projects such as:
- Red Sea Project: An ultra-luxury eco-tourism destination on Saudi Arabia’s western coast.
- Diriyah: A UNESCO heritage site reimagined as a vibrant cultural hub.
- Qiddiya: An entertainment mega-city poised to rival global leisure destinations.
| Cruise Name | Operator | Key Destinations | Highlights |
|---|
| Red Sea Spirit | MSC Cruises | Jeddah, Yanbu, Al Wajh, NEOM | Luxurious cruise featuring pristine Red Sea beaches, coral reefs, and visits to NEOM’s futuristic sites. |
| Silver Sea Arabia | Silversea Cruises | Jeddah, Yanbu, Al Ula | Ultra-luxury small-ship cruise with gourmet dining, personalized service, and cultural excursions. |
| Emerald Red Sea Cruises | Emerald Cruises | Jeddah, Al Wajh, NEOM | Scenic cruises with access to historical sites and unspoiled coastal areas. |
| Scenic Eclipse Arabia | Scenic Luxury Cruises | Jeddah, Al Lith, Duba | Luxury yacht-style cruise with helicopter tours and submarine exploration in the Red Sea. |
| Crystal Red Sea Voyage | Crystal Cruises | Jeddah, Yanbu, Al Wajh | Premium cruise featuring world-class entertainment and private shore excursions. |
| AmaWaterways Arabia | AmaWaterways | Jeddah, NEOM, Al Ula | Boutique luxury river-style cruise with exclusive cultural experiences and desert excursions. |
| Red Sea Explorer | Viking Cruises | Jeddah, Tabuk, Al Lith | Elegant cruises combining Red Sea exploration with access to ancient historical landmarks. |
| Dream Cruises Arabia | Dream Cruises | Jeddah, Al Ula, NEOM | Family-friendly luxury cruise with themed entertainment and recreational activities. |
| Saudi Heritage Journey | PONANT Cruises | Jeddah, Al Lith, Umluj, NEOM | Focus on cultural immersion, visiting UNESCO heritage sites and offering eco-friendly excursions. |
| The Ritz-Carlton Yacht | Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Jeddah, Al Wajh, Yanbu, NEOM | Ultra-luxury yacht with personalized itineraries, gourmet dining, and world-class accommodations. |
These projects, combined with private-sector collaborations, aim to welcome 150 million tourists annually, establishing Saudi Arabia as a top global destination.
| Destination Country | Airlines | Route Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| China | Saudia | Direct flights to Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. |
| China Southern Airlines | Direct flights from Guangzhou to Riyadh and Jeddah. | |
| Emirates | One-stop flights via Dubai to major Chinese cities. | |
| Qatar Airways | One-stop flights via Doha to Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. | |
| Air China | Seasonal direct flights from Riyadh to Beijing. | |
| Sri Lanka | Saudia | Direct flights from Riyadh to Colombo. |
| SriLankan Airlines | Direct flights from Colombo to Riyadh and Jeddah. | |
| Flynas | Low-cost direct flights to Colombo. | |
| Qatar Airways | One-stop flights via Doha to Colombo. | |
| Emirates | One-stop flights via Dubai to Colombo. | |
| USA | Saudia | Direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. |
| American Airlines (Codeshare with Saudia) | Connections to major US cities. | |
| Emirates | One-stop flights via Dubai to major US hubs including Los Angeles and Chicago. | |
| Qatar Airways | One-stop flights via Doha to New York, Dallas, and Miami. | |
| Delta Airlines | Codeshare with Saudia for connections to key US cities. | |
| Italy | Saudia | Direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Rome and Milan. |
| ITA Airways (Codeshare with Saudia) | Connections to multiple Italian cities. | |
| Emirates | One-stop flights via Dubai to Rome, Milan, and Venice. | |
| Qatar Airways | One-stop flights via Doha to Rome and Florence. | |
| Turkish Airlines | One-stop flights via Istanbul to major Italian cities. | |
| France | Saudia | Direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Paris (Charles de Gaulle). |
| Air France | Direct flights from Paris to Riyadh. | |
| Emirates | One-stop flights via Dubai to Paris and Nice. | |
| Qatar Airways | One-stop flights via Doha to Paris and Lyon. | |
| Flynas | Low-cost direct flights to Paris. | |
| Australia | Saudia (Codeshare with Etihad Airways and Emirates) | Connections to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane via Abu Dhabi and Dubai. |
| Qatar Airways | One-stop flights via Doha to Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. | |
| Emirates | One-stop flights via Dubai to all major Australian cities. | |
| Singapore Airlines | One-stop flights via Singapore to Sydney and Melbourne. | |
| Etihad Airways | One-stop flights via Abu Dhabi to Australian cities. | |
| New Zealand | Emirates | One-stop flights via Dubai and Sydney to Auckland. |
| Qatar Airways | One-stop flights via Doha and Sydney to Auckland. | |
| Saudia (Codeshare with partner airlines) | Connections to Auckland via Dubai or Abu Dhabi. | |
| Singapore Airlines | Two-stop flights via Singapore to Auckland. | |
| Cathay Pacific | Two-stop flights via Hong Kong and Sydney to Auckland. |
Global Partnerships and Davos 2025 Impact
Saudi Arabia’s participation in Davos 2025 reinforces its commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships and fostering international cooperation. Al-Khateeb highlighted that tourism is at the forefront of this year’s WEF discussions, providing the Kingdom with a platform to showcase its achievements and encourage collaboration for sustainable growth in global tourism.
Tourism’s Global Economic Contribution
Tourism remains a vital engine for global economic growth. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Report, the travel and tourism sector contributed 9.1% to global GDP, marking a 23.2% increase from the previous year. Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on leveraging its natural and cultural assets aligns with these global trends, setting a new benchmark for tourism-led economic development.
| City/Region | Hotel Name | Key Features |
|---|
| Riyadh | The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh | Opulent palace-like design; fine dining; luxury spa. |
| Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh | Iconic Kingdom Tower location; panoramic views; world-class amenities. |
| Fairmont Riyadh | Modern elegance; excellent conference facilities; luxurious suites. |
| Narcissus Hotel & Spa Riyadh | Extravagant interiors; gourmet restaurants; tranquil spa services. |
| Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya | Contemporary luxury; family-friendly; prime location in Olaya district. |
| Jeddah | The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah | Located on the Red Sea; regal ambiance; exceptional dining. |
| Park Hyatt Jeddah | Beachfront luxury; lush gardens; renowned spa. |
| Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq | Lavish design; Red Sea views; world-class service. |
| Shangri-La Jeddah | Luxury with Asian-inspired hospitality; waterfront location. |
| Mövenpick Hotel Jeddah Al Nawras | Exclusive location on the Corniche; villa-style accommodations. |
| Makkah | Raffles Makkah Palace | Prime location near the Grand Mosque; stunning Kaaba views; unrivaled service. |
| Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower | Landmark hotel; breathtaking views of the Haram; luxurious amenities. |
| Conrad Makkah | Modern comfort; steps from the Haram; excellent dining. |
| Hilton Suites Makkah | Spacious suites; family-friendly; ideal for pilgrims. |
| Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah | Elegant interiors; close to the Haram; superior hospitality. |
| Madinah | The Oberoi, Madinah | Steps from the Prophet’s Mosque; serene ambiance; gourmet cuisine. |
| Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick Hotel | Largest hotel in the region; family-friendly; close to Haram. |
| InterContinental Dar Al Iman Madinah | Premium location; exceptional service; luxurious suites. |
| Madinah Hilton | Comfort and convenience; ideal for families and pilgrims. |
| Eastern Province | Kempinski Al Othman Hotel Al Khobar | Chic interiors; gourmet dining; luxurious spa. |
| Le Méridien Al Khobar | Seafront location; upscale dining; stunning Gulf views. |
| InterContinental Al Khobar | Modern design; excellent business facilities; rooftop dining. |
| Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar | Contemporary luxury; family-friendly; prime location. |
| NEOM Region | Sindalah Island Resort (Upcoming) | Exclusive island luxury; Red Sea beachfront; futuristic design. |
| AlUla | Habitas AlUla | Eco-luxury in a stunning desert landscape; cultural and adventure experiences. |
| Banyan Tree AlUla | High-end desert resort; private villas; luxurious spa. |
| Taif | Iridium Hotel Taif | Premium accommodations; mountain views; tranquil ambiance. |
| InterContinental Taif | Elegant design; business-friendly; scenic location. |
Saudi Vision 2030: Pioneering a New Era for Travel
Saudi Arabia’s revolutionary tourism goals are not just about numbers—they’re about redefining the industry itself. By creating a balance between luxury, culture, and sustainability, the Kingdom aims to lead the global conversation on tourism’s role in economic transformation and cultural exchange.
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