In a powerful demonstration of the global influence of tourism, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, took centre stage at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos to advocate for the transformative potential of the sector. Addressing global leaders, policymakers, and industry trailblazers, Al-Khateeb emphasized the critical role of travel and tourism in fostering diversified and resilient economies worldwide.
A Sector Poised for Transformation
The WEF agenda featured discussions on travel and tourism, underscoring its growing significance in the global economy. Saudi Arabia, a shining example of this transformation, welcomed nearly 30 million international visitors in 2024, contributing almost 5% to the Kingdom’s GDP. This remarkable growth was a key highlight of His Excellency’s address, where he stressed the importance of international collaboration to unlock the full potential of tourism.
“Tourism is more than an industry—it is a transformative force,” Al-Khateeb stated. “The world is counting on us to build a vibrant tourism ecosystem that meets growing demand while safeguarding our planet and quality of life. We need collective action to balance economic growth with social and environmental responsibility.”
Saudi Vision 2030: A Blueprint for Success
Under the visionary framework of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has positioned itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism. Al-Khateeb highlighted that unlocking the travel sector has allowed Saudi Arabia to build a holistic tourism experience based on best practices, sustainability, and international collaboration. Initiatives such as the new “Hospitality Investor White Paper” unveiled at Davos exemplify the Kingdom’s ambition to attract over SAR 40 billion (USD 11 billion) in private investment, create 1.6 million jobs, and contribute SAR 16 billion (USD 4 billion) to GDP by 2030.
Global Collaboration Takes Center Stage
Al-Khateeb’s participation in key WEF panels, including “Travel and Tourism’s Role in Building Trust” and “The Way We Will Travel,” reinforced the need for cross-border partnerships. These sessions explored strategies to enhance the sector’s resilience, align with sustainability goals, and meet the rising demand for global travel.
One standout discussion hosted at Saudi House, titled “Scaling Sustainable Tourism: Connecting People and Places,” brought together distinguished leaders such as Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Switzerland Tourism CEO Martin Nydegger, and Trip.com CEO Jane Sun. These influential voices echoed Al-Khateeb’s sentiments on the urgency of fostering global cooperation to propel tourism as a catalyst for sustainable growth.
Tourism Recovery and the Road Ahead
Al-Khateeb’s address also marked a pivotal moment in the global tourism recovery narrative. With 1.4 billion international arrivals in 2024, the sector has returned to pre-pandemic levels, symbolizing resilience and renewed vitality.
“The world is witnessing the resurgence of tourism,” Al-Khateeb remarked. “We must seize this moment to shape a future where tourism not only drives economic growth but also uplifts local communities and protects the planet.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision on the World Stage
The Kingdom’s leadership in reshaping tourism was further underscored through its contributions to WEF’s briefing paper, “The Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” Al-Khateeb’s insights emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration and ensuring that local communities worldwide reap the benefits of tourism’s growth.
As the curtains closed on the WEF Annual Meeting, the message was clear: Saudi Arabia is not merely a participant but a driving force in the global tourism revolution. The Kingdom’s forward-thinking strategies, bolstered by Vision 2030, set new benchmarks for sustainable travel and economic resilience.
A Call to Action
The discussions at Davos serve as a rallying cry for global leaders to elevate tourism to its rightful place as a transformative pillar of the global economy. With Saudi Arabia leading the charge, the sector is poised to achieve unprecedented heights, unlocking opportunities that will shape the future of travel and tourism for generations to come.
For more insights on Saudi Arabia’s transformative initiatives, visit the official website of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Written by: Anne Keam
