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Feature - Saudi Arabia
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Keys to the kingdom Saudi Arabia remains optimistic about the future of tourism and stands firm in its mission to become one of the Middle East’s most visited destinations In the last decade, Saudi Arabia unveiled its bold vision to become one of the Middle East’s most visited destinations. Plans to further cement the kingdom’s status as the next mustvisit destination in the region are still afoot, in spite of the temporary disruption caused by the coronavirus crisis. Even in the face of border closures, Saudi Arabia remains undeterred in its aim to attract 100 million holidaymakers annually by 2030, a significant pillar in its Vision 2030 initiative, which outlines the country’s strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy and develop its public service sectors, with a special focus on tourism. It may seem ambitious, especially with the crippling impact COVID-19 has had on the global economy, but the kingdom’s tourism potential is 4
poised to boost the local economy to the tune of billions of dollars. With year-round sunshine, untouched beaches, ancient historic sites, luxury hotels and modern attractions, Saudi Arabia has plenty to offer. And just like its neighbours, it can lay claim to being within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, 1 and within eight hours of two-thirds. Much has changed since Saudi Arabia first relaxed its visa regulations in 2019, allowing travellers from 49 different countries to enter through an e-visa or visa-on-arrival system. The initial boom in tourism figures was quickly hit by border closures resulting from the pandemic. Yet, as visitor numbers declined, the ease of rules within the country in the months that followed saw a significant rise in domestic tourism. The kingdom, therefore, remains hopeful that travel will return, and when it does, Saudi Arabia is ready to welcome the world. PLENTY TO OFFER The birthplace and spiritual home of Islam, Saudi Arabia is rich in cultural attractions and religious sites. For Muslims, the cities of Makkah and Madinah have long been significant pilgrimage destinations. For those keen to delve into the history of the ancient civilisations that once inhabited these lands, the carved temples of Hegra the rock art at Jubbah and the old-town ruins in AlUla, which recently opened to domestic visitors, are unrivalled. Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer, the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long been a crossroads of ancient civilisations — a place of deep history, but one that is constantly evolving. AlUla is an extraordinary example of this. It is a living museum of preserved tombs, sandstone outcrops, historic dwellings and monuments, both natural and
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