Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khatib, announced an ambitious strategic plan to bolster the Kingdom’s hospitality infrastructure by adding more than 250,000 new hotel rooms over the next five to seven years. This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s extensive preparations to host two major global events: Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Al-Khatib's remarks came during his participation in a dialogue session held at the "Saudi House" on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, where he highlighted the major transformations taking place in the Kingdom's tourism sector. He emphasized that these hotel expansions are not merely numbers, but rather an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify national income sources and reduce dependence on oil. The Kingdom seeks to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP and attract millions of visitors annually.
Speaking about public-private partnerships, the minister explained that the private sector plays a leading and key role in driving tourism growth, while the government's role is focused on enacting legislation and regulations that ensure an attractive investment environment. He noted that the government is working closely with investors to ensure that new regulations enable them to build and operate hotels, airports, and airlines efficiently.
Al-Khatib also touched on the logistical challenges facing the sector globally, noting that the biggest obstacle currently lies in the aviation sector’s supply chains, where airlines face long waiting periods that can reach up to 9 years to receive new aircraft, which calls for proactive planning to meet the growing demand for travel.
The minister concluded by emphasizing the importance of human capital in the tourism industry, explaining that the Kingdom offers a model to be emulated in retaining its human resources. He stressed that technology, despite its importance, cannot replace the human touch and hospitality that characterize Saudi culture, considering investment in people to be the true guarantee for providing a unique and sustainable tourism experience.
