KSA aims to rank among world’s top 5 tourism destinations: Al-Khateeb

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the Kingdom aspires to be among the world’s top five tourism destinations, affirming that the growth journey will continue with ambitions to raise the sector’s contribution to 13%–15% of GDP.

Speaking at the MOMENTUM 2025 conference, Al-Khateeb said Vision 2030 is unlocking significant value across multiple sectors, including culture, sports, entertainment, tourism, industry, and mining.

He emphasized that the financing provided by government development funds is crucial for unlocking the commercial, social, and economic value of any tourism destination.

The tourism sector plays a vital role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with these businesses accounting for 18% of travel and tourism agencies, Al-Khateeb said, noting that the Events Investment Fund has financed more than 10,000 SMEs over the past three years.

The fund contributes to developing the infrastructure needed to accommodate the growing number of visitors, which reached 30 million last year.

The Kingdom previously lacked facilities such as waterfronts and theaters, but current investments have significantly enhanced these assets and encouraged private-sector participation.

Governments play an essential role in preparing destinations and unlocking their investment potential by developing critical infrastructure, such as airports, power stations, and roads, ensuring that tourism locations are ready and attractive to investors seeking opportunities in the Saudi market, the minister said.