Arab News, Thu, Oct 10, 2024 | Rabi al-Thani 7, 1446
Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province unveils $3bn tourism projects
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province is set for a
significant tourism expansion following the approval of 17 new projects valued
at over SR12.7 billion ($3.38 billion) as part of the Kingdom’s dedicated fund
portfolio.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, these
developments will lead to the creation of more than 2,200 hotel rooms,
representing a major boost for the region’s hospitality sector.
Additionally, another 10 projects have been
approved, totaling over SR10.6 billion, which will contribute an extra 1,400
hotel rooms. These initiatives are part of the ongoing efforts under the Saudi
Tourism Development Fund to enhance the region’s tourism infrastructure and
align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
This announcement was made during a meeting
between Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and a group of investors and
entrepreneurs from the Eastern Province. Badr Al-Reziza, chairman of the Eastern
Province Chamber of Commerce, was also present, highlighting the investment
opportunities in the tourism sector.
Al-Khateeb emphasized the Eastern Province’s
status as a premier tourist destination, showcasing its diverse geography and
historical significance.
“The region features extensive coastlines along
the Arabian Gulf, providing unique opportunities for beach tourism,” he stated.
He also noted the rich heritage of the province, which enhances its appeal to
both local and international visitors.
During the meeting, Al-Khateeb reiterated the
Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private
sector, which he identified as a primary driver of tourism development in Saudi
Arabia.
He highlighted the importance of encouraging
investments and facilitating investor support, including the Tourism Investment
Enablers Program, which aims to reduce government fees in the hospitality sector
by 22 percent. The suspension of municipal fees on hospitality facilities was
also mentioned as a measure to stimulate further investment.
Al-Reziza echoed these sentiments, noting the
Eastern Province’s prominence as a tourism destination. He pointed out the
variety of activities and attractions available, which include cultural,
heritage, and coastal experiences, along with family-friendly parks and natural
resources. He stressed that tourism is a vital driver of local development,
significantly improving the quality of life for residents.
The Eastern Province is already witnessing a surge
in tourism, with recent statistics indicating that over 19 million tourists,
both domestic and international, visited the region in 2023—a substantial
increase from previous years. Tourist spending in the area reached SR27.8
billion, reflecting a 27 percent rise compared to the prior year.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is flourishing,
having seen a 656 percent increase since 2019, with 17.5 million international
visitors projected for 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism. This growth
underscores the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance its tourism offerings and attract
global travelers.
A key factor in this expansion was the
introduction of the first tourism visa in 2019, which significantly boosted
international tourism. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 100
million tourists by 2030—a target already achieved seven years ahead of schedule
in 2023.
On a national level, tourism has become one of the
largest sources of employment for citizens, with approximately 900,000 nationals
currently working in the sector.