African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure (Oct 2019)
Rethinking Tourism in Saudi Arabia: Royal Vision 2030 Perspective
Abstract
Tourism is a leading economic activity in most nations across the world. The tourism industry accounts for about 5% of the global gross domestic product (GDP) and gives rise to about 8% total world employment. As the number of international tourist arrivals keep increasing, the tourism industry has become a top foreign earner in both developed and developing nations. Based upon this development, countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which were not known for tourism investment before, have started to make much investment in the sector in order to diversify their economy from being a single oil-based economy. KSA as a virgin and undiscovered country can capitalize on tourism to earn more income. This paper strives to provide a synthesis overview of the KSA tourism sector in relation to novel tourism initiatives that are anchored on the country’s vision 2030. In order to achieve its goals, this article analyzed available material on topics discussing tourism associated with KSA tourism activities and initiatives. Information available in the literature and various secondary sources (i.e., newspaper articles, government publications, articles, and books) helped the researcher to understand the progress KSA has made in efforts to improve tourism activities. The review revealed that the political will of KSA has taken major steps to integrate and compliment tourism as an alternative source of income (i.e., launching of tourism Visas by the end of 2019). Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is making moves to attract tourists to the country by softening some of the infamous and strict rules that existed in KSA. Moreover, the KSA Vision 2030 has plans to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil, with tourism being a significant aspect of this transformation. Thus, Saudi Arabia will open-up tourism on a selected basis. The transformation of KSA will have some ramifications across the globe. KSA is undergoing a radical shift in political and economic spheres that might destabilize the entire Middle East region. Shifting from an oil dependent economy to a more tourism driven economy is likely to send shock waves among the KSA’s neighbours.
