In his opening remarks, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism and chair of the TOURISE conclave, noted that tourism is at a “crucial” juncture, as traveler expectations have shifted toward more authentic, connected, and responsible experiences. Al-Khateeb emphasized that the new investment volume will go beyond post-pandemic recovery to establish a new paradigm for the global tourism industry. In his words, “it’s not only about drawing visitors, but about designing smart, inclusive, and competitive destinations for the decades ahead.”
The Riyadh gathering brought together government leaders, investors, tour operators, technology executives, and academic representatives, facilitating the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding. This underscores the multilateral and multidisciplinary approach that defines the TOURISE program, focused on transforming the travel value chain from concept to delivery. As international media report, such gatherings are catalyzing more than US$113 billion in capital flows across the global tourism ecosystem.
The Ministry of Tourism stressed that the investment aligns with the national economic diversification strategy, Vision 2030, which seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and position tourism as a driver of development, innovation, and employment. Specifically, the funds will expand hotel capacity, modernize emerging destinations, boost luxury, cultural, and nature tourism, and adopt artificial intelligence, advanced mobility, and personalized visitor services.
A defining feature of the announcement is its strong orientation toward sustainability and social impact. Al-Khateeb underscored that “tourism growth cannot be at odds with environmental protection, valuing local communities, or preserving cultural heritage.” In this regard, part of the investment will support circular-economy initiatives, ecosystem conservation, and local talent development—key to consolidating resilient, responsible destinations.
The international context also features prominently: the Saudi strategy includes intensifying promotion in key source markets—such as India, China, and European countries—while strengthening air connectivity and global alliances. The goal is not only to welcome visitors, but also to position the Kingdom as a convergence platform for tourism, leisure, culture, business, and innovation.
Industry experts say the timing is favorable: global tourism is entering a new era marked by digitalization, sustainability, experiential travel, and fiercer destination competition. In this landscape, Saudi Arabia’s commitment could make the country a benchmark for transformation, though challenges remain: ensuring quality and authenticity, managing growth responsibly, building a specialized workforce, and deploying infrastructure with agility.
The SR 2.9 billion injection announced at TOURISE 2025 sends a clear message from Saudi Arabia to the world: tourism is central to its future strategy. The task now is to convert these resources into concrete outcomes—new destinations, memorable visitor experiences, sustainable local development, and shared value for the Saudi economy and society. If these objectives are met, the Kingdom could emerge as a standout competitor on the global tourism stage, capable of redefining the codes of contemporary travel.
