Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and nowhere is this more evident than in its hospitality and tourism sectors. Once a largely untapped market for international tourists, the Kingdom is now racing to become a global travel destination, spurred by the ambitious Vision 2030 strategy. With massive investments in infrastructure, high-profile events on the horizon, and a renewed focus on luxury tourism, the country is poised to redefine its place on the world travel map.
“Saudi Arabia is rewriting the rules for the hospitality industry,” said Ahmed Al-Bassam, a senior economic analyst based in Riyadh. “The scale of investment and development is unlike anything we’ve seen in the region. The government isn’t just building hotels; it’s creating experiences that will rival the world’s top destinations.”
The Kingdom has set an ambitious target of developing 320,000 new hotel rooms by 2030 to accommodate the 150 million annual tourists it aims to attract. This is a staggering figure and underscores the country’s determination to make tourism a significant contributor to its GDP. Sarah Al-Qahtani, a hospitality consultant and keynote speaker at the upcoming Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia, noted that the rapid expansion is creating unparalleled opportunities. “This isn’t just a construction boom; it’s a reimagining of what tourism in Saudi Arabia can be,” she said.
The expo, scheduled for April 2025 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre, is expected to draw exhibitors from 26 countries, including Türkiye, China, India, and Italy. It has already garnered interest from major industry players such as RAK Porcelain, BAAL, and Technogym International. “This event is more than a trade show,” Al-Qahtani emphasized. “It’s a platform for creating partnerships that will define the future of tourism in the Kingdom.”
One of the most exciting aspects of Saudi Arabia’s tourism push is its focus on luxury. Nearly 67% of new hotel developments fall into the upscale or luxury category, a clear indication that the Kingdom is positioning itself as a high-end destination. Matteo Ricci, a European hospitality consultant, observed that this shift is already making waves. “There’s a buzz about Saudi Arabia in the luxury travel market that we haven’t seen before,” he said. “The country is now on the radar for travelers who typically look to places like Dubai, Paris, or Singapore.”
Several major international events are set to further boost tourism, including the 2027 Asian Cup, the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and the highly anticipated World Expo 2030. The World Expo alone is expected to attract 40 million visitors and contribute nearly $95 billion to the Saudi economy. Faisal Al-Mutlaq, a senior aviation analyst, highlighted the role of Riyadh Air in supporting this growth. “The launch of Riyadh Air in 2025 will be a game-changer,” he said. “With plans to connect over 100 destinations across six continents, it will make Saudi Arabia more accessible than ever before.”
The hospitality boom is not only transforming the tourism landscape but also reshaping travel patterns across the region. Lina Haddad, a Middle Eastern travel analyst, pointed out that traditional travel hotspots are facing new competition. “Travelers are now seriously considering Saudi Arabia as an alternative to established destinations,” she said. “This shift is significant and will have ripple effects throughout the travel industry.”
The impact of this transformation extends beyond tourists. Investors, hoteliers, and travel service providers are all eyeing the Kingdom as a land of opportunity. The Hotel & Hospitality Expo is expected to be a crucial venue for networking, deal-making, and gaining insights into the evolving market. The Restaurant and Café Owners Association, representing over 3,500 industry members, has already recognized the expo as a vital event for business growth.
Mark Peters, a senior executive at Hilton, expressed his excitement about the opportunities in Saudi Arabia. “The hospitality sector here is evolving at a pace that’s almost hard to keep up with,” he said. “We’re talking about projects and partnerships that are setting new benchmarks for the entire industry.”
Khalid Al-Fadli, a senior official at the Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the role of exhibitions in driving business tourism. “These events are more than just showcases,” he said. “They are economic catalysts that fuel growth and investment. The rise of the exhibition sector is directly linked to the surge in business tourism, which is becoming a cornerstone of our strategy.”
As the Kingdom undergoes this historic transformation, industry experts agree that the hospitality sector stands at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s economic revival. The government’s commitment to record-breaking investments and world-class events is creating a tourism landscape unlike any other.
“The world is watching,” concluded Ahmed Al-Bassam. “Saudi Arabia is no longer just a destination; it’s becoming a phenomenon that will shape the future of global tourism.” With the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia 2025 set to be a defining event, the Kingdom is ready to welcome the world and solidify its status as one of the most important travel destinations of the next decade.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
