Saudi Arabia to boost local tourism by increasing events at resorts

Saudi government bodies are set to direct their private and non-profit sector affiliates to host more conferences and events within the Kingdom. The directive encourages greater utilization of local resorts, hotels, and tourism facilities as venues. This strategic push aims to bolster the tourism sector and support domestic destinations by increasing occupancy rates and stimulating economic activity across various regions.

The initiative stems from a proposal by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who advocated for annual investment forums at the Kingdom's tourist resorts. This aims to solidify local destinations' roles as key hubs for significant economic and investment gatherings. The first quarter of this year already saw substantial activity, with 362 events held across Saudi Arabia, encompassing trade exhibitions, forums, conferences, and consumer goods shows.

By expanding events hosted at resorts and hotels, Saudi Arabia anticipates further solidifying its status as a premier destination for business events and conference tourism. This aligns with the rapid growth observed in the tourism sector and the broader objectives outlined in Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance the country's global standing.