Saudi in $ 110 b hospitality sector transformation

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 00:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Set to deliver 362,000 new hotel rooms by 2030

Saudi Arabia is poised to develop 362,000 new hotel rooms by 2030 as part of its $ 110 billion hospitality sector transformation, according to data released ahead of the 2025 edition of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s ongoing and unprecedented expansion across infrastructure, real estate, tourism, and hospitality, in line with Vision 2030, is positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in the travel and tourism sector. This strategic growth is setting new industry standards while creating significant investment opportunities, enabling investors to actively participate in the country’s long-term economic transformation, according to industry experts.

Knight Frank Partner – Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Oussama El Kadiri said: “Fuelled by ambitious Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector presents a compelling investment landscape, evidenced by its record-breaking SAR 444.3 billion ($ 118.46 billion) GDP contribution in 2023, accounting for 11.5% of the national economy. This growth reflects the Kingdom’s strategic initiative to position itself as a leading global tourism destination.”

The sector’s rapid growth is further evidenced by the increase in international arrivals, which reached 30 million in 2024, up from 27.4 million in 2023. This upward trajectory, coupled with a strong investment pipeline, supports Saudi Arabia’s goal of attracting 70 million international visitors annually by 2030, he said.

El Kadiri further emphasised the impact of upcoming global events on Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. Major international events, such as the 2029 Asian Winter Games, World Expo 2030, and the FIFA World Cup 2034, are expected to drive further growth in tourism, hospitality, and related industries. These events will not only increase visitor numbers but also enhance Saudi Arabia’s global reputation as a premier destination for leisure, business, and mega-events.

Leading hospitality data and analytics provider STR reports that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) hotel room revenue reached an impressive $ 5.6 billion between January and October 2024 – up 3.5% on 2023 and 26.5% higher than in 2019. Key regions including Riyadh and Madinah witnessed significant growth in both occupancy and ADR performance in 2024, with the upward trajectory set to continue this year and beyond. In Riyadh, ADR was up 16% on 2023, with a 5% increase in Madinah.

FHS Saudi Arabia’s action packed agenda features a plethora of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops on investing in KSA’s hospitality sector – for seasoned investors and first timers. Among them are ‘Investing in Vision: Highlighting Investable Opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Hospitality Landscape,’ ‘Navigating the Hospitality Investment Industry in Saudi Arabia: A Beginner’s Guide for New Attendees,’ and ‘Government Insights on Investment Incentives in Saudi Arabia.’

Organised by The Bench, FHS Saudi Arabia returns to Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh from 11 to 13 May, uniting hospitality industry leaders and decision makers who are not only playing a key role in the sector’s success today, but are highly influential in shaping the KSA’s future hospitality landscape.

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