The Kingdom joined nations worldwide in celebrating World Tourism Day on September 27, underscoring the sector’s economic, social, cultural, and political significance, as well as its vital role in promoting sustainable development.
Tourism was highlighted as a form of soft power capable of reshaping economies and societies by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The Kingdom has prioritized this sector under the framework of Vision 2030, investing heavily to promote a culture of travel, broaden horizons for international visitors, and position itself as a premier global destination.
International tourism officials noted that the Kingdom’s rich natural and cultural assets give it strong potential to lead in wellness and therapeutic tourism across the Middle East.
Globally, the industry’s weight is immense: it generated $10.9 trillion in 2024, equivalent to 10 percent of the global economy, and is projected to reach $11.7 trillion in 2025, supporting an estimated 371 million jobs worldwide.
