Following Saudi’s triumphant bid to host Riyadh Expo 2030, attention has turned to its potential impact on tourism sector. This sector will benefit from millions of visitors from around the world during the exhibition period. Therefore, Riyadh will accelerate the completion of its tourism projects to benefit from the momentum of the exhibition.
Growth of the tourism sector
Saudi Arabia ranked second globally in the growth of the number of tourist arrivals during the first seven months of 2023. It recorded a growth rate of 58 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
These results reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its tourism sector and encouraging tourism projects. Its most recent achievement was hosting the World Tourism Day, which was held in the capital, Riyadh, last September.
Diriyah Company CEO, Jerry Inzerillo, believes that Saudi Arabia’s victory in hosting Riyadh Expo 2030 is a great success for the tourism sector in the Kingdom. He explained that Saudi Arabia’s announcement of hosting Riyadh Expo 2030 is a testimony to the scale of the transformation and success achieved by the Kingdom. He expected that at least 28 million people would visit the exhibition and immerse themselves in unique cultures through 246 amazing pavilions.
CEO of the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh, Fahd Al-Rasheed, stated that the Kingdom Gallery’s plan includes transforming Riyadh into an open art gallery.
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The role of Riyadh Expo 2030
Riyadh Expo 2030 was one of Saudi Arabia’s goals that it hopes will contribute to its efforts to diversify its economy. Hosting this exhibition will contribute significantly to the development and growth of the tourism sector in the Kingdom. Hence, areas such as Diriyah are preparing to benefit from the number of incoming visitors.
Commenting on this, Inzerillo said in a statement: “We aim to welcome 50 million annual visitors to Diriyah.” Diriyah aims to create more than 178,000 direct jobs and contribute $18.6 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030.
Saudi Arabia continues its efforts to open up to the world. Therefore, it is preparing to receive the largest number of visitors and achieve its many goals. One of these goals is to receive 100 million tourists by 2030. In addition to Riyadh Expo 2030, the 2034 FIFA World Cup is expected to be held in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom will also host the 2029 Asian Winter Games at a mountain resort in NEOM. Hosting all these global events and developing its local sectors, is moving Saudi Arabia towards becoming a global center for tourism, travel, and global events.
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