Saudi Arabia’s minister of tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb recently revealed that the Kingdom invests SAR375 million (around $100 million) in skills development within the tourism sector, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of Saudi nationals. Speaking at the Manafea Forum in Madinah, Al-Khateeb outlined ambitious targets for increasing local participation in the tourism industry and streamlining licensing procedures to further catalyze sectoral growth.
Investment in skills development
The minister announced that the annual investment has already contributed to increasing local participation rates to 40 percent. The ministry also aims to increase the level of Saudi participation to 50 percent in the near future. The focus on skills development reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving the tourism sector’s expansion.
Tourism sector surge
Highlighting the sector’s transformative potential, Al-Khateeb outlines Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position its tourism industry among the top 10 globally. With a vision to contribute 10 percent to the economy by 2030, up from 5 percent last year, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector will witness significant growth and economic impact.
During the forum, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister of Hajj and Umrah, also highlighted the historic surge in the number of Umrah pilgrims. In 2023, the number of pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia reached 5 million, a 60 percent increase compared to 2022.
Streamlining licensing procedures
Al-Khateeb also underscored the Kingdom’s efforts to expedite the issuance of licenses within the tourism sector. Hence, it aims to reduce the processing time for licenses from five days to instant issuance. By simplifying regulatory procedures, Saudi Arabia aims to foster a more conducive environment for tourism-related businesses. This will also promote entrepreneurship and investment in the sector.
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