URGENT UPDATE: At the World Economic Forum in Davos today, January 24, 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb delivered a pivotal address emphasizing that tourism must be treated as essential economic infrastructure to drive global growth and resilience.
Al-Khateeb urged world leaders to recognize that tourism is not merely a discretionary sector, but a strategic system that can attract long-term investment and create inclusive employment opportunities. “With an estimated 2 billion international arrivals by 2030, the question is not whether tourism will grow, but whether it will scale responsibly,” he stated.
His comments come as Saudi Arabia experiences a tourism boom, welcoming 30 million inbound visitors in 2025, with ambitious plans to reach 150 million by 2030. This rapid growth positions the Kingdom as the world’s largest single investor in tourism, with substantial investments in destinations, aviation, and human capital.
“Tourism is now contributing nearly 5% of Saudi Arabia’s direct GDP and employs over 1 million people,” Al-Khateeb added. He highlighted key projects such as AlUla, Diriyah, and the Red Sea, which exemplify a master-planned approach focused on sustainability and community benefit.
In a groundbreaking initiative dubbed ‘Beyond Tourism’, developed in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, the Minister aims to elevate tourism discussions to a system-level leadership agenda. This initiative seeks to align policy and innovation across sustainability, inclusion, and investment, reinforcing the sector’s critical role in global economic strategies.
“Tourism remains undervalued in economic decision making,” Al-Khateeb declared, stressing that despite representing a USD 10 trillion global economy, it is often overlooked in infrastructure and trade policies.
Saudi Arabia also introduced TOURISE, a global platform to accelerate tourism-related investments. Since its inception, TOURISE has convened nearly 10,000 leaders from over 100 countries, catalyzing more than USD 113 billion in investments. The next global TOURISE gathering is set for March 2027.
Al-Khateeb emphasized tourism’s unique ability to foster international connections, stating, “In a time of heightened geopolitical tension, tourism can act as a stabilizing force.” He called on global institutions to enhance tourism’s profile within economic and infrastructure policies, underscoring its potential to support growth and resilience worldwide.
Throughout the week, Saudi Arabia’s delegation engaged with leaders from various sectors, promoting stability and prosperity in a rapidly changing world. Their discussions highlighted how Saudi Vision 2030 serves as a transformative blueprint for driving economic growth.
The Kingdom’s presence at the forum also included the return of the Saudi House, hosting over 20 sessions and launching ‘NextOn’, a series of influential talks designed to inspire and educate attendees on the future of tourism.
As the global community confronts economic challenges, the message from Saudi Arabia is clear: It is time to harness the transformative power of tourism for collective benefit. The urgency is palpable, and the call to action is immediate. Global leaders must respond effectively to ensure a sustainable future for tourism and international cooperation.
