Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in its tourism sector, with large-scale investments aimed at creating jobs and empowering underrepresented groups, particularly women and young people. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced that the Kingdom is dedicating substantial resources to bolster the industry, emphasizing the importance of travel and tourism as a key driver of social change under Vision 2030.
During discussions on a joint report by the Ministry of Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Al-Khateeb addressed the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and youth employment in the tourism sector. The report highlighted how the pandemic disproportionately affected these groups, causing sharp declines in employment. In 2019, the sector supported 48.4 million women and 19 million young people globally, but by 2022, those figures dropped to 42 million and 16.1 million, respectively.
Al-Khateeb affirmed that Saudi Arabia is committed to reversing these trends. “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to making the travel and tourism sector a key driver of social change,” he stated. In 2024, the Kingdom has earmarked $100 million for skills development and training initiatives, benefiting workers across all levels of the industry, from entry-level positions to leadership roles.
Specialized programs will also be introduced to train local guides, equipping them with a deep understanding of Saudi Arabia’s rich history and natural heritage. Al-Khateeb further emphasized the focus on female empowerment, with over 50,000 training opportunities specifically reserved for women in the tourism industry. Women now make up 42 percent of the domestic tourism workforce in Saudi Arabia, with 22 percent holding leadership positions and 46 percent employed in various other roles, according to data from the World Tourism Organization.
Al-Khateeb lauded the progress made by Saudi women in the industry, noting their vital contributions to the sector’s growth and the broader goals of Vision 2030. The Kingdom's commitment to female workforce participation aligns with its efforts to promote inclusive economic development.
The WTTC’s president and CEO, Julia Simpson, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the sector’s potential to foster inclusive growth. “Women and young people are the backbone of our sector, yet they continue to face significant barriers,” Simpson said. She highlighted the importance of investing in skills development and promoting inclusive policies to unlock the full potential of women and youth in tourism.
Saudi Arabia’s investment in tourism is not just an economic strategy—it is a cornerstone of its Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to social progress, gender equality, and sustainable job creation.
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