Riyadh Prepares for Major Tourism Boom with 93% Growth in International Leisure Travel by 2030
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is poised for significant growth in its tourism and hospitality sectors, driven by an anticipated 93% increase in international leisure tourism by 2030. This projection, highlighted in a new Tourism Economics report presented at WTM Spotlight Riyadh, positions Saudi Arabia as one of the fastest-growing tourism markets globally. The city is actively preparing for major international events, including Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which are expected to substantially boost international visitor demand and accelerate the development of tourism infrastructure. Riyadh's hospitality sector is rapidly expanding to accommodate this rising demand, with forecasts indicating an 18.6% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) by 2027. The city's tourism strategy is evolving to attract new segments beyond traditional business and religious tourism, focusing on luxury, cultural, adventure, and leisure travel experiences. This shift is part of Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 strateg...