Saudi Arabia’s cultural tourism sector is on a fast track to contribute 3% of GDP by 2030, equal to SR180 billion ($48 billion). This marks a sharp rise from less than 1% today, highlighting the growing economic importance of Saudi Heritage and Cultural Tourism.
In 2023, the travel and tourism sector surged by 32%, adding SAR 444.3 billion ($118.4 billion) to the economy. That figure represented 11.5% of total GDP, showing how heritage and culture are becoming central pillars of Saudi Arabia’s tourism success. By 2030, tourism is expected to become the second-largest contributor to the economy after oil, with a 10% GDP share.
Heritage as a Driver of Growth
Tourism has already proven to be a major job creator. More than 2.5 million jobs were supported in 2023, nearly one in five positions across the Kingdom. Since 2018, cultural sector employment has grown by an impressive 318%. This expansion is supported by a wave of new talent, with more than 28,800 cultural graduates in 2024 and nearly 1,000 cultural associations and clubs established. Together, these developments reflect the vibrant opportunities tied to cultural tourism.
Visitor demand is equally strong. Saudi Arabia welcomed 127 million tourists in 2024, with a target of 150 million by 2030. Many of these arrivals are driven by cultural and heritage experiences, from exploring UNESCO sites to engaging with traditional arts and festivals. International visitor spending alone reached SAR 227.4 billion ($60.6 billion) in 2023, while domestic spending grew by 21.5%. These figures reveal the robust appetite for cultural experiences within the Kingdom.
Government efforts to support this growth have been extensive. Since 2018, more than 9,000 licenses have been issued to support cultural and heritage tourism businesses. Infrastructure projects, training programs, and regulatory reforms all signal strong commitment to nurturing the sector.
Looking forward, major events like Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup are set to further boost Saudi Arabia’s global profile. These initiatives align with the Saudi Green Initiative, ensuring that expansion balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.
The World Travel & Tourism Council projects that tourism will contribute SAR 498 billion to GDP in 2024, supporting nearly 2.7 million jobs. By 2034, this could rise to SAR 836.1 billion, cementing tourism as a cornerstone of long-term economic development. Cultural heritage will remain central to this momentum, fostering global cultural exchange while preserving Saudi traditions.
Read also: Saudi Arabia Leads G20 in Tourism Growth in 2024
