Saudi Mid‑Range Resorts Expansion Drives 150 Million Tourists by 2030
Saudi Arabia’s tourism story is entering a new chapter. For years, the Kingdom was known for its glittering luxury resorts, places where only the wealthiest travelers could stay. Now, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, the focus is expanding. The goal is bold: 150 million tourists every year by 2030, with a third arriving from abroad. This ambition is about welcoming a wider world of travelers, ensuring that both luxury seekers and middle‑income visitors find their place in the Kingdom’s evolving tourism vision.
The launch of Saudi Arabia mid‑range resorts expansion signals a turning point, offering comfortable, accessible stays for middle‑income travelers while keeping luxury options alive. It’s also a step toward a more sustainable tourism vision, with new destinations designed to balance affordability, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.
From $2,000 Luxury Nights to Affordable Mid‑Range Resorts
For years, flagship Red Sea resorts priced at around $2,000 per night limited access to affluent travelers. Recognizing the need for inclusivity, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al‑Khateeb announced the opening of 10 new resorts on Shebara Island in 2025. These Saudi Arabia mid‑range resorts expansion will provide significantly lower price points, broadening the appeal to upper‑middle‑class and middle‑class visitors. This expansion ensures that memorable experiences along the Red Sea coast are no longer reserved for the elite.
Religious Tourism: Doubling Pilgrimage Capacity to 30 Million
Religious tourism remains the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s visitor economy. The Kingdom plans to nearly double the number of pilgrims to 30 million annually by 2030, supported by tens of thousands of new hotel rooms in Makkah and Medina. By introducing mid‑range accommodations, Saudi Arabia mid‑range resorts will make pilgrimages more accessible to middle‑income travelers who previously struggled with soaring hotel costs during peak seasons. This expansion strengthens the Kingdom’s role as the spiritual hub of the Muslim world while diversifying its tourism offerings.
Shifts in Global Travel Habits: Smaller Groups, Bigger Opportunities
Tourism dynamics are evolving worldwide. Travelers increasingly prefer smaller groups, and hotels now generate more revenue from lounges and restaurants than from rooms alone. Younger generations, empowered by mobile technology, design itineraries on the go, challenging traditional travel agencies. Saudi Arabia’s strategy acknowledges these shifts by building destinations that cater to flexible, tech‑savvy travelers. The rollout of Saudi Arabia mid‑range resorts aligns with these new habits, offering adaptable experiences without compromising quality.
China and India: Reshaping International Travel Flows
China has emerged as the largest outbound travel market, while India is expected to double its traveler numbers in the coming years. These shifts present a major opportunity for Saudi Arabia to position itself as a top destination. With the fastest tourism growth among G20 nations since 2019, the Kingdom is well‑placed to capture this demand. Affordable Saudi Arabia mid‑range resorts will be critical in attracting travelers from these markets, who seek value‑driven experiences alongside cultural and religious exploration.
Sustainability as a Non‑Negotiable Principle
Sustainability lies at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion. Minister Al‑Khateeb emphasized that every new destination, from the Red Sea to the southern mountains, is designed with environmental, social, and economic sustainability in mind. Cities of the future, he noted, must be built for both residents and visitors. Saudi Arabia mid‑range resorts expansion embody this principle by integrating eco‑friendly practices, ensuring that growth does not compromise the Kingdom’s natural heritage or social fabric.
A Balanced Future: Luxury Meets Accessibility
Saudi Arabia’s tourism evolution is not about sidelining luxury but about balance. High‑end resorts will continue to attract affluent travelers, while mid‑range options will open doors to millions more. By 2026 or 2027, the introduction of a Schengen‑style visa for GCC countries will further boost regional tourism, making Saudi Arabia more accessible than ever. Together, these initiatives confirm the Kingdom’s commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism sector.
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