Domestic tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2023
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has worked in recent years to diversify its economy and boost tourism. With the help of Vision 2030, the country aims to transform itself into a global tourism destination and one of the main pillars of this vision is the promotion of domestic tourism. In this article, we will explore the potential for domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia in 2023.
Domestic tourism after the pandemic:
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the tourism industry all over the world, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. However, the country is slowly recovering. Domestic tourism has been identified as an important opportunity to revive the sector. Domestic tourism refers to tourists who travel within their own country. With international travel restrictions still in place, domestic tourism has become a popular choice for many Saudis.
Advantages of domestic tourism:
One of the most important advantages of domestic tourism is that it helps boost the local economy. When Saudis travel within the country, they support local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. This, in turn, creates jobs and contributes to the overall growth of the economy.
Elements of domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many historical and religious sites that attract tourists. The country is home to two of the holiest sites in Islam - Mecca and Medina. In addition, there are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Al-Ula and Al-Turaif neighborhood in Diriyah and these sites offer a glimpse into the history and culture of Saudi Arabia and are a popular choice for local tourists.
Another popular choice for local tourists is the Red Sea coast. The Red Sea is home to a diverse marine ecosystem and offers opportunities for activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports. The Red Sea Project, a luxury tourism development project, is currently underway and expected to attract both domestic and international tourists.
In addition to historical and natural attractions, there are many entertainment options for local tourists. Theme parks such as Six Flags and KidZania are popular choices for families. Malls such as Mall of Arabia and Kingdom Center offer a unique shopping experience. With the increasing popularity of e-commerce, malls are no longer just a place for shopping but rather entertainment centers
As domestic tourism continues to grow, it is essential to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place. This includes developing transport networks, building new hotels and improving existing hotels. The Saudi government recognized the importance of infrastructure development and allocated funds to improve transportation networks and build new hotels.
Challenges of domestic tourism:
One of the challenges of domestic tourism is changing the perception that traveling within the country is not as exciting as traveling abroad. However, with the increasing number of attractions and entertainment options, domestic tourism is becoming more attractive to Saudis. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of domestic tourism as an alternative to international travel.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, domestic tourism is an important opportunity for the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia. With its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and recreational options, the country has something to offer everyone. While the country continues its efforts to promote tourism, the number of domestic tourists is expected to continue to grow. This, in turn, will create jobs and contribute to the overall growth of the economy. The future of domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia looks bright, and it is an exciting time for both tourists and the tourism industry
SAR | Saudi Riyal
AED | United Arab Emirates Dirham
EUR | Euro
USD | United States Dollar
