The independent index benchmarks 117 countries on 17 pillars crucial to the development and resilience of their travel and tourism industries. Saudi Arabia moved from 43rd in 2019 to 33rd in 2021, the second largest rise in rankings, as a result of improvements across almost all indicators.  This is the first report to be produced since Saudi Arabia opened for international tourism in September 2019.

In 2019, Saudi Arabia launched the National Tourism Strategy, a clear plan to drive forward the aims of Vision 2030. These aims will increase the contribution of the tourism sector to 10 percent of GDP, create one million new jobs, and attract 100 million local and international visits annually by 2030.

The World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index is a key indicator of Saudi Arabia’s extraordinary journey as a global tourism leader. Saudi Arabia’s leadership, resources and ambition are driving the monumental growth of the sector and delivering on Vision 2030 goals. 

H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, minister of tourism, Saudi Arabia said, “I am proud of the progress the Kingdom has made through our Vision 2030 reforms as we have opened to the world. Our success is demonstrated by our strong investment in the tourism sector – from creating jobs opportunities for citizens to working with global partners who are invested in our transformation.”

Al Khateeb  added, “Our ranking is proof that since 2019, despite the global pandemic, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated incredible global leadership as a new tourism destination. We have made it easier to invest and create tourism businesses in the Kingdom. Last year saw a record for domestic visits. And top global companies are recognising our commitment and are joining us.”

The WEF’s new Travel and Tourism Development Index measures against a set of factors that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the Travel and Tourism sector, which in turn contribute to national development.

Saudi Arabia’s higher score was achieved by improvements across 12 out of 17 KPIs. Highlights include an improvement from 27th to 10th for business environment, an improvement from 47th to 40th for tourism services and a best in world ranking for managing demand pressure and impact.