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How is Saudi Arabia strengthening global tourism leadership at Arabian Travel Market through record-breaking visitor growth, airline expansion, and Vision 2030 luxury mega projects? This defining question is at the core of the Kingdom’s powerful showcase at Arabian Travel Market 2025, where Saudi Arabia is taking bold strides in strengthening global tourism leadership. With record-breaking visitor growth, welcoming 30 million international tourists in 2024—a 9.5% increase year-on-year—the Saudi Arabian Kingdom is positioning itself as a top-tier destination not only within the Middle East but on the world stage.

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The country’s commitment to airline expansion is equally striking. National carrier SAUDIA is aggressively increasing its global footprint, while the new launch of Riyadh Air underpins Saudi Arabia’s ambition to connect with over 100 cities by 2030. These developments are not only driving connectivity but are also reinforcing how Saudi Arabia is strengthening global tourism leadership at Arabian Travel Market and beyond.

Underpinning all of this is the nation’s transformative Vision 2030 agenda—anchored in the rollout of luxury mega projects such as NEOM, Red Sea Global, and Diriyah Gate. These Vision 2030 luxury mega projects redefine what it means to travel in the 21st century, offering futuristic hospitality, eco-conscious experiences, and world-class infrastructure that cater to the discerning global traveler.

By integrating all aspects of its tourism ecosystem—from cultural depth to technological innovation—Saudi Arabia is strengthening global tourism leadership at Arabian Travel Market through record-breaking visitor growth, airline expansion, and Vision 2030 luxury mega projects like no other nation today.

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As the global tourism landscape continues to evolve post-pandemic, Saudi Arabia stands out as one of the most ambitious and fast-rising players in the industry. With 30 million international visitors welcomed in 2024, reflecting a 9.5% year-on-year growth, the Kingdom is not only transforming its image but also redefining the scope of tourism in the Middle East. These achievements will take center stage at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, where Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking numbers, infrastructure projects, and Vision 2030 goals will be presented to the world.

Saudi Arabia’s presence at ATM 2025, held from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will be more prominent than ever. With a 16% increase in Saudi exhibitors, the Kingdom is set to make a powerful statement of intent through the Saudi Land Hall—a cultural and commercial showcase highlighting the richness of its destinations, new airline routes, cruise developments, and giga-projects.

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A Tourism Transformation Anchored in Vision 2030

Driven by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is executing an ambitious transformation of its economy—placing tourism, travel infrastructure, and cultural revitalization at the heart of national strategy. The country’s non-oil sector now contributes 63% to GDP, up from just 39% in 2000. In 2023, Saudi’s GDP hit $1.1 trillion, supported by a booming travel sector that recorded 6.2 million inbound leisure tourists, compared to 1.12 million in 2019.

This growth is not accidental; it is the result of targeted investment in connectivity, hospitality, and entertainment. ATM 2025 will spotlight how these investments are reshaping Saudi Arabia’s tourism future through airline expansion, hotel construction, and community-based tourism development.

Airline Ambitions: Connecting the Kingdom to the World

The future of Saudi travel hinges on connectivity—and the Kingdom is going all in. National carrier SAUDIA continues its global expansion strategy, while newcomer Riyadh Air, a flagship Vision 2030 initiative, is preparing to connect the capital to over 100 global cities by 2030. These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to the Total Air Market (TAM), which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.2%, reaching $11.3 billion by 2028.

According to VIDEC research, international air travel to and from Saudi Arabia will see an even faster growth rate—14.1% CAGR—demonstrating the Kingdom’s rising influence in the global aviation sector.

Cruise, Culture, and Community: Diversified Tourism Offerings

Beyond air travel, Saudi Arabia is also venturing into cruise tourism, with companies like AROYA Cruises and Cruise Saudi leading the charge. During ATM 2025, Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing at AROYA Cruises, will participate in a major panel on community-based destination revitalization—a conversation that emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s pivot from infrastructure-heavy planning to inclusive, localized experiences.

The inclusion of first-time exhibitors such as flyadeal, Riyadh Air, Aseer, Diriyah Company, and BAAN Holding Group demonstrates the diversification underway. These entities reflect emerging tourism corridors beyond Makkah and Madinah, into heritage sites, mountainous escapes, and urban culture hubs.

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Dominance in the GCC Hotel Market

In terms of accommodation, Saudi Arabia now commands 60% of the GCC’s hotel market, underscoring its position as a hospitality leader. The numbers are staggering—40,000 hotels under development, with 320,000 rooms in the pipeline. The domestic market drives 70% of bookings, proving that internal tourism remains a foundational pillar even as international interest accelerates.

Hotel chains such as Makkah Hotel & Towers, Sixth Gulf Travel Company, L’azure Hospitality, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower will showcase innovations at ATM 2025 that cater to evolving guest expectations—merging Islamic hospitality with world-class design, tech, and sustainability.

A Star Turn at ATM 2025: Strategy, Visibility, and Leadership

The Arabian Travel Market 2025 Conference Programme will feature 185 speakers across 68 sessions. Notably, Abulkarim Aldarwish, President MEA of the Saudi Tourism Authority, will speak at a high-profile session titled “Big Ticket Events: Global Impact and Learnings”, discussing how Saudi is leveraging global-scale events to drive visitor engagement and soft power.

Saudi’s strong showing also includes panels on MICE tourism, connectivity, and technology adoption, cementing its reputation as a thought leader within the global tourism ecosystem.

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Strategic Partnerships and Regional Momentum

Held in partnership with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel, ATM 2025 benefits from regional collaboration at the highest level. Saudi Arabia’s growth is symbiotic with broader Middle Eastern ambitions to position the GCC as a global travel and innovation corridor.

The Saudi Land Hall will not just be a destination hub—it will be an immersive experience of the Kingdom’s heritage, innovation, and strategic clarity, offering a model for emerging tourism economies worldwide.

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Looking Ahead: Saudi Arabia’s Global Tourism Future

Saudi Arabia’s journey from a historically closed-off destination to a top-tier global tourism competitor is well underway. Through a data-driven, visionary, and inclusive approach, the Kingdom is attracting not only tourists but also global investors, hotel developers, and airline alliances.

The 30 million international visitor milestone in 2024 is only the beginning. With cutting-edge infrastructure, expansive air routes, and culturally rich experiences, Saudi Arabia is building the world’s newest tourism superpower—one that blends the modern and the spiritual, the urban and the ecological, in ways that resonate with travelers of tomorrow.

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