Saudi Arabia taps heritage tourism potential to attract visitors

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Aiming to welcome 100 million tourists, Saudi Arabia continues to uncover archaeological sites and historical wonders that reveal its pivotal location on ancient trade routes.

On Monday, the kingdom’s Heritage Commission registered 41 new archaeological and historical sites in the National Antiquities Register, adding to 67 discovered in December, bringing the total number of registered archaeological sites across the kingdom to 8,572.

“This is a kingdom that aspires to become one of the top five tourist destinations in the world, welcoming 100 million domestic and international travellers a year,” said Arnold Donald, chairman of World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in November.

“This is my third visit to Saudi Arabia within the last 14 months, and each visit has been very impressive when compared to my previous visit. Saudi Arabia’s bold ambitions embody the region’s drive and energy in the travel and tourism sector.”

In November, Diriyah, birthplace of the kingdom, announced the opening of luxury hotels including Waldorf Astoria Diriyah, Taj hotels, Anantara, Marriott International’s Edition Hotels, Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts, Address hotels, Oberoi hotels and resorts, and The Langham.

Bujairi Terrace, a luxury dining destination, now overlooks the city’s Unesco World Heritage Site.
Alula has been named one of Conde Nast Traveller’s new Seven Wonders of the World.

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