Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed al-Khateeb announced that the tourism sector's contribution to Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product (GDP) reached 4.45 percent, noting that the Kingdom will invest over $800 billion in the upcoming ten years.
Speaking at the 10th Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh on Sunday, Khateeb added that this percentage is set to continue increasing until it reaches the global level of ten percent.
He confirmed that his ministry had devised development plans for the travel and tourism sector, representing three percent of the labor market.
He stated that tourists from over 49 countries can now obtain e-visas electronically since the launch of tourism initiatives.
Any traveler with a Schengen or European visa can enter the Kingdom through various communication channels and easy online applications.
The Saudi tourism sector is one of the principal axes of Vision 2030, said the Minister, indicating that the Middle East is recovering the fastest from the pandemic among the five central regions, contributing to the growth of global travel and tourism.
Moreover, Khateeb said the tourism sector has provided job opportunities, promoted sustainable and social development, and strengthened international and local cooperation.
