Opting for Enriching Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Attraction Sites towards the Realization of Vision 2030

Abstract

Saudi Arabia has great potential for the international tourism industry however; the industry remains predominantly under-developed. Hajj is obligatory at least once in a lifetime for the 1.8 billion followers of Islam and as it is the fifth five pillars of Islam, as well considered the greatest international tourism industry constituent. The kingdom’s attempt to diversify its economic dependence on fossil fuels focusing on its tourism potentials spearheaded by the 26,000 km2 and $500bn economic city, Neom, on its western edge, powered by clean energy. The Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH) has entered into a number of agreements with relevant organizations to promote the Kingdom’s rich history, ancient civilizations, and nomadic tribes. The Kingdom boasts three UNESCO and three World Heritage list sites. A recently concluded joint Saudi German archeological excavation mission has unearthed objects dating back 7,000 years. Additionally, the SCTH is hoping the convertible Umrah-plus visas will encourage pilgrims to partake in annual events and initiatives such as the Janadriyah, the national and international most visited urban heritage tourism event. The measures put in place to attract more visitors in future should lead to a more diverse economy. The SCTH for example has adopted a proactive and engaging environment that promotes tourism for pilgrims and allows them access to historical sites beyond the holy cities, where the Kingdom plays its role in the entire human civilization and its existent impact on the international community. Traveler, travel agencies and tour operators expect the country to start easing rules toward issuing 30-day general tourist visas to those who wish to explore the kingdom’s hidden treasures. The hidden treasures including the Nabatean city of Madain Saleh, featuring more than 100 tombs with elaborate facades and interiors with inscriptions dating to late antiquity, the Red Sea coast sites capable of invigorating tourists, the 50 islands between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh is among the most distinguishable global tourism destination. Tabuk is known for being a hotspot for diving, as well as home to a nearly 500-year-old castle. The port city of Yanbu is another diving hotspot, known for its white-sand beaches and family-friendly resorts, while further south, Abha, the capital city of Aseer Province, is a popular destination for local travelers because of its lush green countryside, national parks, and mud-built castles. The country is reopening cinemas, hosting concerts as well as film and comic festivals, organizing sports tournaments, and is pitching itself as viable leisure and not just religious tourism destination. Saudi Arabia plans to double the number of incoming travelers to 30 million within the next 12 years, increasing its national income revenue. The analytical aspect of the research shows the theoretical method based on which the Ha’il attraction tourism sites and occasions investigated and explored within those of the whole country to shed light on the much they contribute in boasting the booming tourism of Saudi Arabia.