The Saudi Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed
Al-Khateeb unveiled a program that will significantly boost the country’s fast-growing tourism
sector.
The ambitious Tourism Investment Enabler Program (TIEP) aims to make it easier and more
cost-effective to do business in Saudi tourism for international and local investors to prosper
in one of the most competitive tourism investment environments in the world with multiple
initiatives.
The flagship Hospitality Investment Enablers, part of the wider TIEP, is designed by the
Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment. This initiative will
facilitate and increase the supply of accommodation capacity in targeted tourism
destinations, enhancing the diversity of the Kingdom’s offering, and marking a pivotal move
to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination.
This comprehensive initiative will aim to catalyze private investments in key tourism sites
across the Kingdom by up to SAR 42 billion ($11 billion) and drive projected annual GDP
increase of SAR 16 billion ($4 billion) by 2030.
The flagship initiative includes a range of strategic enablers designed to improve business
operations and project viability. Key enablers include facilitating access to government-
owned land under favorable terms, streamlining project development processes, and
reducing barriers to market entry. Multiple regulatory adjustments are part of the effort to
lower operational costs and encourage industry growth.
A notable aspect of the initiative is its focus on benefiting local communities across tourism
destinations. By localizing services such as contracting, design, and consulting, the program
aims to create a direct positive impact on various sectors. This approach, coupled with over
$800 billion invested to transform the tourism landscape, underscores Saudi Arabia's
commitment to enhancing industry standards and providing lucrative opportunities for
investors.
Saudi Arabia expects the initiative to significantly impact the socio-economic landscape,
creating 42,000 new room keys and approximately 120,000 job opportunities, furthering
talent development and supporting Saudization efforts.
The wider TIEP includes regulatory reforms across tourism licensing for multiple types and
scales of operations now available to better fit the specific needs of investors.
The Ministry of Tourism has worked with partners across government to achieve a more
streamlined investment pathway, pushing annual government fees down by
nearly 22% with a goal to reduce further in the near future.
Another key initiative of TIEP is the Tourism Investment One Stop Shop, which will be
launched later this year in collaboration with the Saudi Business Center. The One Stop Shop
will offer all Tourism ecosystem services under one roof, and support investors through their
full investment journey in addition to online integration and digital experiences.
His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister for Tourism said: “Saudi Arabia offers the world
a rich diversity of culture and experiences. Vision 2030 has put Saudi Arabia on the pathway
to become a global tourism powerhouse with the tourism sector in Saudi being a key driver
of economic diversification.
“In 2023, we saw a 390% increase in demand for tourism activity licenses and this is just the
beginning. Over the next 10 years, Saudi Arabia will be the world’s top investor in this sector
as we continue to unlock our country’s potential.”
