Mainly known for cultural richness and religious value, the Saudi state is now recognised as the 2nd largest tourism spot in the world.
In recent years, it has been in the headlines for its Vision 2030, aiming to make a modern Saudi state. The latest legal reforms have highly impacted the state’s tourism sector. What exactly these changes are, and how they are reshaping Saudi tourism? Are the new laws attracting more tourists, and what do they mean for the future of this Islamic state? Examining the impact of legal changes on Saudi’s tourism sector, this article will answer all your questions.
What is Saudi’s Vision 2030 Initiative?
Launched by Crowned Prince M. Bin Salman in 2016, Vision 2030 is a blueprint, focusing at:
- Decreasing the nation’s dependence on oil
- Boosting the state’s economy
- Developing public sectors, such as health, education, infrastructure, and tourism.
This plan highly aims to convert the state into a modern tourist spot. The initiative has set certain targets, like boosting the number of annual global tourists to 100 million by 2030. To achieve this aim, the state has spent a lot on many mega projects, such as the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and NEOM.
What are the Latest Legal Reforms Made by the Saudi State?
The Saudi’s recent laws are all set to boost the tourism sector in the state for Halal Holidays. Indeed, these changes help create a more welcoming environment for global tourists. Let’s have a look at some of these progressions:
1- Launched Tourist Visas
In the past, the Saudi state only assigned visas to business travellers, pilgrims, or emigrants. In September 2019, the state made a notable legal change by introducing tourist visas. This was a groundbreaking shift, and first-time tourists from 49 nations could apply for an e-visa or get a visa on arrival at the entry points.
2- Removed Social Restrictions
To support visa policy, the Saudi state has removed many social restrictions that had long been barriers to tourism. Now foreign women tourists can forgo the abaya and wear modest Western clothes. Plus, the ban on women driving was also lifted in 2018 to support the liberty of both foreign and local women.
3- Opened Cinemas and Cultural Shows
Cinemas banned in the Saudi state over three decades were opened in 2018. As a result of these new laws, the state has seen the emergence of concerts, sports galas, and cultural shows, including the Riyadh season, featuring music concerts and global sports.
How These Changes Have Impacted the State’s Tourism Sector?
From increasing tourist’ numbers to economic progress, these latest laws have a profound impact on the state’s tourism sector. Let’s have a look at how these changes have contributed to the state’s progress:
1- Increased Global Tourists
With the launch of tourist visas, the state has seen a massive surge in global tourists, alone in the first year, Saudi Arabia issued over 400,000 visas to foreign people. This influx resulted in boosting in the hospitality sector, with high hotel rates and increased demands for tour guides.
2- Boosted Economy
Being a main focus of Vision 2030, the tourism sector has played a vital role in the state’s economic growth. With more tourists, the Saudi retail, food, beverage, and transport sectors observed a surge in their sales. From both local and foreign markets, the state has earned billions of dollars in the recent past. World Travel & Tourism Council predicts that tourism could make up more than 10% of Saudi’s GDP by 2030.
3- Created Jobs
The growing tourism sector has launched many jobs in the state’s hospitality, transport, and entertainment sectors. With these latest reforms, many locals joined as tourist guides to boost the travel experience of people. The state aims to create around 1.6 million jobs by supporting tourism in the country.
How Modern Tourism Laws Have Challenged the Saudi State?
Though the recent changes have spurred growth in the tourism sector, challenges remain too. Addressing the following challenges is vital to achieve the goals of Vision 2030:
1- Preservation of Local Customs
Being a land of immense religious value, Saudi customs clash with the diverse cultural practices of foreign tourists. The state must take steps, like arranging seminars and other learning programs, to spread awareness and preserve the nation’s legacy.
2- Infrastructure Development
With the rise in number of tourists, the state must continue spending in developing infrastructure for the comfort of tourists. It should expand the transport network, boost hotel capacities, and increase tourist facilities. The success of mega-projects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project will play a vital role in offering high-end services to global tourists.
3- Ensuring Eco-Friendly Tourism
Though the Saudi state has set some eco-friendly tourism practices to preserve natural and cultural resources, it is hard to adopt them on a large scale. For this, the state needs to make strict laws, and careful planning under the guidance of expert global organizations.
How will be Future of the Saudi State After these Recent Reforms?
The recent changes have undoubtedly made the Saudi state an emerging tourist spot in the world. With a rich history, diverse sites, and Vision 2030, the state is promising a bright future for the tourism sector. No doubt, the success depends on continued investment, careful planning, and cultural preservation. Hence, by aligning with these elements, Saudi Arabia is likely to become one of the top global Holiday destinations by 2030.
If you want to see the difference in the Saudi state after these recent changes, plan a trip with a reliable travel agency right now. Muslims Holy Travel is one of the eminent agencies, offering you a wide array of holiday and Umrah deals, such as Ramadan Umrah packages at cheap prices. Visit their website and book your desired deal for a notable trip to the modern Saudi state.
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Find how recent Saudi Laws have impacted tourism in the country and get Ramadan Umrah packages to include different Saudi visiting spots in your itinerary.
