Saudi Arabia: A domestic-leisure destination?

While many people don’t think of Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination, the Kingdom is looking to change that in the near future.  Saudi Arabia plans to spend 50 billion riyals ($13.33 billion USD) by 2020 on an initiative to promote entertainment, health, sports, and education as part of this effort[1].

Beyond the oil industry, the main source of revenue for the Kingdom, this effort looks to create new jobs and diversify the revenue streams for the country.  Political leaders attended the ceremony for a massive resort area near Riyadh, which is set to feature a Six Flags theme park, water parks, motorsports and cultural events.  This will be the first of the about 20 centers, in 14 or 15 cities[2].

RCI sees this emerging market as a huge opportunity for the entertainment industry.  As such, we’re attending the first annual Attractions, Leisure & Tourism Middle East show on 22-24 October where the future of the tourism market in the Middle East will be discussed.    

Are you also attending this show?  We would love to chat with you while you’re there! Let us know that you’re coming so we can set up a time to meet with you as show details become more clear.

Sources

[1] “Saudi Arabia Launches Initiative to Improve Country’s Lifestyle.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 4 May 2018, www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-entertainment/saudi-arabia-launches-initiative-to-improve-countrys-lifestyle-idUSKBN1I42PM.

[2] “Saudi Arabia Theme Park Market Outlook to 2021 – Increasing Inflow of Tourists and Augmenting Demand for Indoor Theme Parks to Foster Future Growth.” PR Newswire: News Distribution, Targeting and Monitoring, PRNewswire, 31 Aug. 2017, www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saudi-arabia-theme-park-market-outlook-to-2021—increasing-inflow-of-tourists-and-augmenting-demand-for-indoor-theme-parks-to-foster-future-growth-300512712.html.