Minister of Tourism: One million jobs in the Saudi tourism sector and Vision 2030
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khatib affirmed that the Kingdom’s tourism sector is witnessing unprecedented historical transformations thanks to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 , which has formed a key pivot point in diversifying the national economy and reducing traditional dependence on oil, gas and petrochemicals, in favor of promising and vital sectors such as tourism, culture and entertainment.
Rapid growth and record numbers
Al-Khatib's remarks came during his participation in a panel discussion titled "High-Impact Sectors as a Driver of Job Creation," held as part of the third edition of the Global Labour Conference (GLMC) in Riyadh. The conference witnessed broad international participation, with over 40 labor ministers, 200 speakers, and more than 10,000 attendees from 100 countries, reflecting the Kingdom's position as a global hub for economic and development dialogue.
The minister revealed a qualitative leap in the number of workers in the tourism sector, as the number rose from 750,000 employees to more than one million employees by the end of last year, with the addition of about 250,000 new jobs, which is in line with the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy, which aims to provide an additional one million jobs by 2030.
Tourism is an engine of the global and local economy
Al-Khatib explained that the tourism sector is not merely a local contributor, but a cornerstone of the global economy, representing approximately 10% of total employment worldwide and contributing a similar percentage to global GDP. He cited reports from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) that rank tourism as the sector with the highest number of job creation opportunities compared to other sectors, making it an effective tool for combating unemployment.
Empowering women and youth in the sector
In discussing job quality, the minister explained that tourism is a comprehensive and attractive sector, with women comprising 45% of its workforce, reflecting the success of women's empowerment programs in the Kingdom. He added that the sector is also an ideal environment for young people due to its heavy reliance on soft and social skills such as effective communication, hospitality, and interpersonal skills—skills in which Saudi youth excel.
Major projects and localization of jobs
The Minister addressed the importance of the mega-projects currently underway, such as the Red Sea Project , Qiddiya , and Diriyah Gate , emphasizing that expanding the development of these global tourist destinations requires a highly qualified national workforce trained to the highest international standards. He affirmed that the Ministry, as the regulatory body, is working diligently to bridge the skills gap through intensive training programs.
The Minister of Tourism concluded his remarks by emphasizing the Kingdom's commitment to showcasing its authentic local culture to international visitors, a goal achievable only through the efforts of its own people. He stressed the Ministry's continued allocation of substantial budgets for training and development to ensure that tourism services are delivered by young, qualified Saudi professionals, thus enhancing the tourist experience and reflecting the renowned hospitality of the Kingdom.
