Factors that Support Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Tourism is noted a one of the biggest industries in the world because it is responsible for a large amount of employment opportunities as well as growth in the economy. This is also the case with Saudi Arabia. Research denotes that more than 5 million people are employment in Saudi Arabia within the Tourism Industry and it is expected that by 2020, the figure will triples. This indicates an improvement in the economy as well as indicates the opportunities for Tourism Business in Saudi Arabia (Burns, 2007).

Factors that Support Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia strategic position in the Middle East is not only the reason as to why the Tourism industry in the country is succeeding, but also is placed in the mindset and the hearts of billions Muslims around the globe. The countries has the most significant cities (Makkah and Madinah) considered as the holiest places in the Muslim diversity. Many pilgrims come visit the country during Umrah and Haj hence creating a dynamic Tourism potentials for the country. In addition, the country enjoys global esteem for its political stability.

As for the case of tourism potentials, there are various cultures and heritage amid its 13 provinces. The country has beaches that extent along the Gulf and the Red sea. In addition, Saudi Arabia has beautiful mountains in the north as well as the south, as well as archeological centers in Mada’in Saleh and Najran. In the East there are various modern industrial sites such as the Saudi Aramco tourist lavatories such as Oil Exhibits. One of the cities such as Al-Hassa is considered as the largest Oasis. It is also the second largest populated city around the globe (Henderson, 2011).

Future Growth

Saudi Arabia is working hard to ensure its tourism industry remains the best as well as improves its industry with a number of hotels being built to cater for the growing number of tourists. The investment into the industry means creation of more direct and indirect jobs in the future. Thus, alongside the development and investment of Saudi Arabian Industry, people will also get employment within the industry as well as in other sectors of the economy (Sadi & Henderson, 2005).

Impact on the Global Tourism Industry

Tourism destinations in the world should consider taking an example of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry as it’s an outstanding example. Every year, the country sees an impressive development in foreign investment and spending. The country also enjoys both domestic and international tourism almost at the same rate, something that most countries cannot. The future of Tourism in the country is very impressive hence a global example to various countries that has failed domestic Tourism. For example, in 2012, the countries tourism spending reached $25 billion, with a foreign spending of about 87 percent (Zamani & Henderson, 2010).

In the last 10 years, Saudi Arabia has developed into a country that stands for tourism potentials. Saudi Arabia’s locals have high expectations when it comes to spending hence ready to spend in tourism; an issues that has made domestic tourism in the country as role model. In addition, development of tourism in the country has also lead to growth of infrastructure such as Roads and hospitality facilities such as Hotels amid others.

References

Burns, P. (2007). From hajj to hedonism? Paradoxes of developing tourism in Saudi Arabia. Tourism in the Middle East: Continuity, change and transformation, 215-36.

Henderson, J. C. (2011). Religious tourism and its management: The hajj in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Tourism Research, 13(6), 541-552.

Sadi, M. A., & Henderson, J. C. (2005). Tourism in Saudi Arabia and its future development.

Zamani‐Farahani, H., & Henderson, J. C. (2010). Islamic tourism and managing tourism development in Islamic societies: the cases of Iran and Saudi Arabia.International Journal of Tourism Research, 12(1), 79-89.