Saudi Arabia's Push for Affordable Tourism Projects
Skift Take
The Most Important Story: 2024
These are the headlines that drove the conversation in the travel industry in 2024 and will continue to dominate in the new year. See all storiesThere were big changes for the travel industry in the Middle East in 2024: Sphere Entertainment announced a location in Abu Dhabi; MGM Resorts announced its own “Sphere” in Dubai; Wynn Resorts got the green light for gaming in Ras Al Khaimah.
In aviation, Riyadh Air placed an order for 60 more aircraft in October as it prepares to take flight in the middle of 2025. More broadly, the GCC unified visa is expected to come into effect next year with the hope of bringing cross-country travel to the Gulf region.
But the most important travel story in the Middle East as we head into 2025?We’ll be tracking the progress Saudi Arabia makes on its path to Vision 2030, the goal to transform its economy with travel and tourism as a big part of it. Key indicators for us will be the mix of hotel brands Saudi chooses to sign; agreements the government makes to draw in new source markets; and attention placed outside of the mega projects when it comes to tourism.
Luxury vs. AffordabilityWe reported a key piece of this in May: Sau
