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Introduction: Tourism as Saudi Arabia’s Next Economic Powerhouse
The New Tourism Visa Expansion Explained
What Changed in 2025?
Countries Included in Expansion
Streamlined Digital Application Process
Why Tourism is Central to Vision 2030
Market Outlook: How the Expansion Boosts Saudi’s Tourism Economy
Opportunities for Businesses in Key Sectors
Hospitality & Hotels
Restaurants & Food Services
Retail & Luxury Goods
Transportation & Aviation
Entertainment & Events
Tech Startups (Travel, Fintech & Apps)
Tourism Visa Expansion vs. Neighboring GCC Countries
Investment Incentives for Tourism-Related Businesses
How SMEs and Entrepreneurs Can Tap into the Market
Case Studies: Success Stories from Early Tourism Investors
Challenges and Considerations for Businesses
The Role of Digital Infrastructure in Tourism Growth
Cultural Tourism: New Pathways Beyond Religious Tourism
Business Models Emerging from the Visa Expansion
Regional Integration: Tourism Beyond Saudi Arabia
How Setup in Saudi Arabia Helps You Enter the Market
Call-to-Action: Start Your Tourism-Focused Business Today
FAQs
For decades, Saudi Arabia was known globally for its oil wealth and religious tourism, with millions of pilgrims visiting annually for Hajj and Umrah. But under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is transforming into a global tourism hub, opening its doors wider to international travelers with new tourism visa expansions.
This shift is not just about bringing tourists—it’s about creating business opportunities across multiple sectors. From hotels and restaurants to retail, aviation, and entertainment, the tourism boom is expected to inject billions into the Saudi economy.
👉 If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or SME looking to scale, this is the perfect time to enter the Saudi tourism market.
💬 Speak directly with our consultants on WhatsApp to explore opportunities tailored for you.
Expanded list of eligible countries for eVisa and Visa-on-Arrival.
Faster, simplified digital visa application system.
Multi-entry visas valid for up to 90 days per visit.
Visa packages linked with special tourism events and festivals.
Saudi Arabia added several new regions, making it accessible to 70+ countries. This drastically increases potential tourist inflow.
Apply online in minutes.
Receive eVisa approval within 24–48 hours.
Integration with airline and hotel booking platforms.
| Feature | Old System (Pre-2019) | New System (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Countries | Few (limited to specific regions) | 70+ |
| Processing Time | Weeks | 1–2 Days |
| Multi-Entry | No | Yes |
| Digital Access | Limited | Fully Online |
Tourism is one of the pillars of Vision 2030. The goal: 100 million visitors annually by 2030 and tourism contributing 10% of GDP.
The government is heavily investing in:
NEOM, Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate
Cultural festivals and sporting events
Smart infrastructure and airports
This expansion is not a short-term reform—it’s a long-term economic diversification strategy.
With millions of new tourists expected annually, Saudi Arabia’s tourism revenue is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030.
Hotel occupancy rates expected to rise by 40%.
Retail sector to capture high-spending tourists.
Aviation industry preparing for regional and global connectivity.
This expansion creates massive demand for new businesses across the tourism ecosystem.
Demand for budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels.
Opportunities for franchise partnerships.
Eco-tourism resorts near heritage and coastal destinations.
Surge in international dining demand.
Opportunities for franchise food brands.
Growth of halal-certified fine dining.
Expansion of malls, high-street outlets, and duty-free shopping.
Demand for souvenirs, cultural products, and local crafts.
Growth in domestic airlines and charter services.
Tourism-linked transport apps (ride-hailing, bus tours).
Concerts, cultural events, and festivals now open to global visitors.
Qiddiya Project and entertainment cities leading the way.
Travel booking platforms.
Fintech solutions for foreign tourists.
AI-powered guides and smart tourism apps.
📌 Checklist for Businesses Entering Tourism Sector:
✅ Register with Ministry of Investment (MISA).
✅ Secure sector-specific licenses.
✅ Build partnerships with local tourism operators.
✅ Ensure compliance with cultural and business regulations.
| Country | Visa Accessibility | Tourism Revenue (2024 est.) | Upcoming Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 70+ countries, digital eVisa | $40B | NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea |
| UAE | 60+ countries, transit hub | $45B | Expo legacy, Dubai South |
| Qatar | 95+ countries, World Cup afterglow | $25B | Lusail City |
| Bahrain | GCC entry hub | $5B | Bahrain Bay, Pearl Trail |
Saudi Arabia is catching up rapidly, leveraging its scale and unique cultural heritage.
100% foreign ownership allowed in tourism and hospitality.
Tax exemptions in special economic zones.
Low-cost financing options via Tourism Development Fund.
Fast-track licensing through Invest Saudi.
SMEs can enter through:
Boutique hotels and guesthouses.
Local experience-based tourism (desert tours, heritage walks).
Food trucks and cultural cafes.
Event management and entertainment services.
AlUla Experience Operators: Profited from adventure tourism.
Saudi food entrepreneurs: Leveraged new dining trends.
Tech startups: Built apps for Umrah + tourism packages.
Cultural sensitivity in branding.
Regulatory compliance for foreign businesses.
Infrastructure scaling (demand may outpace supply).
Cashless payments for international visitors.
Smart airports with AI-powered immigration systems.
IoT-enabled tourism management in NEOM & Qiddiya.
UNESCO heritage sites opening up for global access.
Cultural festivals showcasing Saudi art, music, and cuisine.
Desert safari and eco-tourism experiences.
Subscription-based tourism apps.
Co-branded hotel-airline packages.
Travel influencer partnerships.
Experience-based startups.
Saudi’s expansion will integrate tourism flows with GCC countries, making it a multi-destination regional hub.
At Setup in Saudi Arabia, we specialize in helping foreign businesses:
Register tourism companies with 100% ownership.
Obtain necessary tourism and hospitality licenses.
Build strategic partnerships with local operators.
Ensure full legal and cultural compliance.
💬 Talk to us directly via WhatsApp to get started.
Q1: Which countries are included in Saudi Arabia’s tourism visa expansion?
Over 70 countries now have access to eVisas and visa-on-arrival, including European, Asian, and North American nations.
Q2: How long is the new Saudi tourism visa valid?
Tourists can stay up to 90 days per entry, with multiple-entry options available.
Q3: What industries benefit the most from this expansion?
Hotels, restaurants, retail, aviation, entertainment, and tech startups are the biggest beneficiaries.
Q4: Can foreigners fully own tourism businesses in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, under the new investment laws, 100% foreign ownership is allowed in tourism-related businesses.
Q5: How does this impact startups?
Startups in travel tech, fintech, and tourism apps can tap into new demand created by millions of incoming tourists.
Q6: Is religious tourism included?
Yes, but the expansion primarily focuses on leisure, adventure, and cultural tourism.
Q7: What government support is available for tourism businesses?
The Tourism Development Fund offers financing, and Invest Saudi provides licensing support.
Q8: How fast can I start a business in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector?
With proper guidance, registration and licensing can be completed in 2–4 weeks.
Q9: How does Saudi compare to UAE and Qatar?
Saudi Arabia is rapidly catching up with massive giga projects like NEOM and Qiddiya, offering a bigger market scale.
Q10: How can Setup in Saudi Arabia help me?
We provide end-to-end business setup, licensing, and investor support to help you capture opportunities immediately.
From securing an audited company profile, handling all document attestations, and obtaining approvals from MISAto issuing your Commercial Registration, we handle the entire business setup — quickly, efficiently, and without hassle.
1. We Understand the Process, So You Don’t Have To
Navigating the regulations in Saudi Arabia can be complex. That’s why our experts handle all the paperwork, approvals, and formalities on your behalf.
2. Tailored Solutions for Every Business
Whether you’re a startup or an international corporation, our services are customized to fit your unique needs.
3. Your Success Is Our Priority
From the moment you contact us, your goals become our mission. We pride ourselves on fast results and exceptional service.
