Saudi Arabia believes sports tourism – and football, in particular – will drive record numbers of visitors to the kingdom as it prepares to host the Fifa World Cup in 2034, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb has said.
He said the desire to watch football teams compete can defy an economic downturn. He spoke to a group of journalists including The National at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the threat from geopolitical turmoil and sluggish growth in China are hot topics.
“Sport is extremely important. People travel for sport. People can cut their spending in many things – but they will not cut their spending to go watch a game. It's recession-proof,” Mr Al Khateeb said. “We believe in it – and we'll continue to invest in sport.”
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan initially aimed to attract 100 million tourists each year by 2030.
The goal was revised up to 150 million and authorities hope to attract 127 million this year. The kingdom, which is working quickly to diversity its oil-dependent economy, wants to show off its natural beauty and largely untouched cultural treasures to a global travelling public set on new places and experiences.
Over-tourism and damaged environment
Despite the 150 million goal and massive infrastructure spending to accommodate the World Cup, Mr Al Khateeb said the government would not allow the degradation of the environment.
“People travel to explore other people's nature, cultures … and if we don't protect the environment people will not travel,” he said. “Throwing plastic in the sea, along the beaches, will destroy the coral reefs, waste more water and will destroy the environment.”
He said his kingdom was learning lessons from over-tourism in Europe. Saudi Arabia has also spoken to governments, including in Japan, about how to manage a surge in visitors, which is accompanied by massive construction projects and new roads and hotels.
“We don't want tourists to go to a small town and destroy it,” he said.
Mr Al Khateeb said the Spanish and Italian super cups had thrilled Saudis and travelling European fans. “When Europe and the world watches the super Spanish or super Italian [cup], they know where it is hosted, and they see the professionalism. They see how our winter is beautiful – and they were playing in T-shirts.”
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Easy visas
Saudi Arabia had a strict entry system until less than a decade ago. Now, it is moving towards a situation with “minimal” visa restrictions, the minister said.
“It used to be very difficult. Today it is very easy," he added. "A European can get a visa to Saudi Arabia in five minutes, multiple [entry], [lasting] one year.”
Gulf states are considering a Schengen-style system allowing people to embark on “grand tours” of the region with a single entry pass. This is particularly significant for Indian citizens, who must apply for entry to many destinations, and Chinese tourists.
Outbound Indian tourists are estimated to double in number from about 40 million a year to 80 million by 2030. “In the beginning, we focused on the internal tourists and then the region's tourists, which are Gulf countries," Mr Al Khateeb said.
“After that, we get to European countries and surrounding countries and India and China, which are very important. Our strategy is clear and we're going on a great path.”
