To lower its dependency on foreign labour and increase job opportunities for Saudi citizens, the Kingdom has increased wage subsidies for local workers in the tourism industry from 30% to 50%.
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with other government agencies, announced the programme, which is a component of the Human Resources Development Fund’s Employment Support Programme. It provides funding for 43 occupations in the tourism industry and aims to increase the allure and sustainability of jobs in the field.
The Saudi Press Agency claims that the programme is in line with the ministry’s national workforce empowerment plan, Ahlaha, which aims to educate and integrate Saudi nationals into the travel and tourism sector.
As part of the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy, which aims to create 11.6 million jobs by 2030 as part of the larger Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda, the updated wage support is anticipated to encourage more private sector involvement in the country’s workforce development.
“The step aims to raise the percentage of national employment in the tourism sector, while ensuring job sustainability and stability for Saudi workers,” the SPA report stated.
The ruling highlights continued initiatives by the Ministry of Tourism and its partners to boost Saudization rates in the sector and empower Saudi women and men in tourism-related positions.
Employment in the tourism industry will increase by 4% annually by the fourth quarter of 2024, according to recent data from the General Authority for Statistics. 25% of the workforce, or 242,073 employees, were Saudi nationals, while 75% of the workforce, or 724,458 employees, were foreigners.
In terms of employment, the Makkah and Riyadh regions were the most active. In a related move, officials declared in April that 41 important tourism positions, such as tour guides, hotel managers, and directors of travel agencies, would only be open to Saudi nationals beginning in April 2026. This decision is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the domestic workforce and localise important job functions.
Saudi Arabia has also unveiled a comprehensive 50-year tourism strategy aimed at transforming the nation into a leading global travel destination. The announcement came against the backdrop of the Gulf country completing the milestone achievement of welcoming 100 million visitors in 2023, a key target under its Vision 2030 economic diversification programme.
“The long-term roadmap outlines strategic priorities for the development of the tourism sector, focusing on infrastructure, cultural heritage, sustainability, and international cooperation. As part of this initiative, Saudi Arabia has also launched TOURISE, a global tourism platform intended to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders in the global travel industry. TOURISE will serve as a central hub for dialogue between government bodies, private sector leaders, and innovators in tourism. It aims to promote best practices and sustainable development, with an emphasis on technology, cultural preservation, and improved visitor experiences,” reported the Outlook Traveller.
The tourism strategy is supported by ongoing investments in high-profile projects, including the Red Sea Project, NEOM, Soudah Peaks, and enhancements to the newly launched Riyadh Air. These developments are designed to attract a wide range of international and domestic travellers, contributing to economic growth and employment.
The Gulf powerhouse is now working towards its next goal: hosting 150 million visitors annually by 2030. The roadmap also prioritises expanding international flight connectivity, enhancing hospitality standards, and improving access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other cultural landmarks. To support this growth, the roadmap prioritises the expansion of international flight connectivity through new airline partnerships, increased routes, and infrastructure upgrades at major airports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
Improving access to cultural and historical landmarks, including the country’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites—such as Al-Hijr (Madain Salih), Diriyah, and the Hima Cultural Area—has emerged as another key focus area. Investments in visitor infrastructure, guided tours, digital platforms, and interpretive centres are being rolled out to enhance the cultural tourism offering and attract heritage-focused travellers.