Local travel agencies and tourism stakeholders have started using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve guest experiences as Saudi Arabia sets ambitious tourism targets under the “Vision 2030” economic diversification agenda. The Kingdom is using AI to transform travel planning, MICE events, and the tourism industry to attract 150 million tourists by 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s tourist business relies on artificial intelligence for individualised guest experiences, seamless route planning, and interactive historical excursions. This transition supports the country’s economic diversification and global competitiveness aspirations. Saudi Arabia’s big projects like NEOM and attention on UNESCO World Heritage sites like AlUla and Diriyah demonstrate AI’s ability to provide customised tourism experiences.
Vision 2030 And Tourism AI
Tourism investments are part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic reform strategy to diversify its economy away from oil. The initiative aims to make the Kingdom a global tourist attraction with millions of visitors.
Saudi Arabia is now using artificial intelligence to improve productivity and tailor solutions for tourism and enterprises. AI-powered recommendation systems, predictive analytics, and AR in tourism are innovations.
NEOM, the USD 500 billion mega-city promising futuristic tourism, is leading this shift. NEOM will use AI to personalise services, expedite travel, and improve hospitality. Artificial intelligence solutions will streamline tourist trips from booking flights and hotels to discovering NEOM’s attractions.
Besides NEOM, Saudi Arabia is using AI at AlUla and Diriyah, UNESCO World Heritage sites. AI-powered augmented reality provides interactive and immersive tours of these historical sites. The Kingdom combines history with cutting-edge technology to give travellers a unique, fascinating experience.
AR lets tourists take guided tours of ancient towns, interact with virtual reconstructions of historical monuments, and get real-time information. This programme could thrill tech-savvy tourists and boost Saudi Arabia’s tourism.
Upskilling Local AI Talent
Saudi Arabia wants to use AI technologies and create indigenous skills. Working with global AI pioneers like Artefact to train young professionals, the Kingdom is building its talent pool. Rahul Arya, CEO of Artefact MENA, notes that Saudi efforts like the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) are presenting the Kingdom as an AI pioneer, drawing global attention.
The Riyadh-based Global AI Summit (GAIN) is notable. AI experts, corporations, and governments meet at the summit to examine advances and AI’s potential to disrupt industries like tourism. Oussama Ahmad, Artefact’s global lead for travel and tourism, facilitated discussions on AI’s expanding role in tourism at the latest GAIN summit.
Artificial intelligence will transform Saudi Arabia’s leisure tourism and MICE industries. In the expanding number of international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events, AI technologies are helping event organisers plan more efficiently and offer participants individualised experiences.
“AI can optimise capacity planning, monitor visitor experiences, and address critical pain spots,” Oussama Ahmad said.
AI-driven marketing solutions are targeting specific demographics with bespoke messages to promote the Kingdom as a top MICE destination.
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s official airline, uses AI to improve visitor experiences. Riyadh Air uses on-cloud data and AI technology to improve its commercial and operational performance, giving business and leisure travellers a seamless booking-to-arrival experience.
Gaining Tourism Competitiveness With AI
The Saudi tourism industry has struggled to change worldwide perceptions and overcome entry hurdles. AI-driven solutions allow the Saudi Tourism Authority to target specific tourist categories with appropriate messaging about the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, luxury amenities, and future-ready infrastructure.
Using AI to examine worldwide trends can help Saudi Arabia find new venues for huge events and cultural attractions, keeping it competitive in the global tourism market.
Localising AI systems to local languages and dialects is a distinct issue. AI models educated in Arabic dialects are helping Saudi Arabia advance in this field. The official Arabic language and the Kingdom’s key priority source markets’ dialects are being fine-tuned in these models.
Oussama Ahmad stresses the significance of culturally appropriate AI solutions that match Saudi Arabia’s values, customs, and communication methods. These advances are necessary to provide personalised and effective AI solutions that appeal to locals and tourists.
Overcoming Implementation Issues
AI in Saudi Arabia’s tourist business offers many benefits, but it also creates obstacles. The Kingdom must ensure that its AI solutions are secure, private, and user-friendly. Governments, commercial corporations, and AI experts must work together to improve the technology and apply it in real life.
Saudi Arabia is also building infrastructure to meet visitor demand. The Kingdom is preparing for Vision 2030 tourism by improving airports, public transit, and hotels.
More Good News
In what seems to be the music in the ears of the Saudi government, the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund PIF has announced the establishment of the National Interactive Entertainment Company (QSAS), to develop immersive storytelling experiences, inspired by authentic Saudi heritage and Islamic history.
The company will be developing, owning and operating world-class interactive exhibitions across the Gulf nation, thereby contributing to meeting the growing demand for high-quality cultural experiences for pilgrims, and tourists.
The new entity, QSAS will begin its operations locally with interactive experiences inspired by authentic Saudi heritage and Islamic history before expanding internationally. The venture will also present various types of interactive exhibitions, including permanent and touring exhibitions, to provide multisensory immersive experiences, which will enhance the local culture and tourism sectors.
“The company will also contribute to the localisation of knowledge and technology for the private sector content creation industry, which will contribute to supporting Saudi Arabia’s position in this fast-growing sector regionally and globally,” TradeArabia reported.
“QSAS, derived from an Arabic word meaning “stories,” will aim to enrich visitors’ experiences, especially for those interested in culture,” the new entity informed the media.
The establishment of QSAS is in line with PIF’s strategy to enable the private sector locally through partnerships in areas such as building, construction, event management and technology. The setting up of QSAS is expected to contribute to the creation of over 11,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030.
Mishary Alibraheem, Head of Entertainment, Leisure, Sports and Education, MENA Direct Investments at PIF, said, “The tourism and entertainment sector is a strategic local priority for PIF, as we focus on enriching the tourism and entertainment experience.”
“QSAS will contribute to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as an attractive tourist destination with storytelling inspired by history, culture and heritage, and will invest in local talent to build new economic activity focused on providing interactive experiences; a sector which is witnessing significant global growth,” the senior official added.
“QSAS will complement other PIF investments in the entertainment and leisure sector, including the Diriyah giga-project, and the recently launched Dan Company, which focuses on agri-and eco-tourism,” said Alibraheem.