22 Nov 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Hail region welcomed over 1.1 million tourists in the first half of 2024, including 170,000 international visitors, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing appeal as a travel hub.
The Ministry of Tourism reported that over 907,000 visitors were domestic travelers, showcasing the region’s popularity among residents.
Licensed hospitality facilities in Hail now offer around 2,600 rooms, meeting growing demand.
The surge aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to enhance tourism infrastructure and attract global travelers to the Kingdom.
This comes as the Kingdom aims to make the northwestern city of Hail the fifth destination development by the Saudi Tourism Investment Co., also known as ASFAR, a Public Investment Fund-owned entity.
In May, Fahad bin Mushayt, the firm’s CEO, revealed the plan during the Future Hospitality Summit, highlighting its alignment with the company’s rapid growth trajectory.
The development follows the successful activation of projects in Al-Baha, Yanbu, Al-Ahsa, and Taif, all of which were launched within a year of ASFAR’s unveiling.
ASFAR is pivotal in advancing Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader vision of economic diversification.
The firm is mandated to invest in new projects and develop attractive travel destinations, incorporating hospitality, tourist attractions, retail, and food and beverage offerings in cities across Saudi Arabia.
Bin Mushayt said: “In almost one year, ASFAR is already playing in four destinations, with Hail coming soon, so I can reveal that.”
The entity is working to bridge the gap between the public and the private sector, as well as the local community, to create unique experiences that abide by the DNA of both the nation and the cities themselves, the executive said.
In August, Saudi Arabia’s private sector was considered to play an important role in the development of the northern province, according to Hail Gov. Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad during his weekly session at Aja Palace.
He said the region is witnessing a qualitative shift in economic, investment, and tourism levels.
Hail region plays an essential role in achieving the Kingdom’s goals through its contribution to enhancing food security and developing the tourism sector.
It also aligns with the Kingdom’s National Investment Strategy, which aims to drive the growth and diversification of the country’s economy, working toward Vision 2030 objectives.