Latest news with #MohammedAl-Rasasimah
Saudi Gazette
20-04-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
32% surge in Saudi tourism licenses issued in 2024
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism recorded a growth of 32 percent in the number of licenses issued for travel and tourism services across Saudi Arabia by the end of 2024, reaching a total of 2,853, compared to the year 2023. According to preliminary data from the ministry, the Riyadh region topped among the 13 regions with issuance of a total of 955 licenses. Riyadh was followed by the Makkah region with 792 licenses, Eastern Province -472, Madinah Region -191, and Qassim Region -116 licenses. The Tourism Law defines travel and tourism services as arranging, organizing, and providing tourism-related services, including tours, ticket sales, visa assistance, and hospitality bookings. The Ministry of Tourism Spokesman Mohammed Al-Rasasimah stated that this increase in licenses reflects the ministry's commitment to supporting tourism operators and enhancing service quality to meet the needs of the growing number of domestic and international tourists. "This is in addition to the efforts made within the "Our guests are a priority" campaign, which aims to enhance the commitment of travel and tourism service providers and ensure their compliance with the requirements and conditions set by the Tourism Law and its regulations," he added.
Arab News
09-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia records 89% growth in licensed tourism hospitality facilities
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's tourism sector saw significant growth in 2024, with the number of licensed hospitality facilities increasing by 89 percent to 4,425 across various regions of the Kingdom. In a post on X, the Ministry of Tourism's official spokesperson Mohammed Al-Rasasimah described the surge as 'remarkable,' adding that it reflects efforts 'to support the sector's growth and enhance its investment attractiveness.' He added that the expansion comes amid a significant boom in the Kingdom's tourism sector, driven by an influx of travelers and the ministry's commitment to fostering a world-class hospitality environment. The ministry reported in March that the number of licensed hospitality facilities in Makkah reached 1,030 by the end of 2024, marking an 80 percent rise compared to the previous year. This increase positions the province as the leader in the Kingdom for the highest number of licensed facilities and rooms, underscoring the region's dedication to enhancing visitor experiences, the Saudi Press Agency reported. This move also reinforces the ministry's dedication to protecting the rights of visitors and Umrah pilgrims using hospitality services in Makkah as part of its ongoing efforts to improve service quality. 'The ministry's inspection teams conduct regular monitoring and inspection visits throughout the year to ensure that all facilities comply with licensing requirements, detect violations, and impose fines under the Tourism Law and Regulations of Tourist Accommodation Facilities,' SPA said. Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector is growing beyond Makkah. By the end of the third quarter of 2024, the total number of licensed hospitality facilities across the Kingdom surpassed 3,950, a 99 percent increase from the third quarter of 2023. Licensed rooms climbed to 443,000, a 107 percent jump from the 214,000 recorded a year earlier. According to CoStar, a global real estate data provider, Makkah and Madinah have 17,646 and 20,079 rooms, respectively, in various stages of development in 2025. This comes as Saudi Arabia recorded 30 million inbound tourists in 2024, up from 27.4 million in 2023, government data revealed. The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030, with plans to raise the tourism sector's gross domestic product contribution from 6 percent to 10 percent. Saudi Arabia's aggressive expansion in hospitality and tourism underscores its ambition to position itself as a global travel hub, catering to religious and leisure visitors.
Arab News
08-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Tourism Ministry launches second executive master's program to develop Saudi tourism leadership
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a second executive master's program, offering four educational packages and teaming up with three prestigious European hospitality institutions — Les Roches in Spain and EHL and Glion in Switzerland, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The program aims to train 300 Saudi professionals in international tourism and hospitality management, advancing expertise in the Kingdom's tourism sector. Under the ministry's 'Ahluha' initiative, which has already trained more than 100,000 Saudi citizens, domestically and internationally, in 2024. The program focuses on equipping participants with modern management techniques and high-quality resource management skills for the tourism industry. Candidates must meet rigorous eligibility criteria, including an honors bachelor's degree in tourism-related fields, minimum five years of professional experience, proven English language proficiency, willingness to travel for training requirements, and successful completion of a personal interview. According to SPA, the program builds on the success of its first edition, in which 198 graduates completed managerial training at leading Spanish and Swiss institutions. Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Rasasimah said that, through the executive master's program, the ministry works to provide key opportunities for Saudi tourism professionals to receive advanced education and training. He said the program represents a strategic investment in developing Saudi tourism leadership. 'This initiative is crucial for preparing the next generation of Saudi leaders who will drive our growing tourism sector,' he said. 'We are focused on enhancing our national workforce's capabilities, expanding their horizons and exposing them to global best practices in tourism management,' he added.
