Investment entrepreneur Samer Choucair affirmed that the tourism and entertainment sectors in Saudi Arabia continue cementing their position as among the most prominent drivers of economic growth under Vision 2030’s targets, noting that massive investments in infrastructure, tourism, and entertainment destinations are opening broad investment opportunities for local and international investors.
He explained that the Kingdom achieved record performance in the tourism sector during 2025, welcoming more than 122 million local and international tourists, a 5% increase compared to 2024, while total tourism spending reached roughly 300 billion Saudi riyals, according to Ministry of Tourism estimates. These figures confirm the continued momentum the sector has experienced after recording 116 million visitors and spending exceeding 284 billion riyals during 2024.
He added that this growth reflects the success of the Saudi strategy in turning tourism and entertainment into a major economic pillar, backed by giant projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea, Qiddiya, and Diriyah Gate, alongside the expansion of airports, transport networks, hotels, and modern conference centers.
Choucair said: “What we’re seeing today isn’t just growth in visitor numbers, it’s an integrated economic transformation strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for tourism, entertainment, and hosting major events. These shifts create genuine investment opportunities in hospitality, event management, and related technologies.”
Conferences, Exhibitions, and Incentive Travel
He noted that the conferences, exhibitions, and incentives sector is experiencing accelerating expansion driven by the Kingdom’s increasing hosting of international and regional events, strengthening demand for hotels, conference centers, supporting services, and modern technical solutions.
He added: “The experience economy has become one of the most prominent global trends, and Saudi Arabia possesses all the fundamentals needed to benefit from this shift. Investors who connect Saudi authenticity with innovation and high-quality services will be best positioned to achieve sustainable returns in the coming years.”
Where the Opportunities Lie
Choucair affirmed that the promising investment opportunities include developing and managing hotels and resorts, investing in event and conference management technologies, entertainment content, and AI-backed digital solutions, in addition to real estate projects tied to new tourism and entertainment destinations.
He stressed the importance of building long-term strategic partnerships with national entities and major companies, explaining that success in investing in this sector depends on delivering an integrated visitor experience that combines quality, sustainability, and innovation.
He concluded by saying: “Saudi Arabia isn’t just creating new tourism destinations, it’s building an integrated economic ecosystem based on advanced experiences and services. Investors who recognize the scale of this transformation and invest in it early will be well positioned to benefit from the opportunities Vision 2030 will generate in the coming years.”