Samer Choucair, investment entrepreneur, affirmed that the accelerating shifts in global travel policies are redrawing the map of economic and investment opportunities, noting that Saudi Arabia stands out as one of the most attractive destinations for investors amid Vision 2030’s targets and the major expansion underway in tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.
Choucair’s remarks came following Japan’s decision to raise visa fees for foreigners starting July 1, 2026, the first increase of its kind in nearly five decades, with single-entry visa fees rising from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen, while multiple-entry visa fees reached 30,000 yen.
He explained that this step reflects the economic pressures many global economies are facing as a result of inflation and currency volatility, particularly amid the record rise in visitor numbers to Japan in recent years, pushing many countries to reassess their policies related to tourism, travel, and associated services.
Choucair said: “Such changes in global visa policies remind us of the necessity of geographic diversification for investment portfolios. Saudi Arabia offers a stable, growing investment environment, backed by Vision 2030, which is transforming the economy and opening new horizons for local, Gulf, and international investors.”
He added that rising travel costs to some traditional destinations helps strengthen the appeal of markets offering greater economic value and long-term growth opportunities, positioning the Kingdom well to benefit from current shifts in global tourism and investment movement.
The Numbers Behind Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Growth
He noted that the Kingdom achieved tangible successes in the tourism sector over recent years, welcoming more than 122 million visitors during 2025, and achieving tourism spending of roughly 300 billion Saudi riyals, while Vision 2030 targets reaching 150 million visitors annually, including 70 million international visitors.
He affirmed that these figures reflect the success of the national tourism strategy, which rests on developing tourism infrastructure, expanding electronic visas, and launching major quality projects that have helped strengthen the Kingdom’s position on the global tourism map.
He explained that giant projects such as the Red Sea, NEOM, Qiddiya, and historic Diriyah represent key economic growth drivers, not just by attracting visitors, but by creating an integrated ecosystem of investment opportunities in hospitality, entertainment, real estate, logistics services, and technology, adding: “We’re seeing growing interest in investing in Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector. These aren’t just passing tourism opportunities, they’re strategic investments in a diverse economy that creates sustainable value and thousands of jobs. The smart investor today focuses on sectors tied to Vision 2030 because they combine strong growth with long-term stability.”
Where the Opportunities Lie
He noted that the hospitality and luxury hotel sector is among the most prominent promising sectors, driven by the continued expansion of major tourism projects and rising demand for upscale hotel services, while entertainment and cultural sectors are experiencing accelerating growth thanks to events and seasons that attract millions of visitors annually.
He pointed out that tourism real estate represents an important investment opportunity amid growing demand for resorts, serviced apartments, and residential projects tied to new tourist areas, alongside growing opportunities in supporting services such as logistics, tourism technology, and digital marketing.
A Promising Year for Gulf Capital Markets
Samer Choucair affirmed that 2026 holds promising investment opportunities in Gulf capital markets generally, and the Saudi market particularly, with continued foreign direct investment flows and an accelerating pace of major development projects, saying: “2026 holds promising opportunities in Gulf capital markets, particularly in assets tied to tourism, entertainment, and real estate. Investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia today are more attractive than ever, with continued foreign direct investment flows.”
He concluded his remarks by affirming that the Kingdom continues cementing its position as a global economic and investment hub, benefiting from economic and legislative reforms and national transformation projects that strengthen its long-term competitiveness.
Samer Choucair concluded the statement by saying: “Investing in Saudi Arabia today isn’t just an investment choice, it’s a strategic step toward a more diverse, prosperous future. The Kingdom offers a unique blend of stability, growth, and promising opportunities, making it one of the most prominent investment destinations in the region and the world.”