Saudi Arabia has earmarked SR3.5bn ($932m) for the advancement of 17 tourism projects in Al-Ahsa, aiming to transform the area into a pivotal destination within the country’s burgeoning travel industry.

Tourism minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, during a tour to promote regional tourism, unveiled plans to bolster the region's infrastructure to accommodate a growing number of visitors.

The investment will introduce more than 1,800 new hotel rooms, utilising Al-Ahsa's natural and cultural offerings to draw both local and international tourists, reported Arab News.

This initiative is a component of the country's National Tourism Strategy, which sets a target of welcoming 150 million visitors annually by 2030 and increasing tourism's GDP contribution to 10%.

Al-Khateeb emphasised the potential for investment in the sector, reinforcing the ministry's dedication to supporting private sector participation by enhancing services and facilities.

The minister's visit to the SR200m Radisson Blu Hotel in Al-Ahsa showcased the type of luxury and authenticity that the Tourism Development Fund aims to replicate in future projects.

The focus on Al-Ahsa's tourism is not just about economic gain but also cultural preservation. The projects are designed to safeguard the region's heritage for future generations while creating jobs and generating revenue, the minister added.

The tourism growth in Saudi Arabia is not isolated to Al-Ahsa - other regions such as Hail are also seeing an influx of visitors, with more than 1.1 million tourists in the first half of this year, including 170,000 from abroad.

Hail's licensed hospitality facilities have expanded to approximately 2,600 rooms to meet the increasing demand, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.

The country is also positioning Hail as the fifth destination under the Saudi Tourism Investment Company, ASFAR, owned by the Public Investment Fund.

Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is gaining international recognition, as evidenced by the latest UN Tourism report, which saw the country ascend 15 places to rank 12th globally in tourist spending for 2023.

Ahmed Al-Khateeb was quoted by Travel And Tour World as saying: “The Ministry of Tourism is dedicated to creating an attractive and sustainable tourism ecosystem. By investing in key regions like Al-Ahsa, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous future for Saudi tourism.”