Saudi Arabia Unveils New Resorts for its Middle-Class Travelers and Schengen-Style Visa for GCC Countries

Saudi Arabia is pushing hard toward completing its most ambitious Vision 2030 plan with the expansion of its tourism model to cover middle-class travelers and diversified investments in tourism infrastructure. After the success of luxury resorts and high-end tourism products, the country is now focusing on creating more approachable tourism experiences for a wide class of visitors, especially from the GCC and global markets. In fact, the country aims at attracting 150 million tourists annually by 2030, a third from international visitors.

Tourism is viewed as the linchpin in the economic diversification of Saudi Arabia, moving it away from dependence on oil revenues toward a future anchored in world tourism. In expanding its offerings beyond luxury-oriented resorts, Saudi Arabia cements its status among those destinations that are particularly appealing to leisure tourists and business travelers, thus reinforcing related growth in hospitality, real estate, and cultural tourism.

Introducing Affordable Resorts for Middle-Class Tourists

A key part of Saudi Arabia’s new tourism model is the development of affordable resorts that will appeal to middle-class and upper-middle-class travelers. According to Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister, the country has already begun building destinations that cater to these segments, in addition to its traditional luxury-focused offerings. These new developments aim to create a balanced tourism ecosystem that offers options for travelers of varying budgets.

The opening of 10 new resorts on Shebara Island in the Red Sea, for instance, will offer a much lower price point compared to the island’s existing luxury resorts, which often have room rates reaching up to $2,000 per night. While exact pricing details have not been provided, the minister indicated that these new resorts will help attract a wider range of visitors, particularly those from the GCC who seek a more affordable yet luxurious experience. The expansion into middle-class tourism will help ensure that Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth benefits not only the high-end market but also a growing global middle class eager for high-quality yet accessible travel experiences.

The Role of Luxury Tourism and Religious Pilgrimage in Saudi’s Strategy

While Saudi Arabia is expanding into more accessible tourism markets, it is also continuing to build on its luxury tourism segment, which remains a key part of its global strategy. The kingdom is investing heavily in the luxury resort market, focusing on offering exclusive experiences such as wellness tourism, private villas, and high-end amenities in both Red Sea resorts and other tourism zones across the country. These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s aim to establish itself as a global leader in luxury travel.

At the same time, religious tourism remains at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s tourism development. As home to the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as the ultimate destination for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The government plans to almost double the number of religious visitors to 30 million annually by 2030, a move that will require an influx of new hotel rooms, transportation infrastructure, and pilgrimage services. This will allow Saudi Arabia to capture the global Muslim tourism market, which plays a key role in the country’s tourism economy.

Expanding Regional Tourism: Schengen-Style Visa for GCC Countries

In addition to attracting international visitors, Saudi Arabia is working to enhance regional tourism with a Schengen-style visa for GCC nationals. The new visa initiative will simplify travel for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, allowing them to visit Saudi Arabia without the need for separate entry permits. This will make it easier for travelers from neighboring nations to explore the kingdom’s tourist destinations, attend business events, or participate in cultural festivals.

By increasing accessibility to travelers from GCC nations, Saudi Arabia hopes to boost regional tourism, which has become a growing trend in global travel. This is particularly important as the country seeks to position itself as a hub for Gulf tourism, offering affordable luxury and cultural experiences that appeal to both tourists and business professionals.

Economic and Tourism Impact: Job Creation and Business Growth

The expansion of affordable resorts and the introduction of the Schengen-style visa will significantly impact Saudi Arabia’s tourism economy. By attracting a wider range of visitors, including middle-class tourists and regional travelers, the government is ensuring the growth of local businesses, including restaurants, retail shops, transportation services, and tourism-related ventures. These developments will also contribute to job creation, particularly in the hospitality sector, where tourism remains a vital source of employment.

Moreover, the expected increase in international visitors will bolster tourism revenue, generating both direct income from tourists and indirect economic benefits for local industries that serve the tourism sector. As the tourism sector grows, more local businesses will be able to tap into the expanding global tourism market, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are felt throughout the country.

Positioning Saudi Arabia as a Global Leader in Tourism

The Sustainable Townships and affordable resort developments are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to become a global leader in tourism, attracting a mix of luxury travelers, wellness tourists, and regional visitors. By focusing on diversification and inclusivity, the kingdom is ensuring that it can accommodate a wide range of tourism preferences, from high-end luxury to family vacations, health tourism, and eco-conscious travel.

In addition to expanding its accommodation options, Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on sustainable tourism practices, energy efficiency, and cultural integration ensures that its tourism sector remains resilient and adaptable in the face of changing global trends. The Vision 2030 strategy underscores the country’s long-term commitment to economic diversification, making tourism a central pillar of the national economy for decades to come.

A Bright Future for Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector

With the rise in affordable tourism options, luxury resorts, and regional tourism drives, the country is well-placed to reach its Vision 2030 aim of 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. This focus on sustainable developments, wellness tourism, and cultural heritage will continue to drive Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, shaping the future toward responsible and diverse travel that meets global demand. As the kingdom solidifies its position as a tourism hotspot, it is not only preserving its premium resort legacy but also opening new doors for middle-class travelers, regional visitors, and high-value investments.