Expo 2030 in Riyadh will boost Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, says CEO

The Expo 2030 world fair in Riyadh will turbocharge the Saudi Arabian tourism sector, according to the CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).

Fahd Hamidaddin, Saudi Tourism Authority’s chief executive officer, said the World Expo will “serve as a catalyst for growth and its impact on Saudi’s tourism sector will be felt immediately” (via Trade Arabia).

“As we prepare for this iconic global showpiece, we would like to call on our trade partners to take advantage of the historic opportunities on offer, to help us drive forward sustainable growth and development within the kingdom’s tourism sector today,” he added.

Hamidaddin’s comments come after Saudi’s capital city Riyadh was announced as the host of Expo 2030 on Tuesday (28 November). South Korea’s Busan and Italy’s Rome were also in the running.

Saudi is one of the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. The kingdom is developing many giga-projects and attractions as part the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) Vision 2030, created to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil. 

Expo 2030, the Saudi Tourism Authority says, will increase job creation, sector investment and trade partnerships in the country. It will also contribute to the Vision 2030 plan to make tourism the second largest component of Saudi’s GDP.

“Today, Saudi has over 400,000 hotel rooms which will be expanded to 854,000 new rooms by 2030,” Hamidaddin added.

Expo 2030 to drive Vision 2030 plan

“Additionally, the planned development of the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh will help position the city as a world-class hub for travel and commerce, targeting an ambitious capacity of 120 million passengers within the next seven years.

“These developments will enhance accessibility into Riyadh and the rest of the country, ensuring a simple and seamless travel experience for all Expo attendees.”

Before Expo 2030 is Expo 2025 Osaka, which opens on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Japan on 13 April 2025 and will take place for six months. Earlier this month, architecture firm Foster + Partners unveiled its designs for Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the 2025 World Expo.