A Smart Future: Technology Drives Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Boom

Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming its tourism sector through advanced technology as part of its Vision 2030 plan. The country aims to reduce its dependence on oil and welcome 150 million tourists by 2030. Technology is at the heart of this change, helping to make travel easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

The Ministry of Tourism and the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence signed a cooperation agreement to use artificial intelligence in tourism development. Deloitte is also playing a major role by supporting digital strategies across the sector, working with public and private stakeholders to enhance travel experiences.

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in smart airport infrastructure. New systems like digital check-in, AI-assisted services, and smooth baggage handling are being introduced. King Salman International Airport has partnered with Huawei to apply AI, Internet of Things, and 5G technologies. Local airline flyadeal is also using AI to improve customer service and simplify check-ins.

The country has seen a 65 percent rise in international tourist arrivals from 2022 to 2023, with 27.4 million visitors last year. Tourism now aims to contribute 10 percent to the national GDP by 2030.

AI is also improving trip planning and bookings. Travel companies like Almosafer are using ChatGPT to help customers find the best deals. This follows a partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority in 2023 to increase inbound travel. Deloitte helped develop the VisitSaudi app and website, offering bookings, interactive maps, and loyalty programs. The app also includes Sara, an AR-powered travel assistant that gives real-time recommendations based on user interests. Saudi Arabian Airlines launched a beta version of its AI-powered Travel Companion, an all-in-one platform for planning and managing trips.

Virtual and augmented reality are changing how people explore Saudi Arabia’s history and culture. Sites like AlUla and Diriyah now offer digital tours that make heritage sites more interactive. ARway.ai has teamed up with the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts to provide immersive content at museums. These tools make cultural visits more engaging and help promote Saudi destinations worldwide.

Smart cities are also key to Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy. The Red Sea Project features eco-friendly hotels, high-tech transport, and sustainable design. Deloitte is working with the Saudi Red Sea Authority to define tourist needs, hotel standards, and the overall strategy. These smart city developments include digital hotel check-ins, automated transport, and app-based visitor services, all designed to improve the travel experience.

Technology also supports operational efficiency. AI systems are being used to manage crowds, reduce wait times, and improve services. This is especially useful for events like Hajj and Umrah, where large numbers of visitors are expected. By 2030, the country hopes to welcome over 30 million religious tourists. AI tools help manage logistics, monitor health, and provide live updates.

Deloitte is also working with Qiddiya Investment Company to launch a Dynamic Guest Management System. This system uses customer data to manage bookings and improve marketing, making each visit smoother and more personal.

So far, Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 4.2 million tourists in the first seven months of 2024, marking a 25 percent increase from 2023 and a 656 percent rise since 2019. The country plans to invest $800 billion in the tourism sector to build hotels, create new experiences, and use smart technology across the board.

With these investments and a strong focus on digital transformation, Saudi Arabia is well on its way to becoming a global tourism leader.