Evaluating Riyadh’s Tourism Growth and Economic Diversification under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Strategies and Outcomes

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of tourism strategies implemented in Riyadh within the framework of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, focusing on three key areas: and it safer for the economic development, cultures, and visitors who will benefit this place. It analyses the role of tourism in the diversification of the Saudi Arabian non-oil revenues and discusses the challenges and opportunities of the development strategy for the tourism industry in Riyadh. In this study, a quantitative design was employeds, and structured questionnaires are administered to 385 participants categorized in to tourists, residents and workers in the tourism sector. Tests of regression and correlation were also used to determine significance of economic, cultural and social effects of tourism with regards to the implementation of the set tourism programs. The findings also provide evidence of the relationship between tourism development, economic growth in Riyadh, and Vision 2030 objectives. Tourism has helped in employment opportunities, infrastructural developments, development of small businesses, and-Cultural Consciousness and placing Riyadh as a Cultural centre. However, the following issues were pointed out as the challenges; Cultural commodification and The need to diversify the tourism products. On the whole, the outcomes show the positive attitude of visitors; however, there is a need for further development in international marketing andleisure activities asthe factors affecting the image of Riyadh on the international level. Based on the findings,the following policy guidelines for the development of tourism are recommended: proliferation of tourism products; infrastructural development; promotion of the buying local products; and increasing utilization of products from the tourism sector. The study adds to the theoretical frame work of the impacts of tourism in diversification of economy and nation branding, culture and social relations in context of nation- wide development plans, Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia. It provides fresh ideas on theorising the relationship between tourism development and nation-state’s economic plans, and underlines the possibilities of utilising tourism as an additional non-oil source of revenues for Saudi Arabia while at the same time demanding responsible and culturally appropriate tourism growth in Riyadh. In addition, it deals with the theoretical-emprical deficiencies regarding the sociological consequences of tourism for communities.