Saudi Arabia’s rich natural and cultural assets give it strong potential to become a leading wellness tourism destination in the Middle East, according to Michel Julian, Senior Program Officer at UN Tourism.
Speaking at a wellness tourism workshop in Riyadh, he emphasized that wellness-focused travel has gained momentum post-pandemic, driven by demand for authentic, health-centered experiences that positively impact local communities.
Global tourism has rebounded strongly, with 1.5 billion tourist arrivals in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The Middle East has led this recovery, with arrivals 41% higher than 2019, supported by Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in hospitality and real estate projects that integrate wellness.
Experts highlighted the importance of policies, infrastructure, marketing, and digitalization to sustain growth. Wellness tourism was also linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly improving quality of life and supporting local communities.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 gigaprojects — including AlUla, the Red Sea, Neom, and Asir — are shaping new wellness-focused visitor experiences. Riyadh is also positioning itself as a health and wellness hub, supported by private sector investment in specialized hotels and resorts.
With a goal of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030, Saudi Arabia sees wellness tourism as a profitable and vital pillar for diversification, combining elements of culture, gastronomy, agritourism, and sustainability to create unique and world-class experiences.
Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2614707/saudi-arabia