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Tourism licence applications in Saudi Arabia have surged nearly fourfold since the kingdom secured hosting rights for the 2034 Fifa World Cup, a senior official has revealed.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh, the kingdom’s Tourism Vice Minister, Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud, said applications had surged by 390 per cent – highlighting the growing interest of international tourists and boosting economic growth, according to local broadcaster Al Ekhbariya.
The increase comes as Saudi Arabia ramps up investments in sports infrastructure as part of Vision 2030, the kingdom’s strategic framework to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.
It also aligns with the growing recognition that sports tourism is a key driver of economic development, accounting for 10pc of global tourism expenditure and projected to grow by 17.5pc by the end of this decade.
“Sports tourism has no limits. The number of tourists who came solely to attend sporting events reached 14 million by last year, spending nearly 22 billion riyals ($5.86bn),” Princess Haifa said.
“In 2018, visitors from 70 nationalities travelled to the kingdom to attend sporting events, and today the number has exceeded 160 nationalities, thanks to various facilities,” she added.
The vice minister emphasised the role of the broader tourism ecosystem in supporting the kingdom’s sporting ambitions and contributing to sustainable economic development through public-private collaboration.
In November, experts told Arab News that Saudi Arabia could expect a gross domestic product boost of between $9bn and $14bn from the 2034 Fifa World Cup, as well as the creation of 1.5 million new jobs, and the construction of 230,000 hotel rooms developed across five host cities.
For Saudi Arabia, key cost drivers include $378.4m for television operations, $273.8m for workforce management, and $124m for transport as well as $111.1m for team services, and $99.5m for IT and telecommunications, according to a report released by the world football governing body in December.
The inaugural edition of the three-day Sports Investment Forum sees local and international leaders, officials, investors, and entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in the kingdom’s evolving sports landscape.
The forum aims to expand the scope of sports investment in Saudi Arabia by fostering effective partnerships, attracting capital, and launching initiatives to drive growth across the sector.
The Fifa World Cup 2034 will be the first time the 48-team tournament will be hosted by a single country. Saudi’s host cities include Riyadh, blending modern entertainment with historic treasures at Diriyah; Jeddah, showcasing the glimmering Red Sea and Al Balad, Al Khobar, featuring serene beaches and cultural landmarks; Abha, with its lush landscapes and adventure activities; and NEOM, with its futuristic innovations.
All of the host cities are set to captivate football fans with state-of-the-art stadiums, world-class amenities, vibrant fan festivals, and a diverse array of cultural experiences.
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