Global sports tourism industry now represents 10 pc of tourism spending worldwide
Leveraging its expanding sports portfolio to boost tourism and economic development, Saudi Arabia attracted over 2.5 million sports tourists over the past four years.
According to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, 80 international sporting events hosted in the Kingdom have significantly contributed to reshaping the country’s economy.
In a press statement, Al-Khateeb highlighted that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, introduced in Jeddah in 2021, has alone drawn spectators from 160 countries, creating 20,000 jobs, and generating SAR 900 million (USD 240 million) in revenue.
It further noted that the global sports tourism industry now represents 10 pc of tourism spending worldwide and is projected to grow by 17.5 pc by 2030.
Further, aiming to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on oil, as per the 2030 vision, the Kingdom has set a target of attracting 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.
Ahmed Al Khateeb
“For Saudi Arabia, sports tourism is a pillar of transformation, deeply embedded in Saudi Vision 2030,” says Al-Khateeb.
Meanwhile, as per the press statement, Saudi Arabia has hosted several high-profile events, including the WWE Super Showdown, the Saudi Pro-Golf Championship, Battle of the Champions, and Formula E. Other major events include the E-Prix, the International Handball Federation Super Globe, and the Saudi International Meeting for Disabilities Sport.
According to the press statement, Saudi Arabia has also hosted the 2025 Indian Premier League auction, marking a significant milestone in its sports tourism strategy.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to host one of the most accessible and connected tournaments in history. The Kingdom is also investing in 15 new stadiums to meet long-term infrastructure needs and accommodate growing international fan attendance.
As per Al-Khateeb, the Kingdom’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup marks a natural progression in its transformation journey.
“As the first country to host a 48-team FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia will unite more fans from around the world like never before, creating an unprecedented global gathering,” adds Khateeb.
Khateeb says that sustainability is at the heart of the Kingdom’s sports tourism strategy.
“Through the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has pledged to source 50 pc of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2060. Saudi Arabia has therefore been ensuring, as well as proving, that not only do sustainability and progress go hand in hand, but sustainable practices remain central to our sporting infrastructure,” adds Khateeb.
Meanwhile significant investments are also being made in youth and grassroots sports, with more than 20,000 players participating in the Schools League and 18 regional youth training centres supporting their development.
Women’s sports have also witnessed a 149 pc increase in participation since 2015, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a diverse sports environment.
“The road ahead is an unprecedented opportunity — for players, for fans, and for nations harnessing the power of sport as a driver for transformation. As Saudi Arabia continues this visionary journey, it is not only preparing to host the world, it is shaping the future of sports tourism beyond the game, adds Khateeb.
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