Saudi Arabia Unveils ‘TOURISE’ A New Era Begins for Global Tourism

 Saudi Arabia Unveils ‘TOURISE’  A New Era Begins for Global Tourism

Saudi Arabia Unveils "TOURISE"

In a move that is set to reshape the global travel industry, Saudi Arabia has officially launched ‘TOURISE’, a visionary initiative aimed at redefining tourism for the 21st century. Designed with ambition, inclusivity, and innovation at its core, TOURISE reflects Saudi Arabia’s deep commitment to opening its doors to the world not just for religious pilgrims or business travelers, but for explorers, families, adventurers, and culture-seekers alike.

What is TOURISE?

TOURISE is not just a tourism program it’s a comprehensive national movement that blends Saudi Arabia’s rich history, untouched nature, modern infrastructure, and warm hospitality into a global tourism experience like no other. From advanced smart-tourism technology to deep cultural immersion, TOURISE is set to become a game-changer for global travel.

At its heart, TOURISE stands for:

• Technology-driven experiences

• Opportunities for sustainable growth

• Unity through cultural exchange

• Responsible tourism

• Inclusive infrastructure

• Smart travel solutions

• Entertainment & education fusion

Each letter represents a pillar that supports the initiative and together, they promise an experience that appeals to both the modern traveler and the heritage lover.

Why Now? Timing and Vision Behind TOURISE

The announcement of TOURISE comes at a crucial time. As the world recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and international travel rebounds, Saudi Arabia is seizing this moment to reintroduce itself to the world.

For decades, the Kingdom was mostly known for religious tourism, especially for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. But under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Vision 2030 initiative, the country has taken bold steps to diversify its economy and boost non-oil revenues. Tourism is a key part of that vision.

TOURISE is a direct result of this national strategy. It’s not just about increasing visitor numbers it’s about reimagining what tourism can be and making Saudi Arabia one of the top global destinations by 2030.

Unveiling the Attractions: What Visitors Can Expect

Saudi Arabia is a land of contrasts and hidden gems. TOURISE aims to highlight the best of them:

1. Historical Wonders

From the ancient Nabatean city of AlUla often compared to Petra to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia offers deep cultural roots that span thousands of years.

2. Nature at Its Purest

Explore the vast Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) desert, the pristine Red Sea coastlines, the lush Asir Mountains, and the striking volcanic craters of Harrat Khaybar.

3. Futuristic Cities

Visit NEOM, the $500 billion futuristic city being built with AI, robotics, and sustainable living at its core. It’s a glimpse into how cities may look 50 years from now.

4. Luxury and Lifestyle

Enjoy world-class hotels, wellness retreats, shopping centers, and fine dining from traditional Arabian cuisine to international gourmet experiences.

5. Events and Festivals

TOURISE includes an annual calendar of events: cultural festivals, sports tournaments, music concerts, fashion weeks, and film forums, all designed to appeal to global audiences.

Technology at the Core: A Smart Tourism Revolution

One of the biggest differentiators of TOURISE is its technological backbone. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in smart tourism, including:

• AI-powered tour guides via mobile apps

• Augmented reality experiences at heritage sites

• Facial recognition for fast check-ins at hotels and airports

• Drone taxis in test zones for seamless travel

• Interactive multi-language digital kiosks for traveler support

This use of cutting-edge tech not only enhances the tourist experience but also makes travel safer, faster, and more enjoyable.

Sustainability & Responsibility: A Green Promise

In a world increasingly concerned with climate change, Saudi Arabia is also committing to sustainable tourism practices. TOURISE has laid out a strong environmental policy, including:

• Eco-friendly hotels and resorts

• Renewable energy-powered attractions

• Waste-free travel campaigns

• Coral reef restoration along the Red Sea

• Wildlife conservation in protected zones

The goal is clear: to preserve Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty for generations to come while setting an example for responsible tourism worldwide.

Empowering Communities: Tourism for the People

TOURISE is not just for visitors it’s also for local communities. The initiative will create over one million tourism-related jobs by 2030, offering Saudi citizens, especially women and youth, new opportunities in:

• Hospitality

• Tour operations

• Arts and crafts

• Event management

• Eco-tourism guiding

Local entrepreneurs will be supported through grants, training, and partnerships with international businesses. The idea is to build a tourism ecosystem from the ground up, with the local population playing an active role in welcoming the world.

Breaking Stereotypes: A New Image for Saudi Arabia

For many years, international media coverage of Saudi Arabia focused on restrictions and limitations. But TOURISE is a powerful answer to outdated perceptions.

Today’s Saudi Arabia is:

• Open to tourists of all faiths and cultures

• Issuing e-visas and visas on arrival to over 60 countries

• Encouraging gender inclusion in tourism and beyond

• Hosting global entertainment icons and sports legends

• Building an inclusive, welcoming, and peaceful image

Visitors are discovering a side of Saudi Arabia they never knew existed full of hospitality, culture, curiosity, and modernity.

Global Partnerships: Inviting the World to Collaborate

TOURISE is not a solo journey. Saudi Arabia is inviting international travel agencies, airlines, hoteliers, and investors to partner in building this tourism renaissance.

Already, major global hotel chains are expanding their footprint in the Kingdom. Airlines are adding new direct flights. International celebrities are endorsing local events. Media platforms are showcasing Saudi landscapes. It’s a true international collaboration and it’s only just beginning.

Tourism for All: Accessibility & Affordability

One of the core values of TOURISE is inclusion. That means making tourism accessible to:

• People with disabilities (via barrier-free infrastructure)

• Budget travelers (affordable accommodations and transport)

• Families (child-friendly attractions and packages)

• Solo female travelers (safe travel policies and female tour guides)

Whether you're a student backpacker or a retired couple seeking adventure, TOURISE has something to offer at your pace, your style, and your budget.

How to Be a Part of TOURISE

Interested in visiting Saudi Arabia? Getting started is simple,

• Apply for a tourist e-visa at https://visa.visitsaudi.com

• Explore travel packages on https://www.visitsaudi.com

• Follow @VisitSaudi on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

• Watch for seasonal deals, flight discounts, and festival calendars

There’s also a TOURISE mobile app in the works launching soon to help travelers book tours, find nearby attractions, chat with local guides, and get real-time language assistance.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for TOURISE

This is only the beginning. In the coming years, Saudi Arabia plans to:

• Launch a TOURISE Academy to train future tourism professionals

• Expand its cruise tourism on the Red Sea

• Host international expos and forums on tourism innovation

• Introduce desert safaris and mountain cable cars

• Continue building mega-projects like Qiddiya (entertainment city) and The Line (linear smart city in NEOM)

The aim is to welcome 100 million tourists annually by 2030, making Saudi Arabia a top-five global travel destination.

A Kingdom Ready to Welcome the World

Saudi Arabia’s launch of TOURISE is more than a tourism announcement it’s a declaration of openness, a signal of transformation, and a warm invitation to the world.

The Kingdom is saying: “Come and see us as we really are proud of our past, bold in our future, and ready to share our home with you.”

For the traveler, TOURISE is an opportunity to be part of something historic. It’s not just about seeing new places it’s about experiencing a new way of traveling where technology, culture, hospitality, and sustainability meet.