Saudi Arabia is fast-tracking its transformation into a world-class tourism hub. At the heart of this shift is the strategic use of artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, and data-driven systems designed to enhance the travel experience.
From the futuristic city of Neom to the luxurious Red Sea Project, the Kingdom is embedding smart tourism principles into its most ambitious destinations. These innovations include biometric systems that simplify travel, IoT-enabled hotel experiences, and AR/VR applications that turn cultural heritage into immersive storytelling. This shift isn’t just about technology; it’s about creating more personalized, efficient, and sustainable journeys.
Vision 2030 and the Tourism Push
Tourism is now a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national plan to diversify the economy beyond oil. The National Tourism Strategy sets bold targets: 150 million annual visitors by 2030 and a rise in tourism’s contribution to GDP from 3% to 10%.
Smart technologies are helping to turn this vision into a reality. By improving operations and tailoring visitor experiences, they play a critical role in attracting global travelers and keeping them coming back.
What Smart Tourism Looks Like in Practice
According to experts at Arthur D. Little and Globant, Saudi Arabia is integrating technology on multiple fronts:
AI for planning and customer service
AR and VR for interactive cultural experiences
IoT systems to manage infrastructure and sustainability
Digital platforms that connect accommodations, transport, and events
Neom is being built with personalization in mind, while Diriyah mixes tradition with technology by using digital heritage tools. The Red Sea Project uses IoT sensors to monitor the environment and ensure a seamless, eco-conscious stay.
A Tech-Savvy Generation Drives Demand
Saudi travelers are not just open to smart tourism. They are leading it. A recent survey found:
87% use tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to plan vacations
46% use AI to find activities
31% rely on AI to optimize their travel plans
This tech adoption supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build destinations that respond in real time to traveler needs.
Infrastructure Behind the Scenes
The country’s major projects are supported by cloud, AI, and IoT systems that manage everything from temperature control in hotels to waste and water systems in urban areas. AI chatbots handle queries, while service robots are beginning to take on roles like cleaning and food delivery.
Even energy consumption is being optimized using data, making tourism smarter and more sustainable.
Addressing the Challenges
Despite its progress, Saudi Arabia faces challenges:
Many advanced technologies are still developed outside the Kingdom
There is a need for local talent and partnerships to fill expertise gaps
Clear regulations on data use and cybersecurity must be established
Full 5G and infrastructure rollout is still ongoing
However, experts believe the building blocks are already in place. With coordination between public and private sectors, and a strong policy framework, Saudi Arabia can turn these challenges into opportunities.
A Future-Ready Tourism Model
Smart tourism is not just a trend in the Kingdom. It’s becoming the model for how destinations are built, managed, and experienced. With a population that embraces innovation and leadership that backs it with policy and investment, Saudi Arabia is not following global trends. It is creating its own.