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Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has unveiled plans to open the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality in 2027, with the vision of developing an institute dedicated to delivering top-tier education in the fields of tourism and travel. According to Wego’s sources, the announcement came at the 2023 United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day celebrations in Riyadh.
The ministerial revelation described the school as Saudi Arabia’s generous contribution to the global educational landscape. “This is our gift to the world,” Minister Al-Khateeb remarked, highlighting the institution’s inclusive policy that welcomes global learners keen to access top-notch courses in tourism and travel.
Proudly introducing The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality during World Tourism Day 🎓, which will offer global programs in both academic and elite vocational education, covering all areas of the tourism and hospitality sectors 🌟.
We look forward to accommodating more… pic.twitter.com/9MzJZWX6ds
— Haifa Mohammed Al-Saud (@hmalsaud1) September 28, 2023
A billion-dollar vision for the future
The educational edifice, bearing an estimated budget surpassing USD 1 billion, will be sprawled over an expansive 5 million square meters in Qiddiya, making it an institution of remarkable scale. The project’s vision is uncompromising in its quality, aiming to magnetize the crème de la crème of academic talent, harnessing state-of-the-art technology and pioneering educational techniques.
The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality promises not just academic rigor but also an enriching vocational experience. Rooted in its commitment to student-centric learning, the institution pledges to offer programs that seamlessly blend academic knowledge with tangible, real-world applications.
The Qiddiya project, where the school will be located, traces its origins to 2017 when it was championed by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman. Today, it stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s cultural, sports, and entertainment ambitions, gaining global recognition as the most substantial venture of its kind.
Saudi Arabia’s Continuous Efforts for Boosting Tourism
The unveiling of the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality is harmonious with Saudi Arabia’s strategic Vision 2030 roadmap, which envisions the nation emerging as a leading tourism powerhouse by the close of the decade.
A whopping investment exceeding USD 800 billion earmarks the Kingdom’s resolve in not only invigorating its tourism industry but also in creating a million employment opportunities in the next ten years. The nation is geared to double its international tourist influx by 2032.
Furthermore, as part of its comprehensive strategy, the government has committed to annually dispatching 100,000 Saudi professionals abroad for specialized training. Originally a five-year plan, Minister Al-Khateeb confirmed its extension to a decade, reflecting the Kingdom’s unwavering dedication to fostering expertise in the tourism and sustainability sectors.
Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality: Saudi Arabia’s Billion-Dollar Vision for Global Education
