Shaping the Future of Sports Tourism: Saudi Arabia’s Vision Beyond the Game

SPORTS TOURISM: BEYOND THE GAME

Few things in the world command attention like a major sporting event. Whether in a stadium filled with thousands or watched by millions across time zones, the roaring pulse of the crowd is an experience that transcends sport itself. But behind the initial whistle and final score is the collective effort that makes these moments possible—the host cities that prepare for years, the robust infrastructure, and the movement of visitors who travel great distances to be part of history. This phenomenon is known as sports tourism.

THE GLOBAL RISE OF SPORTS TOURISM

For decades, destinations have been transforming into arenas for competition, shaping the way we travel. More and more tourists are interested in sports activities during their trips, whether sports are the main objective of travel or not. It is a global movement, turning matches into gateways for tourism. Beyond the game, sports tourism has been an engine for development, accounting for 10% of global tourism expenditure and estimated to grow 17.5% by 2030.

Sports tourism represents a powerful symbiosis between economic growth and human experience, supercharging progress, and leaving an indelible mark on host destinations.

SAUDI ARABIA’S VISION FOR SPORTS TOURISM

For Saudi Arabia, sports tourism is a pillar of transformation, deeply embedded in Saudi Vision 2030. In the past four years alone, the Kingdom has been making waves, hosting 80 international sporting events that have attracted 2.5 million tourists. Formula 1 in Jeddah, which brought in visitors from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated a SAR 900 million economic in impact.

The Kingdom has served as a destination for a diverse range of global sporting events, including the WWE Super Showdown, the Saudi Pro-Golf Championship, Battle of the Champions, Formula E, E-Prix, International Handball Federation Super Globe and Saudi International Meeting for Disabilities Sport.?

But our ambitions don’t stop there. 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. With 60% of the world’s population within an eight-hour flight, this positions us to deliver one of the most accessible and connected tournaments in history.

It is therefore clear that the 2034 FIFA World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation journey.

The Kingdom’s investment in 15 stadiums is built with the future in mind—designed to accommodate a global influx of fans, support long-term infrastructure needs and sporting ambitions, and transform into vibrant hubs for sports and community engagement. These initiatives are set to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

A CULTURAL LEGACY

The synergy between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Sport is redefining the intersection of sport, culture, and global tourism. The combined efforts have been transforming sporting events in the Kingdom into platforms of storytelling, expression and national pride. This blend of immersive fan experiences, heritage-driven activities and world-class entertainment leaves visitors with a deeper connection to the Kingdom.

ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT

Guided by a Vision that embeds sustainability at the heart of its initiatives, Saudi Arabia is committed to ensuring major sporting events contribute to a lasting and responsible legacy. Through the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has pledged to source 50% 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.

The impact of sports tourism extends far beyond the stadiums and statistics—it is reflected by the communities it uplifts, the opportunities it provides, and the future it builds. I am a firm believer than in Saudi Arabia, the future belongs to the youth and generations to come. With 63% of Saudis under the age of 30, this nation is driven by young talent, bold ambition, and an unstoppable drive for progress.

Our vision is backed by action. Fostering a sustainable sports culture that nurtures talent at every level is an indispensable part of extending impact beyond any tournament. Over 20,000 players are part of the Schools League, supported by 18 youth regional training centers across Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, a $300 million annual investment continues to strengthen football club development to ensure sport excellence.

Equally important is the rise of women’s sports—which has surged by 149% since 2015— reflecting a diverse, competitive and globally engaged sporting nation.

LOOKING AHEAD

By 2030, Saudi Arabia anticipates welcoming 150 million international tourists annually, with direct flights from 250 destinations, reinforcing its position as a hub for global sports tourism.

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.