Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb officially launched Ramlah Co. during a visit to Hail, underscoring the government’s commitment to private sector involvement in the country’s expanding tourism industry. The company will focus on organizing trips and establishing resorts, providing a comprehensive package for tourists seeking to explore the region's historical landmarks and natural landscapes.
The Hail region, known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, has long been a focal point of Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy. The launch of Ramlah Co. is expected to boost local tourism infrastructure, creating opportunities for employment and business ventures in the private sector. This move is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil by expanding the tourism sector.
The Saudi Winter Season, which runs from December through February, is one of the government’s flagship initiatives aimed at boosting both domestic and international tourism. The season offers a series of curated experiences across different regions of the Kingdom, including concerts, cultural festivals, adventure activities, and traditional hospitality. As part of this initiative, Ramlah Co. will be involved in curating a range of tourist experiences in Hail, such as desert safaris, heritage tours, and visits to historical sites, allowing the region to attract tourists seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.
The launch of Ramlah Co. reflects the Kingdom’s broader tourism strategy, which has seen an uptick in investment in both infrastructure and private-sector partnerships. The move comes as the Saudi government continues to relax visa restrictions and streamline travel processes, making it easier for tourists to visit the country. Authorities have also placed a significant emphasis on building world-class accommodations and leisure facilities to cater to an increasing influx of visitors.
In addition to its cultural and historical offerings, Hail is also renowned for its natural beauty, including expansive deserts and rugged mountains. The region’s unique terrain makes it an ideal location for adventure tourism, which has gained popularity in recent years. Ramlah Co. is poised to tap into this growing trend, providing tourists with guided tours, camping experiences, and opportunities to explore the less-visited parts of Saudi Arabia.
One of the key goals of the new venture is to ensure sustainable tourism development, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. Ramlah Co. aims to implement eco-friendly practices, minimizing the ecological impact of its activities while maximizing the economic benefits for local communities. The company’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to build a diversified economy while ensuring the preservation of the Kingdom’s natural resources.
The partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and private sector players like Ramlah Co. is part of a larger trend in the Kingdom, where public-private collaborations are increasingly seen as essential for achieving the ambitious goals set by Vision 2030. By fostering a thriving tourism industry, Saudi Arabia hopes to create new economic opportunities, reduce unemployment, and attract foreign investment.
The tourism sector is already a significant contributor to the Saudi economy, and the government expects it to play an even larger role in the coming years. According to recent reports, Saudi Arabia aims to increase the number of tourists visiting the country to 100 million by 2030, up from around 20 million in 2019. This ambitious target will require the development of new attractions, enhanced infrastructure, and robust marketing campaigns that highlight the Kingdom’s cultural and natural assets.
Ramlah Co.’s launch is a crucial step in helping Saudi Arabia meet these targets. The company’s focus on the Hail region is also an attempt to decentralize tourism away from traditional hotspots like Riyadh and Jeddah, spreading the benefits of tourism across the Kingdom and giving lesser-known regions a chance to shine on the global stage.
The Ministry of Tourism’s support for private sector initiatives like Ramlah Co. comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant growth in both the number of tourists and the level of investment in the tourism sector. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has attracted international hotel chains, airlines, and travel agencies, all eager to tap into the country’s growing tourism market. Major events like the Formula E race in Diriyah and the launch of the Red Sea Project are testament to the scale of the Kingdom’s ambition to position itself as a top-tier global tourism destination.