Saudi Arabia is taking rapid steps towards promoting the concept of a green economy, as the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification revealed a strategic direction to maximize returns from ecotourism , announcing the introduction of quality investment opportunities that include 7 new sites in the Eastern Province, at a time when this sector is witnessing remarkable global growth.
Ecotourism and Vision 2030
This investment drive comes within a comprehensive national context that aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which aims to protect the environment and develop vegetation cover while diversifying national income sources away from oil. National parks, forests, and rangelands are considered a latent national asset, and the center seeks to transform them into sustainable tourist destinations that balance nature conservation with achieving rewarding economic returns.
Investment opportunities in the Eastern Province
In an exclusive statement to Al-Youm, Huda Al-Buqami, Investment Director at the National Center for Vegetation Cover, explained that the Eastern Province has become a focal point for investors thanks to its unique natural features. She announced an invitation to investors to develop seven promising environmental sites in the region, with options ranging from long-term contracts of up to 25 years to short-term seasonal opportunities (3 to 6 months), providing the business sector with significant flexibility to offer innovative winter tourism and leisure products.
Global growth and billions in revenue
Al-Buqami emphasized that investment in ecotourism within vegetation-covered areas is among the fastest-growing sectors globally, with an annual growth rate ranging between 3% and 5%. She cited successful international experiences to demonstrate the viability of this sector, noting that:
- Direct tourism spending in Canada amounts to $7.5 billion annually.
- Spending on the camping and carnival sector in the United States is close to $40 billion annually.
These figures reflect the enormous potential that the Kingdom can invest in, especially with the availability of natural infrastructure and geographical diversity.
Biodiversity and Geopark Sites
The Kingdom boasts a unique biodiversity that constitutes a major competitive advantage, with its lands harboring more than 2,300 plant species and its varied terrain ranging from plains and mountains to coastlines. In a move that enhances the Kingdom's international standing, Al-Buqami noted the registration of the "North Riyadh" and "Salma" sites within the Geoparks , opening new horizons for geological and cultural tourism that will attract visitors from around the world.
Investment and partnership mechanisms
The National Center for Vegetation Cover works in close collaboration with government agencies and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to promote these opportunities through the "Fursah" platform and the center's website. The center's role extends beyond simply presenting opportunities; it also conducts studies of the regions with investors to identify competitive advantages, ensuring the sustainability of projects and the protection of natural resources. This makes ecotourism a fundamental pillar of quality of life and a sustainable economy in the Kingdom.
