Athar Festival Showcases Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Tourism Vision
The Athar Festival has turned the spotlight onto Saudi Arabia’s changing tourism story. Leaders at the event emphasised Sustainable Tourism as more than a trend. They explained it means rebuilding and preserving valued places, not just conserving them.
In the historic region of Diriyah, for example, locals are planting over one million trees and protecting 2,000-year-old green spaces. They also favour low-rise architecture in mud-brick design to keep the landscape both cultural and eco-friendly.
Heritage Meets Innovation
Tourism here isn’t just about sightseeing. Visitors are now invited to engage. At the festival, speaker Abdulrahman Al‑Jefri shared that this approach fosters emotional connections. One panel highlighted that travel must move from “moments” to “legacies”—meaning experiences should improve lives, not just entertain.
Another expert, Wadha Al‑Nafjan, said the goal is for tourists to feel part of the story. She emphasised active participation in place-making and cultural preservation.
Diversifying the Tourism Journey
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is no longer limited to religious travel. It now includes cultural, eco and adventure offerings. As investments in destinations grow, locals gain jobs and skills—making tourism inclusive and forward-thinking.
The push for sustainable tourism aligns with the national vision for economic diversification. It shows that growth and environmental care can go hand in hand.
