Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has launched the AI Tourism Vision, a strategic framework designed to embed artificial intelligence throughout the country’s rapidly growing tourism industry. The announcement coincided with the release of TourismX, a global platform providing AI-powered tools for hotels, tour operators, and other businesses within the sector.
Quick Facts
- AI Tourism Vision framework officially launched.
- TourismX platform offers new AI-powered business tools.
- 2025 tourism spending reached SAR 304 billion ($81b).
A New Suite of AI Tools
At the core of the launch is TourismX, a global AI platform introduced with a beta version featuring several practical tools. These include the Hotel Interior AI Designer, menu creation tool MenuCraft AI, an AI Identity Designer, and an AI Hotel Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Generator. For tour operators, the platform offers a Tour Guide AI Assistant and an AI Tour Script Generator.
In addition, the Ministry launched the beta version of the Saudi MT App, a unified portal for investors, business owners, and tour guides. The app is supported by an AI assistant named Noura. To encourage further development, a new MT Developer Portal provides APIs and digital integration tools for tech partners building tourism applications in the Kingdom.
Building on Record Growth
The push into AI follows a record year for the Kingdom’s tourism sector. In 2025, Saudi Arabia registered 123 million inbound and domestic tourists, a 6% increase from the previous year. This activity generated approximately SAR 304 billion ($81 billion) in total tourism spending, with inbound tourism accounting for SAR 176.6 billion ($47 billion).
The new AI strategy builds on existing digital tools already deployed by the ministry, such as the Smart Inspector used during the 2026 Hajj season and the Smart Check-In tool that helped manage pilgrim accommodation logistics.
A National AI Strategy in Action
This initiative is the result of two years of digital transformation efforts within the Ministry. It follows a 2024 agreement with the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) to establish an AI center of excellence and aligns with the government’s designation of 2026 as Saudi Arabia’s official Year of Artificial Intelligence.
The vision also acts on the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, which was adopted by the 26th General Assembly of UN Tourism. The declaration called for accelerating AI adoption to reshape the future of global tourism, and this new framework translates that international commitment into a concrete national program.
About The AI Tourism Vision
The AI Tourism Vision is a strategic framework by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism. It aims to improve tourism experiences, boost operational productivity, and provide enhanced support for investors and professionals through the direct integration of artificial intelligence across the sector.
Source: Middle East AI News
