Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb and Indonesian Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana discussed ways to strengthen tourism relations during a meeting on the sidelines of a United Nations meeting in Toledo, Spain, on Thursday, according to a joint statement from their offices.

Indonesia recorded more than 156,000 Saudi visitors in 2025, making the Kingdom the largest Middle Eastern market for Indonesian tourism, officials said.

“Saudi Arabia is one of Indonesia’s key partners in the Middle East, and Indonesia stands ready to further deepen this partnership, particularly in tourism, in a spirit of mutual respect and shared benefit,” Wardhana said.

Saudi travelers are viewed as an important segment of Indonesia’s tourism market, with officials noting that many visitors from the Kingdom tend to travel with families, spend longer periods in the country and visit destinations including Bali and Puncak.

Indonesia aims to attract at least 16 million foreign tourists this year and has promoted its destinations at international tourism events, including the Arabian Travel Market and Riyadh Travel Fair.

The Indonesian tourism ministry said it plans to improve hospitality training to better serve visitors from Arab countries as part of efforts to increase arrivals from Saudi Arabia.

Tourism has also become a key area of cooperation under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, with both countries discussing ways to improve tourism services and strengthen workforce skills.

“Saudi Arabia and Indonesia share a uniquely strong tourism connection through faith and culture,” Al-Khateeb said.

The two sides said they were working to expand tourism exchanges, improve visitor experiences and create opportunities for destinations, businesses and communities.

Approved by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the reforms aim to expand employment opportunities for Saudi nationals, elevate service quality, and build a sustainable, citizen-driven tourism industry in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

The Ministry of Tourism announced that all hospitality and tourism establishments across the Kingdom are now required to have at least one Saudi receptionist present during working hours.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities for citizens while ensuring that visitors experience authentic Saudi hospitality.

In addition, the new measures emphasize greater transparency and accountability in employment practices. All tourism facilities must now register their employees with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) before they begin work.

Employment contracts—whether contractual, seconded, or seasonal—must be documented via the Ajeer platform or other officially approved government systems.

This ensures fair labor practices, legal compliance, and greater job security for Saudi workers.

To further streamline operations, establishments with multiple licensed branches are required to link each employee to the specific tourism facility where they work.

This approach prevents duplication, improves workforce tracking, and supports better management of Saudization targets.

The policy also introduces stricter rules against outsourcing or transferring Saudization-designated positions to foreign workers or unlicensed entities.

Instead, such roles must be assigned to establishments accredited by the Ministry of Tourism or licensed to employ Saudis through the MHRSD.

This not only protects job opportunities for local citizens but also enhances the professionalism and accountability of the sector’s workforce.

The ministry has made it clear that compliance with these new regulations will be closely monitored. Non-compliant establishments may face penalties, reflecting the Kingdom’s determination to create a fair and transparent employment environment.

According to the ministry, the introduction of these policies represents a significant milestone in strengthening the Kingdom’s tourism industry, which has been identified as one of the key growth sectors under Vision 2030.

The localization initiative not only boosts national employment but also contributes to improving the overall service experience for tourists from around the world.

By promoting local participation, the ministry aims to foster a new generation of skilled Saudi professionals across various fields—ranging from hospitality management and tour operations to customer service and event planning.

These reforms are designed to nurture local talent, create leadership opportunities for Saudi graduates, and ensure that citizens play a central role in shaping the future of tourism in the Kingdom.

Earlier this year, the ministry introduced several incentives to encourage Saudis to pursue careers in tourism.

Wage subsidies for local workers were increased from 30 percent to 50 percent, making the sector more attractive and financially rewarding.

Additionally, financial support was extended to 43 tourism-related professions, a move that broadens opportunities for young Saudis to build successful and sustainable careers in hospitality and travel.

These combined efforts reflect the Kingdom’s broader ambition to diversify its economy, reduce reliance on foreign labor, and create a dynamic tourism industry led by its own citizens.

With growing investments in tourism infrastructure, heritage preservation, and international events, Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global destination that blends modernity with cultural authenticity.

Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb reaffirmed that these localization policies are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s mission to make tourism a key pillar of national growth.

“Empowering our citizens in this vital sector ensures that the Saudi spirit of hospitality shines through every visitor experience,” he said.

As tourism continues to expand—welcoming millions of visitors annually—the new localization drive promises not only to create jobs but also to ensure that the sector remains sustainable, competitive, and deeply rooted in Saudi values.