The economic rationale behind the promotion of luxury glamping is closely tied to Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s blueprint for diversifying the Saudi economy. One of the program’s central objectives is to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030, with tourism contributing at least 10 percent of the national GDP. Glamping offers a unique pathway toward achieving this, as it appeals to a wealthy segment of global travelers who are eager to pay premium prices for exclusive, eco-conscious experiences. Unlike mass tourism models that often strain local infrastructure, glamping emphasizes smaller-scale, high-value tourism that generates significant revenue while creating jobs in hospitality, technology, and conservation. Local communities also stand to benefit, as many glamping projects prioritize hiring from nearby towns, sourcing local products, and incorporating indigenous knowledge into the design of visitor experiences.
