Exploring Tourism's Contribution to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030: Aligning with UN SDG 8 for Sustainable Growth

This research explores how tourism contributes to successfully implementing the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, mainly in terms of resilience and correlation with the sustainable development goal (SDG) 8. This paper adopts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology to examine efforts to promote tourism in support of KSA Vision 2030 and its compliance with SDG 8. Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct were the primary databases from which relevant articles were retrieved. Ten studies were finally considered eligible for the review. It is evident that the tourism industry accounts for a large percentage of the GDP reports, which highlight that tourism accounted for approximately 9% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP in 2018, equating to $65 billion. Nevertheless, there are regulatory and ecological constraints. Outcomes reveal the importance of sustainable tourism as implemented in the Al-Ula and The Red Sea projects. In addition, community engagement and digital touchpoints, such as interactive screens, digital signage, and kiosks that enhance visitor interaction, stand out as successful strategies for the future of tourism experiences. It compares findings with extant research, providing practical strategies to ensure sustainable tourism development supports Vision 2030 and global SDGs. However, it is essential to note the limitations of this study, including the small sample size of reviewed articles, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Therefore, this research has suggested the need to adopt strategic leadership, incorporate all stakeholders into the practices, and realize the value of technology in enhancing Saudi Arabia's tourism destination status.