OECD Case Study Explores Advances in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Data, Statistics Systems

The Ministry of Tourism contributed to an international report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), titled “Using Alternative Data Sources and Tools to Measure and Monitor Tourism,” in which Saudi Arabia was the only country in the Middle East to be featured as a distinguished case study.
 The case study highlighted the Ministry of Tourism’s Data and Decision Support Deputyship, focusing on its methodologies and tools for collecting, processing, and sharing travel and tourism data to support informed decision-making.
 Saudi Arabia was featured among distinguished case studies that included Austria, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, and Portugal, in a new achievement that reflects the Kingdom's advanced position in the tourism and data sector.
 The case study highlights the ministry’s efforts to develop digital tools and methodologies for measuring tourism performance, particularly in areas such as sustainability and the use of big data and artificial intelligence to support decision-making.
 This active participation in preparing the OECD report is part of the ministry’s efforts to develop Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector into a sustainable economic contributor by adopting global best practices, boosting international cooperation, and leveraging data and innovation to support decisions and shape policies.
 The study emphasizes combining traditional data sources, such as visitor surveys and administrative records, with innovative sources like geolocation data from mobile phones, point-of-sale transactions, and accommodation booking records. It also highlights the use of advanced analytical tools based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, while adhering to principles and standards for personal data protection during data preparation and processing.
 The study outlines several key objectives, including improving the accuracy of tourism data by integrating multiple sources to deliver real-time, detailed insights for decision-making. It also focuses on analyzing visitor behavior using point-of-sale and accommodation data to track spending patterns and forecast demand. Artificial intelligence is leveraged to enhance the accuracy of tourism forecasts, while geographic coverage is expanded from the national level down to individual destinations. The study also emphasizes data governance, with a dedicated management office ensuring compliance with national regulations, particularly those related to personal data protection.
 The study produced several recommendations, notably emphasizing the importance of diversifying data sources, strengthening cooperation between public and private entities, ensuring sustainable project financing, and maintaining transparent communication with the public to build trust in the use of non-traditional data while protecting privacy.
 This initiative represents a strategic step toward creating a smart and sustainable tourism ecosystem that enhances Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourist destination. It is also part of a broader series of international efforts by the Ministry of Tourism to elevate the Kingdom’s global standing, exchange expertise, and promote knowledge transfer in support of Saudi Vision 2030.
 The case study on Saudi Arabia is available at: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/using-alternative-data-sources-and-tools-to-measure-and-monitor-tourism_2a655ab8-en/the-data-and-decision-support-deputyship-in-saudi-arabia_89d72ebe-en.html.