Aseer Development Authority at the Global Investment Forum in the Hospitality Sector
Safar 05, 1447 AH — Corresponding to July 29, 2025
The Aseer Development Authority took part in the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) in Hong Kong, as part of its ongoing efforts to showcase investment opportunities and promote the region’s unique potential to both local and global investors. The Authority’s participation aimed to spotlight promising prospects in Aseer’s tourism sector under the umbrella of the “Invest Saudi” initiative.
The participation of the Aseer Region Development Authority included hosting an introductory pavilion within the accompanying exhibition, as well as participation in panel discussions and meetings with global investors participating in the forum.
On the other hand, the forum began with a panel discussion titled “Investment Enablers in Tourism,” featuring Eng. Sultan Al-Shahri, Executive Director of the Investment Sector at the Aseer Region Development Authority. In his remarks, he pointed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to diversifying its economy through high-impact mega-projects that leverage national capabilities and open new economic horizons. He emphasized that opening avenues for international partnerships is among the key pillars upon which the investment strategy in the Aseer Region is based, in addition to creating a sustainable economic experience grounded in commitment.
He added that the Aseer Region Development Strategy is centered on tourism and relies on the uniqueness of people and place in the region. Investments in the Aseer Region have reached tens of billions, and what is happening in Aseer reflects the Kingdom’s broader investment and economic aspirations to position Aseer as the leading tourism destination in the Kingdom and a year-round global destination.
Compared to other global destinations, the Aseer Region seeks to strike a balance between “quantity” and “quality” by creating sustainable investments that preserve natural, heritage, and cultural assets. Abha city in Aseer is among the cities nominated as part of the Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which stimulates the creation of high-quality, global investment opportunities in the Aseer Region.
The participation of the Aseer Region Development Authority in the forum coincides with the nearing end of this year’s summer season, which recorded exceptional figures, as approximately 1,120,866 visitors toured Aseer over the past seven months. The number of visits to the Aseer Region increased compared to 2022, rising from 6.8 million visits to 7.6 million visits in 2023.