INNOVATION IN TOURISM: EVALUATING A MILLION DOLLAR GUIDE APP FOR JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Tourism stands as a pivotal economic driver, underscored by both scholars and governments globally. Recent emphasis on this sector is evident in Saudi Arabia, where it constitutes a cornerstone of the nation's 2030 Vision. This transformative initiative seeks to diversify the economy, reducing its reliance on oil revenue in favor of alternative streams, with tourism emerging as a focal point. Notably, Riyadh and Jeddah, as major urban centers, have been at the forefront of this tourism drive. The establishment of the official Saudi tourism website in 2019 further solidifies the nation's commitment to this endeavor, garnering attention on the international stage.

This paradigm shift towards prioritizing tourism has engendered a surge of innovative ideas and initiatives aimed at amplifying Saudi Arabia's appeal to travelers. In tandem with the launch of the tourist visa program, a novel project is poised to complement this vision. This undertaking envisages an application tailored for Jeddah, offering visitors seamless access to the city's pivotal landmarks across various categories, including tourism, culture, sports, religion, and commerce, facilitated by mapping platforms like Google Maps, Bing Maps, and their counterparts. The choice of Jeddah as the launch site stems from its status as the third most frequented city in Saudi Arabia, following the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, positioning it as the de facto tourism hub of the nation