How to Start a Tourism Company Business in KSA

Introduction

Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the most exciting tourism destinations in the world, thanks to the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. With the government aiming to welcome over 100 million tourists annually by the end of the decade, there is a massive push to diversify the economy through leisure, cultural, religious, and adventure tourism.

How to Start a Tourism Company Business in KSA

From the ancient Nabatean city of AlUla to the futuristic mega-projects like NEOM and The Red Sea Project, the Kingdom is investing heavily in transforming itself into a world-class tourism hub. This creates a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start a tourism company in KSA.

Whether your focus is inbound tours, religious pilgrimages (Umrah/Hajj facilitation), luxury desert safaris, eco-tourism, or cultural experiences, the business potential is immense — provided you meet the local licensing, operational, and regulatory expectations.

This is where Aviaan steps in as your strategic partner, offering end-to-end support to help you launch, structure, fund, and operate your tourism business smoothly in the Kingdom.

Market Demand & Opportunity in KSA

Vision 2030 and Government Support

The Saudi government has earmarked billions of dollars toward tourism infrastructure and liberalized visa policies, including:

e-Visa program for tourists from over 60 countries
Religious Tourism Development for Hajj and Umrah
Investment in new destinations like AlUla, Diriyah Gate, and The Line (NEOM)

High Spending Tourist Segments

Saudi Arabia is targeting:

Luxury travelers seeking premium experiences
Cultural tourists exploring Islamic history and heritage
Adventure seekers for desert and nature-based travel
Pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah

Untapped Niche Markets

There is rising demand in:

Women-only group tours
Sustainable/eco-tourism
Medical and wellness travel
Youth travel programs

Regulatory Requirements for Tourism Companies

License from the Ministry of Tourism (MT)

Tourism companies must obtain a license from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, specifying the type of services:

Tour operator
Tourist guide agency
Travel agent (domestic/international)
Hajj and Umrah services (separate license from Ministry of Hajj)

ZATCA Registration

If your revenue exceeds the threshold, you must register for VAT with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) and issue tax-compliant invoices.

Office Space & Local Presence

Physical office space and a local commercial registration (CR) are often required. You may also need to register your trade name and obtain municipality permits for operating in touristic zones.

Saudization Compliance

The company must meet Nitaqat Saudization requirements, ensuring local talent is hired for certain roles such as customer service, logistics, and guiding.

How Aviaan Can Help Launch Your Tourism Company in KSA

Company Formation & Licensing

Aviaan provides complete business setup services in Saudi Arabia tailored for tourism startups. We assist with:

Choosing the right legal structure (LLC, branch, sole proprietorship)
Registering your business with the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Tourism
Obtaining activity-specific tourism licenses (tour operator, travel agency, etc.)
Registering for municipality, signage, and labor permits
Navigating the Hajj and Umrah licensing process if applicable

We also guide you on business naming, Arabic translations, and ensuring your company complies with Saudi foreign ownership laws and SAGIA/MISA regulations.

Feasibility Study & Go-to-Market Strategy

Aviaan helps you validate your tourism concept with a tailored feasibility study that includes:

Market analysis for religious, cultural, and adventure segments
Customer profiling and demand projections
Pricing benchmarks for tours, packages, and guides
Competitive mapping and differentiation opportunities

We then translate these insights into a go-to-market strategy covering:

Service portfolio (inbound, group tours, events)
Channel selection (direct bookings, OTA, travel partners)
Operational planning (vehicle fleet, guides, bookings)

Accounting, Payroll & VAT Compliance

Our accounting experts help you maintain clear financials right from launch. Services include:

Setting up cloud-based accounting software
Payroll setup for local and expat employees
Travel package cost modeling and profit margin tracking
Managing commissions and tour partner payouts
VAT registration and ZATCA-compliant invoicing

We ensure you are audit-ready, properly filing VAT returns, and maintaining transparency with both authorities and investors.

Business Plan Development & Investor Readiness

Aviaan crafts high-impact business plans tailored for bank loans, investor presentations, and government incentives. Each plan includes:

Executive summary and founder vision
Tourism opportunity and scalability outlook
Operational model and team structure
Financial projections (cash flow, break-even, ROI)
Risk analysis and regulatory roadmap

This business plan can be submitted for funding rounds, franchise partnerships, or MISA approval for foreign investment.

Fundraising & Pitch Deck Creation

If you’re seeking to raise capital, Aviaan develops powerful investor materials:

Visually appealing pitch decks with KPIs, traction, and TAM analysis
Financial models including CAC, LTV, revenue streams
Structuring term sheets and valuation scenarios
Introductions to angel investors, tourism venture funds, and banks

We also advise on government-backed financing schemes, such as the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) or KAFALA loan guarantee program.

Post-Launch Support & Expansion Strategy

Aviaan continues to support your tourism business even after launch through:

License renewals and regulatory filings
Budget tracking and marketing ROI audits
Branch expansion in Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, etc.
E-commerce and OTA platform integration
Human resource services including Saudization planning

We act as your outsourced business advisory partner to ensure you’re not just compliant but also growing.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is set for exponential growth over the next decade, and launching a company in this space right now means entering at the ground floor. But success depends on more than just passion — it requires strategic setup, strong financials, local compliance, and ongoing support.

With Aviaan by your side, you gain a partner who understands both the regulatory landscape and the unique opportunities of the Saudi tourism market. From licensing and feasibility to fundraising and expansion, Aviaan is your one-stop solution for launching a successful tourism company in KSA.

How to Start a Fashion Industry Business in KSA
How to Start a Waste Management Business in KSA
How to Start an E-Commerce Business in KSA
How to Start a Real Estate Business in KSA
How to Start an Event Management Business in KSA
How to Start an Agriculture Business in KSA
How to Start a Manufacturing Business in KSA
How to Start a Logistics Business in KSA
How to Start a Ride Hailing & Fleet Management Business in KSA
How to Start a Salon Business in KSA