In an unprecedented football revolution, the Saudi Pro League made headlines globally by signing some of Europe’s best football players during the summer transfer window.
The arrival of iconic names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Aleksander Mitrovic, and even Brazilian superstar Neymar marked a shift that went beyond the realm of sports.
This captivating spectacle, however, is not just about the beautiful game; it is a strategic move aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify its economy and position itself as a major player in global football tourism.
The Vision Saudi Pro League 2030 Blueprint:
Initiated on April 25, 2016, Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive plan to break its 65-year reliance on oil and attract tourists to its shores. While UNESCO Heritage sites and futuristic projects grabbed headlines, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, led by General Secretary Ibrahim Alkassim and backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), acquired the country’s top four clubs – Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli. This strategic move aimed not only to recruit elite talent but to transform Saudi Arabia into a global football nation.
Football Tourism’s Economic Impact:
The idea of football tourism may seem niche to neutral observers, but its economic impact is undeniable. Simon Chadwick, a professor of Sport and Geopolitical Economy, highlights the economic boost football tourism brings, referencing figures from the English Premier League, where millions of visitors spend on travel, accommodation, transportation, dining, and cultural experiences. The Saudi Pro League, with its star-studded signings, is poised to tap into this lucrative market and potentially shift the balance in the world of football tourism.
Ronaldo’s Impact on Saudi Pro League:
When Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr, it elevated the Saudi Pro League to new heights. The PIF-owned clubs’ major signings not only transformed the league’s global visibility but also connected it to the broader umbrella of entertainment. This shift has not only attracted attention worldwide but has also sparked interest among fans in the GCC region to travel to Saudi Arabia to witness these star-studded games, marking a reversal in the traditional flow of football tourism.
Saudi Pro League as a Catalyst for Tourism:
Football has a proven track record of breathing life into destinations, turning them into must-visit spots. The case of Andrés Iniesta elevating his hometown, Fuentealbilla, into a tourist attraction after a brief mention is just one example. The “Nakata effect” in 1998, where Japanese tourists flocked to Italy to watch Hidetoshi Nakata play, illustrates the substantial impact a single player can have on tourism. The Saudi Pro League’s strategic approach to promoting tourism through football aligns with successful models from Europe and South America.
Saudi Arabia as a Football-Centric Tourist Destination:
The Saudi Pro League’s star-studded line-up provides an opportunity for tourists to explore Saudi Arabia through the lens of football. Whether it’s watching Karim Benzema leading Al-Ittihad to victory or witnessing Riyad Mahrez’s skills at Al-Ahli, football enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Saudi football while exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage. The proximity of football stadiums to iconic destinations like Mecca and Ad-Dir’iyah makes the experience even more enticing.
Diversification Beyond Football:
Saudi Arabia’s vision extends beyond football, encompassing a broad spectrum of sports, from boxing to F1, UFC to golf. This diversification strategy positions the country as a multifaceted tourist destination. Visitors have the opportunity to combine various sporting events, such as attending a football match and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, offering a diverse and engaging experience for tourists.
While there may be some resistance to Saudi Arabia’s football power grab, the long-term vision aims at establishing a globally recognized football league and legitimizing the kingdom as a premier tourist destination. The summer of star-studded signings has transformed Saudi Arabia’s football landscape, and the country hopes to leverage this change to attract tourists from around the world. As football continues to be a great equalizer, the Saudi Pro League’s journey represents a paradigm shift in the world of sports and tourism, inviting enthusiasts to explore the beauty of Saudi Arabia beyond the football pitch.