Saudi Arabia on track to have 320,000 new hotel rooms to accommodate the projected influx of tourist RIYADH: Investments in water parks are set to bolster Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, as the Kingdom eyes attracting over 150 million visitors by the end of the decade, experts said. Aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification efforts, Saudi Arabia is also on track to have 320,000 new hotel rooms to accommodate the projected influx of tourists. According to experts, apart from developing mega cities and heritage sites, the tourism sector will be equally benefited if water parks of international standards are developed in the Kingdom. Speaking to Arab News, Devanshu Mathur, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group said that the emergence of these aquatic attractions will diversify the Kingdom’s entertainment offerings, attracting a broad range of visitors, domestic and international. “In neighboring countries like UAE and Qatar, water parks have proven to be powerful tourist magnets, drawing millions of visitors and boosting their economies,” said Mathur. He added: “One of the key advantages of water parks in the Middle East is their ability to provide year-round entertainment, making them highly attractive to visitors seeking respite from the heat. This potential is already evident in Saudi Arabia’s thriving mid-scale water park scene.” Mathur also noted that facilities such as Water Village and the recently launched Cyan Water Park in Jeddah showcase the strong domestic appetite for water-based entertainment in the Kingdom. The vast potential of water parks in Saudi Arabia is also evident in the recently announced Aquarabia at Qiddiya City, which will be the largest such attraction in the world. BCG also noted that their recent survey indicated the popularity of water parks among Saudis. According to the survey, over 70 percent of the Kingdom’s residents are interested in visiting water parks, indicating the mammoth potential of this sector in contributing to the county’s gross domestic product. The vitality of including of aquatic amenities in resorts As Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global tourist destination, experts believe that the rising number of visitors reaching the Kingdom could create tough competition among resorts, and additional aquatic amenities in these facilities will give them a cutting edge over others. A joint study conducted by water park designer WhiteWater and Hotel & Leisure Advisers noted that the inclusion of these attractions will increase guest satisfaction and financial success of hotels and resorts. “With a surge in visitors to the Kingdom anticipated, properties across the country have a unique opportunity to stand out from the crowd by strategically planning their amenities from the ground up,” said WhiteWater in a statement. It added: “Neighboring destinations like Dubai and Qatar offer valuable insights, highlighting the power of well-designed aquatic features in attracting families, enhancing guest satisfaction, and driving positive financial results. “As Saudi Arabia establishes itself as a major tourist hub, incorporating aquatic attractions could be a strategic decision, propelling the industry toward continued success.” The report highlighted that hotels in the Middle East region featuring water parks achieved an average revenue per available room level 53 percent higher than the regional figure. According to the analysis, some of the amenities which resorts and hotels could try to incorporate into their facilities include water slides, rides, wave pools, splash pads, surf simulators, and multi-level play structures. Jeremy Gray, vice president for business development at WhiteWater, said: “These attractions enhance guest satisfaction and create unique selling points, setting these properties apart in a competitive market. “The significant uptick in occupancy and revenue metrics underscores the value of investing in such features. Water-based attractions attract families and thrill-seekers, translating into tangible financial benefits for the hotels.” The report also highlighted an example of success which happened in Atlantis Dubai, which features over 2,300 rooms with additional villas. According to the analysis, after the opening of Adventure World in 2008 Atlantis Dubai was able to fund its expansions through the profits of its investment in the park, along with attracting repeated guests. “In 2023, the water park attracted 35-40 percent of visitors from the connected hotels and 60-65 percent from tourists and residents who purchased day passes for an approximate attendance of 1.8 million over the year,” the report said about Atlantis Dubai. Mathur also echoed similar views and noted that an integrated resort accommodation within the water parks could positively impact their profitability. “Integrated on-site accommodations is a game-changer for water parks, turning them into comprehensive leisure destinations. This approach invites visitors to extend their stay and significantly boosts spending. For example, Dubai’s Atlantis the Palm is a prime example of how integrated resorts can captivate local and international audiences,” noted the BCG official. Steps to elevate the appeal of water parks Mathur told Arab News that Saudi Arabia must integrate a set of key amenities that not only elevate visitor satisfaction but encourage longer stays and broaden the parks’ appeal to transform these sites into world-class destinations. According to the BCG official, developing an enhanced kid zone is one of the crucial things which can be incorporated into these facilities to attract more families. “While almost all waterparks have a dedicated traditional kids’ zone with a few kids’ splash pools and play structures, the current trend among leading global water parks is to have enhanced zones with sophisticated and miniaturized versions of rides and slides,” said Mathur. He added: “Splashers Lagoon & Cove at Aquaventure in the UAE or Turi’s Kid Cove at Aquatica in the US are great examples of how enhanced kids’ zones can help create an inclusive environment appealing to all ages, attracting and retaining family visitors.” According to Mathur, another way to enhance the appeal of water parks in the Kingdom is by offering diverse dining and retail experiences. He noted that a wide array of dining options and retail outlets are essential to enriching the visitor experience, catering to diverse tastes and preferences, and creating additional revenue streams. “For instance, Qatar’s Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, nestled within the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, demonstrates how well-curated dining and shopping venues can enhance guest engagement and satisfaction beyond the water attractions themselves,” said Mathur. The BCG official added: “These enhancements are essential to create memorable experiences, encourage repeat visits, and establish the parks as must-visit destinations.”