The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing qualitative transformations in the tourism sector, supported by Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and open new horizons for investment, especially in rural and mountainous areas. Amidst this trend, the “Rural Tourism” project emerges as a golden opportunity, combining enjoyment, exploration, and education, and giving visitors a genuine agricultural life experience. This addresses Feasibility study for a tourism project A recreational rural resort in the suburbs of Taif, Abha, or Al-Baha, areas characterized by natural beauty, mild weather, and growing demand for domestic tourism. The project idea focuses on offering rural activities such as interactive farming, horseback riding, educational workshops, and animal feeding, along with selling fresh organic products from the farm.

First: The general idea of the project

✅ Suggested activities:

• Interactive Farming: Providing visitors with the opportunity to experience hands-on farming, such as planting seedlings, picking fruits, and learning about modern irrigation methods.
• Horse and camel riding Providing safe paths and trained supervisors to offer a distinguished experience for children and adults.
• Pet feeding: Establish an open area housing animals such as sheep, goats, ducks, and chickens, allowing visitors to feed and interact with them.
• Agricultural and educational workshops: Organizing educational workshops for students and schools on organic farming, water recycling, and environmental conservation.
• Rural products: Selling organic products such as honey, milk, cheese, herbs, fresh vegetables, and fruits.
• Recreational Activities Children's play area, family sessions, cafe serving rustic drinks and food.

Second: The ideal location for the project

Proposed location: The outskirts of Taif, Abha, or Al BahaConsidering the following:

• The beauty of nature. These regions include green plains, stunning mountains, and a mild climate.
• Tourist request: It is a major tourist destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
• Accessibility Its proximity to major cities, airports, and urban centers.
• Agricultural land availability Affordable spaces are available.

Third: Target Audience

• Saudi Families Especially for mothers seeking recreational and educational experiences for their children in a natural and safe environment.
• School and university students: By organizing guided educational trips.
• Domestic and Gulf tourists: Especially during holiday seasons and summer.
• Community initiatives like charities or environmental sustainability initiatives.

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Fourth: Project Features

Lower operating costs compared to other tourism projects

The rural recreational project is considered relatively low-cost compared to resorts or urban hotel or tourism projects. The basic facilities are simple and do not require complex infrastructure or luxurious equipment. For example:

• No need for central air conditioning or expensive hotel systems.
• Labor costs are lower, as the project can be run with a limited team.
• The construction materials are rustic in nature (wood, mud, traditional seating), which are low-cost and desirable to visitors.

Therefore, the project can be started with moderate capital and gradually expanded according to revenue.

1. Diversity of income sources (entrance fees, product sales, educational workshops, horse rentals)

One of the most prominent advantages of this project is the multiplicity and diversity of income sources, which reduces the risks associated with relying on a single revenue model. For example:

• Admission fees: Charging visitors a nominal fee ensures a steady income.
• Selling rural products: Through a small shop selling organic fruits and vegetables, natural honey, local cheeses, and handmade soaps.
• Workshops Workshops can be organized for children and school students on agriculture, animal husbandry, and recycling for a fee.
• Horse rentals and recreational tours: Paid horse rides with separate fees increase profit margins.
• Cafe or bistro It offers traditional rustic cuisine at competitive prices and is considered an independent source of income.
• This diversity allows for flexible cash flow, even during times of low seasonal demand.

1. Increasing demand for rural tourism and interactive experiences

The rural tourism sector is witnessing remarkable growth, driven by several factors:

• Saudi families are gravitating towards authentic and interactive experiences. Instead of traditional visits to malls and restaurants.
• The desire of schools and educational bodies in organizing educational trips that include practical activities and environmental education.
• Greater awareness of organic products and sustainable agriculture, thus increasing the value of the activities and products offered.

Tourism studies in the Kingdom indicate that More than 401,000 local visitors are seeking rural and cultural experienceswhich is a significant percentage that can be effectively targeted.

 

1. Scalability for a small resort, guesthouse, or seasonal event hosting

The project can be considered a “core” that is expandable in the future, and expansion opportunities include:

• Addition of rural accommodation units (guesthouses): To enable visitors to stay for one night or more within an integrated experience.
•  Organizing seasonal festivals: Such as a Honey Festival, Agricultural Week, or “Farm Day” event, which enhances media presence and income.
• Add additional activities Like yoga retreats in nature, or summer camps for children during school holidays.
• Specialized Workshops for Adults: Such as beekeeping, hydroponics, or household waste recycling.

All these expansions can be achieved gradually and according to demand and achieved financial returns.

1. Significant government support for agriculture and domestic tourism projects through financing and empowerment programs.

The Kingdom currently offers unprecedented opportunities for investors in the rural and tourism sectors, through financing, training, and advisory programs, most notably:

 “Rif” Program (Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program)

• provides financial support up to 54,000 Saudi Riyals annually For smallholder agricultural producers.
• Support includes projects such as beekeeping, organic farming, and marketing of rural products.

Tourism Development Fund

• It provides soft loans and financial facilities for rural and family tourism projects.
• It provides consulting support for new investors, feasibility studies, and training.

Programs for empowering women and entrepreneurs:

• Private financing for women in rural areas.
• Supporting youth entrepreneurship through programs like “Monsh'at” and ”Wa'ed”.

This government support forms a safety net for the investor, eases the financial burden, and increases the project's chances of success in a short period.

 

Fifth: Estimated Financial Feasibility

📊 Capital Expenditures (One-time)

Item	Cost (SAR)
Buy or rent rural land (10,000 m²)	200,000
Create reception facilities and outdoor seating	120,000
Barns and animal enclosures setup	80,000
Buying pets and care supplies	50,000
Construction of the cafe and product sales area	70,000
Initial Marketing (Print + Advertising)	30,000
Workshop and training equipment	20,000
Estimated total	570,000

Monthly operating costs

Item	Monthly Cost (SAR)
Salaries for employees (5 people)	25,000
Animal nutrition and maintenance	5,000
Agricultural supplies	4,000
Electricity, water, and telecommunications	3,000
Marketing and periodic maintenance	3,000
Monthly total	40,000 riyals

VI: Estimated Annual Revenue

Source of income	Monthly estimate	Annual appraisal
Admission fees (5000 visitors x 30 SAR)	150,000	1,800,000
Sell organic products	15,000	180,000
Organizing workshops and school visits	10,000	120,000
Horse riding and tours	5,000	60,000
Annual total		2,160,000 SAR

Expected net profit after the first year:
2,160,000 - (570,000 + 480,000) = 1,110,000 Saudi Riyals

According to ToSaudi Tourism Authority:

• The number of domestic tourists to the Taif, Abha, and Al-Baha regions exceeded 6.8 million visitors in 2023.

• 41% of tourists They prefer interactive and rustic activities.

• witnessed Recreational farms grew by 231% During the past three years in the Kingdom.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions

• Can this project be funded through government programs?

Yes, like the Riff program for agricultural projects, and the Tourism Development Fund, which supports rural tourism projects.

• Is agricultural experience required to start the project?

Not required, but it is recommended to use an agricultural supervisor or hire a consultant at the beginning to ensure the quality of the experience.

• What is the best time to launch a project?

The summer season and school holidays are ideal for starting a trial run due to the high demand during these periods.

• Is the project suitable for women or families for investment?

Certainly, the project is entirely suitable for women and families as a joint or individual venture, especially given the government support available for female entrepreneurs.

Summary:

Investing in a rural recreational tourism project is a smart step that leverages nature and local culture, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and education amidst the countryside. Through Feasibility study for a tourism project This way, a balance can be achieved between profit and sustainability, and between education and entertainment, in one of the Kingdom's fastest-growing sectors.

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