Dhaka, Nov. 9 -- Saudi Arabia is shifting its tourism strategy to include more affordable travel options, moving beyond the ultra-luxury resorts that have defined its early tourism push, according to Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb.

Speaking on the sidelines of the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Al-Khateeb said the kingdom is developing a wider range of destinations targeting middle- and upper-middle-income travelers, alongside expanding accommodation options for religious pilgrims.

"We started with luxury destinations for high-end travelers, but now we're focusing on building destinations for the middle class and upper middle class," Al-Khateeb said. "We will not overlook this important segment."

Tourism is a key component o...