Speaking virtually at TOURISE 2025 in Riyadh in November, Sir Richard Branson reflected on his decades-long mission to make space accessible through Virgin Galactic, and on the deeper meaning of space tourism beyond the technology and spectacle.
Branson said his entrepreneurial decisions have always been “instinctive and purpose-driven” – born out of frustration with the status quo and guided by the desire to “make people’s lives better.” He described Virgin Galactic as the next logical step in that philosophy: “People want to go to space themselves, to look back at this incredible Earth and marvel at it.”
Making space human and accessible
Branson revealed Virgin Galactic’s goal to fly up to 800 people a year, more than the total number of astronauts in the entire history of spaceflight. The company is now designing its spacecraft to be “turned around in 24 to 48 hours” – more like airplanes than rockets – to make space travel more frequent and affordable.
He confirmed that Virgin Galactic is exploring new spaceports beyond New Mexico, potentially including international locations, to “bring space closer to more people.”
“Space should be for everyone,” Branson said. “We want to change the world for good through access to space.”
The journey, not the destination
When asked whether the essence of space travel lies in the journey or the destination, Branson answered candidly: “The destination is not likely to happen in our lifetime – not the Moon or Mars. The journey itself is what people are looking for.”
He likened Virgin Galactic’s current work to the early days of aviation: “Just as the Wright Brothers’ first flight was the beginning of commercial air travel, what we’re doing now is the start of something that will inspire generations to come.”
Balancing dream and reality
Branson also acknowledged that space tourism, like earlier revolutions in travel – railways, aviation, cruises – will produce “unexpected winners and losers.” The challenge, he said, is to keep space exploration purposeful and inclusive, not elitist.
Drawing parallels with Virgin Voyages, his adults-only cruise line, and Virgin Atlantic, now flying to Saudi Arabia in its 40th year, he said: “Whether by air, sea, or space – travel is about joy, curiosity, and connection. My own flight to space was the most extraordinary day of my life, and I want to share that feeling with others.”
Branson closed with a call to continue exploring: “We want to create the heroes of the future – to make room for the next generation by building a space line for Earth.”
