Kingdom sees a 73% surge in international visitors, driving global tourism leadership.
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the top performer in tourism growth among G20 countries, with a 73% increase in international visitors in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019, according to the UN World Tourism Barometer. The Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists during this period, signaling its growing status as a premier global destination.
This tourism boom aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the nation’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenues. The National Tourism Strategy aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030 and increase tourism’s contribution to GDP from 6% to 10%. These ambitious goals reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a world-leading travel hub.
Experience world-class tourism in a rising global destination.
During the G20 tourism ministers’ meeting in Brazil, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb reiterated the Kingdom’s focus on fostering cultural exchange and promoting sustainable tourism. The report also noted a 207% increase in Saudi Arabia’s international tourism revenues over the same period in 2019.
Saudi Arabia is setting new standards in international tourism growth.
Globally, the tourism industry has rebounded, reaching 96% of pre-pandemic levels by July 2024. The Middle East, led by Saudi Arabia, saw international arrivals grow by 26% above 2019 figures, while Europe and the Americas recovered nearly all pre-pandemic visitors.
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