Visitor numbers to Saudi Arabia have been rapidly increasing, with about 5 million inbound travellers visiting Jeddah in 2017, said a report.

Tourist arrivals in the kingdom is projected to increase further with numbers expected to increase by 20 per cent in 2018, said a report in Saudi Gazette.

The anticipated increase in inbound traveller numbers can be attributed to the new visa rules, which will grant citizens of 65 counties permission to get a tourist visa, the report said.

To further boost tourism, the kingdom has lined up a number of festivals and activities including plansa for the second largest museum in the kingdom, said Mohammad Al-Amri, general manager of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).

"Jeddah will be promoted to be one of the three global cities in the Kingdom as it has accommodation solutions for visitors, activities and various experiences," said Al-Amri.