Saudi Arabia has garnered global acclaim from the UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) for welcoming more than 100 million tourists in 2023, and achieving its 2030 target seven years in advance.  

The key milestone has positioned the kingdom, which has now set a new target of 150 million tourists by 2030, as an emerging global tourism powerhouse.

The Ministry of Tourism reported that in 2023, tourism emerged as a key economic driver, with both local and global visitors contributing more than SR 250 billion ($66.67 billion). This spending, constituting over 4% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 7% of non-oil GDP, underscores tourism's vital role in diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb said that this announcement demonstrates the scale of our transformation since the National Tourism Strategy was launched five years ago.

“Tourism is a key pillar in the nation’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, creating jobs and revenue for the Kingdom. We thank both UN Tourism and WTTC as valued partners in our journey for their shared commitment to a sustainable and prosperous tourism sector.”

The kingdom's tourism sector has witnessed remarkable growth, recording a total of 106.2 million tourists in 2023. This marks a notable 56% surge from 2019 and a significant 12% increase from 2022.

Among them, international tourists reached 27.4 million, showcasing a substantial 56% rise from 2019 and an impressive 65% surge from 2022.

Minister Al Khateeb said that the tourism ecosystem continues to operate in line with the national tourism strategy by developing diverse tourist destinations.

“Our aim is to enrich the experiences of tourists, diversify options for both local and international visitors, and enhance hospitality facilities along with other services provided. We are committed to aligning with top-tier international experiences and practices.

“This approach contributes to shaping a prosperous future for our tourism industry, improving the quality of life, and bolstering the kingdom's position on the global tourism map," said the Minister. – TradeArabia News Service