Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Ranks Third Globally in International Tourism Growth in 2024

Published

2 days ago

16th December 2024

Huda

International Tourism: According to the UN Tourism Organisation, KSA records notable ranks in the number of International tourists.

The United Nations Tourism Organisation reports that Saudi Arabia’s international visitor figures have been consistently impressive. It ranks third in the world for the highest growth rate in the first eight to nine months of this year, with a growth rate of 61% compared to the same period in 2019.

A Testament to Vision 2030 Success

The tourist industry’s ongoing achievements attest to the efficacy of the Ministry of Tourism’s plans and policies, as well as the efforts of the system’s stakeholders to realise the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.

The significant increase in the number of tourists coming to the Kingdom is indicative of travellers’ confidence in its varied and alluring tourism options, further solidifying the Kingdom’s standing as a top international travel destination.

In terms of foreign visitor expenditure, the Kingdom has risen 15 spots in the world’s rankings of nations, spearheading the rising trend among the top 50 nations and placing twelfth overall in 2023 compared to 2019. In terms of the increase in foreign visitor numbers in the first seven months of 2024 over 2019, the Kingdom likewise led the G20.

The entertainment industry has taken up a significant amount of tourism; from January to the end of July of this year, Saudi Arabia received 17.5 million foreign visitors, a 10% increase from the same period the previous year and a 73% increase from the same period in 2019.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, there were 4.2 million foreign visitors for enjoyment and holidays, representing a 25% increase over the same period in 2023 and a 656% increase over the same period in 2019.

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Boom

According to data released on World Tourism Day, 4.2 million tourists arrived from overseas for leisure and vacation during the first seven months of this year. This represents a 25% increase over the same period in 2023 and an estimated 656% increase over the same period in 2019.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry has made significant strides, proving the efficacy and efficiency of the plans and strategies it has approved to develop a sustainable tourism industry in line with Saudi Vision 2030. In 2023, the country reached its goal of 100 million visitors, seven years ahead of schedule.

As per the most recent United Nations Tourism report, the World Tourism Barometer Report for September 2024, the Kingdom has been successful in solidifying its status as a major travel destination worldwide. It topped the United Nations list for the growth rate of foreign visitors in 2023 and the list of G20 countries for the growth rate of foreign tourists and international tourism revenues.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who chaired the Saudi delegation attending the 122nd session of the Executive Council of the United Nations Tourism Organisation, held in Cartagena, Colombia, where the Kingdom wrapped up its two-year presidency of the Executive Council, expressed his hope that the momentum of tourism investments will continue through forward-thinking policies and international cooperation.

Accelerating Global Tourism Growth

As head of the Council, Riyadh also aimed to further accelerate the growth of foreign tourism by instituting a general development program that prioritises sustainability, education, investment, and youth empowerment. The approach has had positive economic results and a major social impact on the global travel and tourism sector.

The United Nations Tourism Organisation, according to Al-Khatib, reiterates the common goal for the sustained success of international tourism and emphasises the need for creative models to protect the industry, generate investment, and foster strategic alliances.

During the Saudi presidency, tourism has become a key engine of global economic expansion, and by 2024, it is projected to generate $11 trillion in yearly spending, or 10% of the world’s GDP. Demand, growing middle-class travel in emerging nations, and improved air connections are all likely to boost the contribution.

Saudi Arabia is attempting to make the tourist industry a sustainable one, as well as to offer long-term employment possibilities and avenues for economic mobility for women, young people, and rural populations. In addition to promoting cultural interaction, the all-encompassing approach to tourism will likely bring in 1.5 billion foreign visitors by the end of 2024.