Saudi Arabia's Tourism Sector Sees Significant Growth, Driven by Vision 2030

Riyadh, October 2, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia's tourism sector has seen remarkable growth, particularly in the leisure and holiday segments, thanks to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiatives, according to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism marking World Tourism Day on September 27.

The Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists between January and July 2024, reflecting a 10% increase over the same period in 2023 and a 73% jump compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Notably, tourists arriving for entertainment and holiday purposes surged by an astonishing 656%, with 4.2 million visitors in the first seven months of 2024—a 25% increase over last year.

These gains underscore the success of Vision 2030, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global tourism hub. Initially targeting 100 million tourists by 2030, the Kingdom achieved this milestone in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule.

The UN World Tourism Barometer recently recognized Saudi Arabia as the fastest-growing G20 country in terms of international tourist arrivals and tourism revenues. This growth highlights the Kingdom's strategic efforts to develop sustainable tourism, enhance infrastructure, and position itself as a premier global destination.

The ministry’s statement emphasized that these achievements are a testament to the Kingdom's long-term vision, affirming its place as a key player in the global tourism sector.