Saudi Arabia Sets New Visitor Record, Aims Higher for 2030

Saudi Arabia witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism in 2023, welcoming 106.2 million visitors, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism announced on Tuesday. This figure marks a 56% increase compared to 2019 and a 12% rise from 2022. The kingdom’s international tourist arrivals also saw a significant jump, reaching 27.4 million, which is a 65% increase from the previous year. These statistics underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing stature as a leading destination in the global tourism sector.

The impressive growth in tourism has prompted the ministry to aim for an ambitious target of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030. Tourism has become a crucial part of Saudi Arabia’s economy, contributing over 250 billion Saudi riyals (approximately $66.66 billion) in 2023 alone. This accounts for more than 4% of the nation’s gross domestic product and 7% of its non-oil GDP.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb highlighted the transformative impact of the National Tourism Strategy over the past five years, emphasizing the development of diverse tourist destinations and the enhancement of hospitality facilities. Al Khateeb’s vision is to enrich tourist experiences, offer a variety of options to both domestic and international visitors, and bolster the overall quality of services.