Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector contributed to a record-breaking $36 (SR135 billion) in spending by international visitors. The surge, reported by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), represents a substantial 42.8 percent increase from the previous year.
The Kingdom’s remarkable performance in tourism was further highlighted by its leading position in the United Nations Tourism rankings for growth in international tourist arrivals. In 2023, Saudi Arabia witnessed a remarkable 56 percent increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2019, as per the World Tourism Barometer report by the United Nations Tourism Organization.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia experienced a significant rebound in tourism, with a remarkable 156 percent increase in tourist numbers in 2023 compared to 2019. This robust recovery underscores the Kingdom’s pivotal role in the Middle East’s tourism sector and its global significance in the industry’s resurgence post-COVID-19.
The United Nations’ tourism report also noted a substantial rise in both inbound and domestic tourism within the Kingdom, reinforcing its reputation as a premier global tourism destination. This surge in tourist numbers reflects growing confidence among travelers in Saudi Arabia’s diverse and appealing tourism offerings.
Celebrating a significant milestone, the Ministry of Tourism announced that Saudi Arabia welcomed over 100 million tourists by the end of 2023, surpassing the target set by Saudi Vision 2030 seven years ahead of schedule. With over 106 million domestic and international visitors, this achievement marks a 56 percent increase from 2019 and a 12 percent increase from the previous year.