Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, particularly the leisure and holiday segments, witnessed substantial growth in 2024.
In a statement marking World Tourism Day, observed every year on September 27, the ministry said that the Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists between January and July 2024, a 10 percent increase over the same period in 2023 and a 73 percent increase compared to the 2019 figures.
Most striking is the 656 percent increase in the number of tourists arriving specifically for entertainment and holiday purposes. The ministry said that 4.2 million tourists arrived for these purposes in the first seven months of 2024, a 25 percent increase over the previous year and an enormous leap over pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
These impressive results highlight the success of the Kingdom’s long-term tourism strategy, under Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a global tourism destination. The Kingdom had set the goal of 100 million tourists by 2030, but achieved this milestone in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule.
Saudi Arabia was acknowledged as the fastest-growing G20 country in the latest UN World Tourism Barometer report. According to September report, Saudi Arabia leads both in the growth of international tourist numbers and in tourism revenues.
These figures underscore the Kingdom’s strategic focus on developing a sustainable tourism sector, improving infrastructure, and promoting Saudi Arabia as a premier global destination, SPA reported.
Saudi leisure tourism surges by 656% in 2024: Tourism Ministry
- The Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists between January and July 2024, a 10 percent increase over the same period in 2023
- The Kingdom had set the goal of 100 million tourists by 2030, but achieved this milestone in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule.
Today's Headlines
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
The Gulf country is setting a new benchmark for supporting working mothers by doubling the mandated maternity leave to 120 days, Kathryn Martin VFS Global tell TRENDS.
The Fourth of July is a sacred day in our country. A day of history, of hope, remembrance and resolve with promise and possibilities. Before me stands monuments of the…
The government would provide thirty-five percent of the investments The rest of it, sixty-five percent, will come from the private sector Saudi Arabia expects to generate $150 billion from investments…
PwC forecasts that AI could contribute US$320 billion to Middle Eastern economies by 2030, with healthcare predicted to see some of the largest gains relative to its current size
Majority of tenders issued are part of Bahrain’s $32 billion infrastructure development plans Oil and gas $767m, aviation $382m, construction and engineering $194m, materials and equipment $119m Bahrain…