Saudi Arabia Sees Surge in International Tourism in 2024
In a remarkable boost for the tourism sector, Saudi Arabia welcomed approximately 17.5 million tourists from abroad in the first seven months of 2024. This figure marks a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and a staggering 73% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2019. The data was released by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism to coincide with World Tourism Day, highlighting the Kingdom's growing appeal as a travel destination.
Entertainment Tourism Thrives
Among these visitors, 4.2 million traveled for entertainment and leisure purposes, showcasing a 25% growth from the previous year and an astonishing 656% growth compared to 2019. This surge in entertainment tourism underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Vision 2030: A Blueprint for Success
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) emphasized that this progress reflects the effectiveness of the Kingdom's strategies under Vision 2030, aimed at developing a sustainable tourism sector. Notably, Saudi Arabia achieved its ambitious target of 100 million tourists in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule. The Kingdom's efforts have positioned it as a leading global tourist destination, as evidenced by its ranking at the top of the United Nations list for growth in international tourism among G20 countries in the latest World Tourism Barometer Report.
