Saudi Arabia saw a huge jump in tourist arrivals for the first seven months of the year. According to the Ministry of Tourism, figures rose by 58 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
Additionally, Saudi ranked second on the global list of countries with the highest tourist influx as of July 2023. The data is from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer.
Toward a bigger goal
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb noted that this growth in the country’s tourist arrivals “would not have been possible without the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince.”
Previously, Saudi has announced its goal to attract 70 million international tourists annually by 2030. This is part of the country’s $800 billion initiative to make Saudi a premier destination among travelers.
Saudi, along with other nations in the Middle East, delivered a strong first-quarter performance in tourism. The Middle East is the only region to exceed 2019 arrival figures after it recorded a 15 percent growth. It is also the first region to fully regain pre-pandemic numbers within a single quarter.
Global tourism
All of these developments affirm Saudi’s commitment to the worldwide tourism industry. From September 27 to 28, Riyadh, Saudi’s capital city, also hosted World Tourism Day celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, Al-Khateeb remarked, “Since embarking on our tourism journey, Saudi Arabia has been committed to enhancing the sector and generating an impact that extends beyond borders.”
“Our contributions including pivotal partnerships such as the establishment of the UNWTO Middle East office in Riyadh, the creation of the Riyadh School for Travel and Hospitality, and the hosting of record-breaking editions of the WTTC Global Forum and UNWTO World Tourism Day, underscore the immense potential of the sector when people from across the globe are united and connected,” he further stated.
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One of the key highlights of the event was the unveiling of UNWTO’s newest global initiative called “Tourism Opens Minds.”
According to the organization, this endeavor seeks to highlight tourism’s role in bridging cultures and nurturing a more interconnected world. To commemorate the launch, organizers presented a “special Pledge” to the delegates in Riyadh. The pledge aims to make lesser-known destinations more inviting and accessible, contribute to creating an environment that complements visits to lesser-known destinations, and embrace a more open-minded approach to new cultures and destinations.
The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer forecasts that global tourism could recover 80 percent to 95 percent of international arrivals by the end of the year.
However, a recent YouGov survey revealed that 66 percent of tourists prioritize traveling to familiar places. Furthermore, nearly half of the respondents felt uncomfortable traveling to unfamiliar destinations. Interestingly, of those who visited new territories, 83 percent said they have returned with a changed or broadened perspective.
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