According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the tourism industry – especially in the leisure and holiday sectors – has experienced significant growth, largely attributed to the initiatives outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan.
In a statement commemorating World Tourism Day on September 27, the ministry revealed that Saudi Arabia welcomed 17.5 million international tourists from January to July 2024. This marks a 10 percent increase compared to the same timeframe in 2023 and a remarkable 73 percent rise compared to 2019.
Notably, there has been a staggering 656 percent surge in tourists visiting specifically for entertainment and leisure activities. The ministry reported that 4.2 million visitors came for these reasons in the first seven months of 2024, reflecting a 25 percent increase from the previous year and a dramatic rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Leisure purpose for inbound tourists experienced the most significant growth among all inbound tourism purposes during the first seven months of 2024 with 4.2 million tourists, recording a 25% growth compared to the same period in 2023 and a remarkable 656% growth compared to… pic.twitter.com/ebP8vDuVgO
— وزارة السياحة (@Saudi_MT) September 28, 2024
Success of Vision 2030
These remarkable outcomes further underscore the effectiveness of the Kingdom’s long-term tourism strategy under Vision 2030, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a key global tourism destination. Originally targeting 100 million tourists by 2030, the Kingdom achieved this goal in 2023—seven years ahead of its timeline.
Recognition on the global stage
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has been recognized as the fastest-growing G20 nation in the latest UN World Tourism Barometer report. As per the September report, the Kingdom leads in both the increase of international tourist arrivals and tourism revenue.
Commitment to sustainable tourism
These statistics highlight Saudi Arabia’s strategic commitment to developing a sustainable tourism sector, enhancing infrastructure, and establishing itself as a premier global destination. The ministry’s accomplishments illustrate the success of these initiatives, solidifying the Kingdom’s role as a significant player in the global tourism landscape.
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