The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved a landmark in its efforts to expand its tourism sector, recording an unprecedented level of expenditure by international visitors.
According to preliminary figures released by the Saudi Central Bank, the total spend by overseas tourists reached SAR 135 billion in 2023, the highest ever recorded in the nation’s history and showcasing a significant growth of 42.8% from the previous year. This remarkable increase in spending is a clear indication of the Kingdom’s successful strategies and initiatives aimed at attracting foreign tourists.
As part of its ambitious vision to diversify its economy and reduce its dependency on oil revenues, Saudi Arabia has been actively implementing policies and programs to boost its tourism industry. These efforts have yielded substantial results, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of global tourism growth.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia topped the United Nations Tourism List with an impressive 56% surge in the number of international tourists compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This achievement underscores the country’s rapidly expanding appeal as a global tourist destination.
Further emphasising the Kingdom’s resurgence in the tourism sector, the United Nations Tourism Barometer reported in January 2024 that tourist arrivals in Saudi Arabia in 2023 had achieved a 156% recovery rate when compared to 2019 figures.
This robust growth reflects the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s strategies to enhance its tourism infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and develop new attractions that cater to a diverse array of international visitors.
In recognition of these remarkable achievements, UN Tourism and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) have lauded Saudi Arabia for its significant contributions to the global tourism industry.
In 2023 alone, the Kingdom welcomed over 100 million domestic and international tourists, a testament to its successful marketing campaigns, relaxed visa regulations, and investments in tourism projects. These accolades from prestigious global organisations highlight the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a leading destination for travellers from around the world.
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Photos courtesy of STA
