Tourism in Saudi Arabia is booming, with 58% growth in tourist arrivals so far in 2023.
The remarkable feat solidifies the kingdom’s position as a global tourist hotspot. According to the Ministry of Tourism, KSA has soared to second place worldwide in terms of tourist arrivals during the first seven months of this year, marking a staggering 58% growth compared to the same period in 2019. The statistics were unveiled in the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
This achievement is not an isolated one but rather a continuation of Saudi Arabia’s exceptional success story in the tourism industry. Recently, Riyadh, the nation’s capital, played host to the World Tourism Day event on September 27-28, further emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the global tourism landscape.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism, attributed this phenomenal accomplishment to the unwavering support and vision of Saudi Arabia’s leadership.
The surge in tourist arrivals underscores the growing confidence that travellers worldwide have in Saudi Arabia as a premier tourist destination. The Kingdom has successfully curated an impressive array of tourism options, offering diversity and top-notch quality to cater to the discerning needs of tourists. And as the Kingdom continues to invest in and develop its tourism infrastructure, it is well on its way to becoming a top-choice destination for travellers from all corners of the globe.
The statistics speak volumes about Saudi Arabia’s allure as a tourist destination, and this achievement is poised to bolster the Kingdom’s status as a global tourist hotspot. With its commitment to providing unique and enriching experiences, Saudi Arabia is set to captivate the hearts and minds of travellers for years to come.
Overall, international tourism recovered 84% of pre-pandemic levels in the period January-July 2023 (-16% versus 2019) following a strong second quarter and early part of the Northern Hemisphere summer season.
Travel demand continued to show remarkable resilience and sustained recovery, amid economic and geopolitical challenges. After reaching 80% in Q1 2023, international tourist arrivals hit 85% of pre-pandemic levels in Q2 2023 and 90% in July 2023, backed by continued pent-up demand.
An estimated 700 million tourists travelled internationally between January and July 2023, about 43% more than in the same months of 2022, though 16% fewer than in 2019.
By regions, the Middle East saw the best results in January-July 2023, with arrivals exceeding by 20% pre-pandemic levels. Europe, the world’s largest destination region, reached 91% of pre-pandemic levels, supported by robust intra-regional demand.
Africa recovered 92% of pre-crisis visitors this seven-month period and the Americas 87%. In Asia and the Pacific arrivals climbed to 61% of pre-pandemic levels.
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Photo – top of page – NEOM
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Text by GERARD LEFEBVRE
