Saudi Arabia is emerging as a leading destination for lifestyle tourism, marking its place on the global holiday map with remarkable growth figures.
The Kingdom’s tourism sector is flourishing, particularly in the leisure and holiday categories, driven by the ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia welcomed a remarkable 17.5 million international visitors from January to July 2024. This represents a notable 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and an impressive 73% rise from 2019 figures.
Unprecedented Surge in Tourism
One of the most significant achievements is the astounding 656% surge in tourists visiting for entertainment and holiday purposes. In the first seven months of 2024 alone, 4.2 million tourists arrived for leisure, marking a 25% increase over the previous year and a substantial growth compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. These numbers underscore the Kingdom’s successful transformation into a global tourism hub, as envisioned by Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia set an ambitious target of reaching 100 million tourists by 2030, yet this milestone was reached in 2023, seven years ahead of the planned schedule. Recognized as the fastest-growing nation among the G20 countries, Saudi Arabia leads in both international tourist arrivals and tourism revenue, as highlighted in the latest UN World Tourism Barometer report.
Positioning as a Global Leader
These impressive achievements highlight Saudi Arabia’s strategic commitment to developing a sustainable tourism sector. Efforts to enhance infrastructure and promote the Kingdom as a premier destination are clearly paying off, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player on the global tourism stage. The Ministry of Tourism’s accomplishments reflect the effectiveness of these strategies, solidifying the Kingdom’s status as a major contender in the international tourism arena.
