Saudi Arabia Joins Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco And More In Advancing Cultural And Sustainable Tourism To Foster Economic Growth And Regional Unity

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Saudi Arabia, alongside Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, and several other Arab nations, is at the forefront of advancing cultural and sustainable tourism on Arab Tourism Day. This collaboration highlights the collective effort of these countries to promote tourism not only as an economic driver but also as a means of preserving cultural heritage and fostering environmental sustainability. The celebration of Arab Tourism Day, held annually on February 25, marks an important step in enhancing regional unity by showcasing the shared values and traditions of the Arab world. By focusing on sustainable travel practices, these nations aim to ensure that tourism continues to contribute to long-term economic growth while maintaining a commitment to cultural preservation. Through this unified effort, the Arab region is positioning itself as a key player in the global tourism industry, with a clear emphasis on cultural exchange, sustainable development, and regional cooperation.

On February 25, the Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) celebrates Arab Tourism Day, a day dedicated to promoting the region as a top tourist destination. This year’s theme, “Arab Tourism… Bridges of Culture and Sustainable Development,” emphasizes sustainability and culture, highlighting the tourism sector’s critical role in promoting cultural exchange while preserving natural and cultural resources. The date coincides with the birth of the renowned Arab traveler, Ibn Battuta, marking his historical contribution to global travel.

The ATO underscores that tourism is no longer just about leisure and travel; it has become a powerful tool for building cultural bridges between Arab societies. It plays an essential role in preserving heritage, creating quality jobs, stimulating investment, and supporting local communities. This year’s campaign encourages Arab nations to focus on the sustainability of tourism, ensuring that both cultural and natural resources are safeguarded for future generations. The initiative also stresses the importance of tourism in economic empowerment and local development.

The first Arab Tourism Day took place in 2014, with Bahrain establishing the Ibn Battuta Award for Tourism Excellence to honor outstanding contributions to tourism. Since then, the event has become an annual celebration, bringing attention to the growing tourism sector in the Arab world. The 2025 celebration continues to promote intra-Arab travel, encourages sustainability within the tourism industry, and aims to foster innovation and digital transformation in tourism services and products. The event provides a platform to highlight how tourism can drive economic development and encourage deeper cultural understanding.

Recent data from the United Nations highlights the successful recovery of tourism in the region, with both the Middle East and North Africa posting impressive growth figures. In 2025, the Middle East saw a 3% increase in international visitor arrivals compared to 2024, reaching over 100 million international arrivals, a significant 34% increase from pre-pandemic levels. North Africa, which includes several Arab countries, recorded an 11% rise in visitor numbers, with a total of 81 million foreign visitors arriving in Africa in 2025. These figures indicate the region’s resilience and growing appeal as a tourism destination.

Saudi Arabia emerged as a key player in the tourism industry, receiving 29.3 million international visitors in 2025. Although this was a slight decrease of 1.6% compared to 2024, it represents a remarkable 66.9% increase compared to 2019, the year before the pandemic. The Kingdom’s efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure, along with initiatives such as the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and reduce dependence on oil, have paid off by attracting large numbers of international visitors. Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth shows a successful post-pandemic recovery and highlights its potential as a global travel hub.

Egypt also recorded a strong performance in 2025, welcoming 19 million international visitors. This marked a 20.4% increase from 2024 and a 47.6% rise compared to 2019, demonstrating Egypt’s ability to attract more tourists even during challenging times. The country’s historical sites, particularly the pyramids and temples, continue to be significant draws for international visitors. Egypt’s tourism industry is benefiting from efforts to promote cultural heritage, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism, helping diversify the country’s appeal to a broader range of travelers.

Qatar saw a notable increase in tourism, with 5.1 million visitors in 2025, reflecting a 3.7% rise from 2024 and an astonishing 138.3% increase from 2019. The country’s successful hosting of global events, such as the FIFA World Cup 2022, has contributed significantly to this growth. Qatar’s ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure, luxury resorts, and cultural events continues to position the country as an attractive destination for international travelers.

Jordan also experienced growth in 2025, with 5.8 million international arrivals, a rise of 11.8% from 2024 and 29.9% from 2019. Jordan’s ancient ruins, such as Petra and Jerash, as well as its natural beauty, including the Dead Sea, remain significant draws for tourists. The country’s tourism sector has benefitted from a renewed focus on regional cooperation and the promotion of sustainable travel experiences.

In addition to these countries, Morocco and Tunisia also saw strong growth in tourism in 2025. Morocco recorded 19.8 million international arrivals, marking a 13.7% increase from the previous year and a 53% rise from pre-pandemic levels. The country’s rich history, cultural festivals, and coastal destinations continue to attract a growing number of visitors. Tunisia welcomed 11.3 million international visitors, reflecting a 10.4% increase from 2024 and a 20.1% rise compared to 2019. Tunisia’s beaches, ancient ruins, and cultural heritage have helped position it as a sought-after destination for travelers from around the world.

The growth in tourism across the Arab world demonstrates the resilience of the region’s tourism sector. With a focus on sustainability, cultural exchange, and innovation, Arab nations are positioning themselves as key players in the global tourism industry. As the region continues to recover from the pandemic and implement strategies for long-term growth, Arab countries are becoming increasingly attractive destinations for international visitors.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, and other Arab nations are united in advancing cultural and sustainable tourism on Arab Tourism Day to drive economic growth and strengthen regional unity by preserving heritage and promoting sustainable travel practices.

Tourism in the Arab world is set to remain a cornerstone of economic development, offering both opportunities for cultural exchange and a means to preserve the region’s rich heritage. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation, the future looks bright for the tourism industry in Arab nations, positioning the region as a key player on the global stage.