Saudi Arabia’s international tourist arrivals surge 156% in 2023: UNWTO

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Saudi Arabia tourism soars in 2023, outpacing global recovery with a 56% rise in global visitors, leading Middle East growth and economic boost reports UNWTO.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia marked a significant milestone in its tourism industry, with a remarkable 56% surge in international visitors compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019. This striking rebound was noted in the January 2024 release of the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Barometer report.

The Kingdom’s tourism success has played a crucial role in its economic growth and has established Saudi Arabia as a pivotal force in rejuvenating tourism across the Middle East. The region, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, is the only one to surpass its pre-pandemic tourism figures, witnessing a 22% increase in 2023 compared to 2019.

Worldwide, the tourism sector is on the path to recovery. By the end of 2023, global tourism was only 12% below its pre-pandemic levels, recording around 1.3 billion international visitors. The sector’s global earnings nearly reached $1.3 trillion, attaining 93% of the 2019 total of $1.5 trillion. The direct impact of tourism on the world’s GDP in 2023 was approximately 3%, or $3.3 trillion, as per preliminary data from the UNWTO.

The UNWTO anticipates a full recovery of the global tourism industry from the COVID-19 pandemic by 2024, projecting a 2% increase over 2019 levels.

In the UNWTO reports, Saudi Arabia’s tourism performance has been particularly noteworthy, leading G20 nations in the rate of growth in international arrivals in 2023 and securing the position of the second-fastest-growing tourist destination globally for the first three quarters of 2023.

Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth across various tourist locations, setting a new high in international visitor expenditure. The initial three quarters of 2023 saw international visitor spending surpass 100 billion Saudi riyals, as reported by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). By the end of the third quarter in 2023, the travel item of the balance of payments showed a surplus of around 37.8 billion Saudi riyals, a 72% increase from the same period in 2022.

These achievements highlight Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a distinctive and internationally recognized tourist destination, with increasing confidence among travelers in its varied and attractive tourism options.

In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism aims to continue this impressive growth, showcasing destinations such as AlUla, Diriyah, Yanbu, and Abha. The year promises major events like the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Diriyah E-Prix, top-tier boxing matches, Jeddah Season, Riyadh Season, and the Biennale. These locations and events are integral to Saudi Arabia’s strategy to boost its global tourism appeal. The upcoming year presents ample opportunities for international investment in the tourism sector, and the Ministry invites visitors and investors from around the world to explore Saudi Arabia’s diverse and rich experiences through the ‘Visit Saudi’ platform.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Tourism is dedicated to continuously developing the sector, further enhancing its role in the national economy.

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