Saudi Tourism Historical Boosts with 100M International Tourists Arrivals: UN Tourism

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

In an extraordinary feat, Saudi Arabia has surpassed the remarkable milestone of hosting over 100 million tourists, an achievement lauded by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This noteworthy accomplishment, accomplished seven years ahead of schedule, not only signifies Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global tourism hub but also underscores its leading role in fostering economic diversification and sustainable development in the tourism sector worldwide. This milestone, marked by the arrival of over 27 million international tourists and over 79 million domestic tourists, with a combined expenditure surpassing USD 67 billion, not only highlights the Kingdom’s robust tourism industry but also underscores the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s dedication to advanced data collection and statistical analysis, a priority echoed by UN Tourism. Riyadh World Expo happening in 2030 will further fuel the international tourists arrivals in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia success story is rooted in strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector to unprecedented heights. With a staggering 390% surge in demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 and tourism’s contribution to the non-oil Gross Value Added (GVA) estimated to surpass 7%, Saudi Arabia’s future vision is clear. Also Saudi’s inspiring bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh the travel and tourism industry is to be boosted drastically in the coming years. With the tourism sector’s direct contribution to GDP projected to exceed 4%, the country has demonstrated its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

Strategic partnerships and global leadership
UN Tourism has closely collaborated with Saudi Arabia, acknowledging its efforts in developing a robust tourism infrastructure and statistical analysis capabilities. The establishment of UN Tourism’s Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021 marked a significant stride towards fostering tourism innovation, education, and rural development. This collaboration has been pivotal in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable tourism practices and statistical proficiency.

Elevating its global standing in the tourism sector, Saudi Arabia has distinguished itself by leading the G20 in international tourist growth rate in 2023 compared to 2019. This recognition underscores the Kingdom’s pivotal role in the global tourism sector’s recovery post-pandemic. Furthermore, the Middle East has emerged as the only region not only to rebound but also to surpass pre-pandemic tourism levels, with a 122% recovery in international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019. At the forefront of this remarkable growth, Saudi Arabia witnessed a staggering 156% recovery in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019, emphasizing its central role in the region’s tourism resurgence.

A testament to resilience and innovation
The Kingdom’s tourism sector has displayed remarkable resilience, with inbound spending surpassing USD 37 billion in 2023 and a significant rise in hotel accommodations across the kingdom. These accomplishments underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a prosperous and sustainable tourism sector.

Empowering the workforce
The employment opportunities generated by the tourism sector are fundamental to Saudi Arabia’s success. As of 2023, with 925.5 thousand jobs in the tourism sector and substantial investments in training, the Kingdom is on track to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030. This emphasis on workforce development ensures that the benefits of tourism growth are widely and sustainably distributed.

Gratitude and future outlook
UN Tourism extends its congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this historic achievement. We commend the leadership, the Ministry of Tourism, and all partners for their unwavering support and dedication. As Saudi Arabia continues on its path towards welcoming 150 million tourists by 2030, UN Tourism eagerly anticipates supporting its journey, celebrating its successes, and fostering a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for global tourism.

Saudi Arabia’s accomplishment of hosting over 100 million tourists in 2023 serves as a beacon of what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a clear vision for the future. The Kingdom not only promises a diverse and enriching tourism experience but also delivers on that promise, paving the way for a brighter future for the global tourism industry.

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