RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has once again recorded the highest growth in global tourism figures among the G20 nations in the first seven months of the current year, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to the latest data from the United Nations Tourism Organization, the Kingdom recorded a remarkable 73% increase in the number of international tourists and a 207% growth of international tourism revenue as compared to the same period in 2019.
Saudi Arabia welcomed around 17.5 million international tourists during this period, which points to a significant increase in its global tourism appeal. In 2023, Saudi Arabia had 27.4 million visitors, registering a 56% growth in the number of global tourists compared to 2019. This positioned Saudi Arabia at the top of the UN list recording tourism growth among major tourist destinations in 2023. Moreover, the travel item’s surplus recorded a historic SAR48 billion in 2023, reflecting a 38% year-on-year increase.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its 2024 Article IV Consultation report issued in September, praised the unprecedented achievements of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
The IMF noted the sector’s role in the drive to diversify the Kingdom’s economic base, especially in the services sector where tourism has emerged as a key driver of growth. The sector has led in visitor numbers, spending, job creation, and contribution to the GDP.
These achievements underlined the Kingdom’s growing status as a premier international tourism destination, with the continuous rise in tourist numbers showing confidence in the country’s diverse and attractive tourism offerings.
