Saudi Arabia has achieved the second-highest global ranking for tourist arrivals during the first seven months of 2023, according to data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Kingdom reported an impressive 58% growth in visitor numbers during this period, compared to the same period in 2019, as stated by the Ministry of Tourism.
Saudi Arabia was ranked 2nd in international tourist arrivals growth in the first 7 months of 2023 with 58% growth compared to the same period of 2019 according the @UNWTO barometer September edition. pic.twitter.com/IGNzOWu1HD
— وزارة السياحة (@Saudi_MT) October 3, 2023
This ranking underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a prominent global tourist destination, facilitated by accessible visa procedures and a wide range of high-quality destinations and activities available for travelers, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
In line with this trend, Riyadh hosted World Tourism Day from September 27-28, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s dedication to enhancing its tourism industry and its global leadership in this sector, as noted by SPA. Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed al-Khateeb acknowledged that this achievement was made possible through the support of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
As part of its Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia has made substantial investments in its tourism sector to attract regional and international travelers. The country offers a diverse range of entertainment activities and year-round adventures, including sporting competitions, music festivals, and cultural events.
Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), previously emphasized at the Arabian Travel Market that tourism would be “the new oil” for Saudi Arabia, comparing the nation’s historical significance as an oil destination in the 1920s to its growing role as a tourism hotspot in the 2020s.