Riyadh, December 09, 2024 – Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations, securing an impressive third-place global ranking for international tourist arrivals in 2024. According to a recent press release issued by the United Nations Tourism Organization, the Kingdom experienced an extraordinary growth of over 61% in inbound tourism during the first eight to nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, underscoring the nation’s growing prominence on the global tourism stage.
This remarkable achievement reflects the success of the Ministry of Tourism’s comprehensive strategies and initiatives aimed at diversifying and enhancing the Kingdom’s tourism offerings. Saudi Arabia has worked tirelessly to align its tourism sector with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a vibrant global tourism hub. Through this vision, the Kingdom has focused on cultivating an inviting environment for travelers, including the development of world-class infrastructure, the promotion of its rich cultural heritage, and the launch of groundbreaking tourism projects.
The surge in tourist arrivals also highlights the growing confidence among international travelers in Saudi Arabia’s diverse and attractive tourism landscape. The Kingdom has worked to blend its ancient traditions with modern advancements, offering a wide array of experiences ranging from cultural and religious tourism to luxury resorts, desert adventures, and the development of mega-projects such as the Red Sea Project and NEOM. This dynamic range of tourism options has contributed to making Saudi Arabia a leading destination for both leisure and business travelers worldwide.
In addition to the surge in tourist arrivals, Saudi Arabia has also seen remarkable progress in terms of inbound tourist spending. In 2023, the Kingdom advanced 15 positions in global rankings, moving up to 12th place compared to 2019, positioning it as a strong contender in the international tourism industry. This achievement highlights the increasing economic impact of tourism on the Kingdom's GDP, further bolstering the country’s standing as a top global tourist destination.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's exceptional growth in tourism is evident in its leadership among the G20 nations. In the first seven months of 2024, the Kingdom led the G20 countries in the growth of international tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2019. This further demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges, making it a standout destination for travelers seeking new and exciting experiences.
As Saudi Arabia continues to make significant strides in the tourism sector, the Kingdom remains committed to realizing the ambitious goals set out in Saudi Vision 2030. The country’s success in attracting international visitors and driving growth in the tourism industry is a testament to its dedication to enhancing global connections, fostering cultural exchange, and developing a world-class tourism infrastructure. With continued investments and a focus on sustainability, Saudi Arabia is poised to remain at the forefront of global tourism in the years to come.