London, November 7, 2023, Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb inaugurated the Saudi pavilion at the World Travel Market (WTM) exhibition in London, marking the Kingdom's strong presence in the global tourism sector. Saudi Arabia welcomed 17 million tourists in the first seven months of 2023, with a goal to reach 30 million tourists by year-end. WTM, a renowned global tourism exhibition held in London, offers a platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its rapid growth as one of the world's fastest-growing tourist destinations. The first quarter of 2023 saw a remarkable 64% increase in the number of tourists, ranking the Kingdom second globally in terms of incoming tourist growth. Minister Al-Khateeb highlighted Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and tourist attractions, positioning it as a key player on the international tourism stage. The Kingdom has set ambitious targets, aiming for 150 million visits and 70 million international tourists annually by 2030, further emphasizing its commitment to becoming a global tourism hub. Al-Khateeb stressed that the WTM exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to establish strategic partnerships with major global markets and attract a diverse range of tourists, elevating Saudi Arabia's presence on the global tourism map.
