Saudi Arabia Welcomes 60 Million Tourists, SR143 Billion Spending

Saudi Arabia welcomed 60 million domestic and international tourists in the first half of 2024, with tourism expenditure reaching SR143 billion, according to preliminary data announced by Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb. The minister attributed the record-breaking performance to the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The announcement was made during a press conference hosted by the Saudi Center for International Communication in Abha City, Asir region, underscoring the Kingdom’s emergence as a global tourism destination.

Context and Background

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has undergone a remarkable transformation since the launch of the National Tourism Strategy in September 2019. This strategic initiative, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and position tourism as a key driver of economic and social development. The introduction of the tourist visa in 2019 opened the Kingdom’s doors to international visitors, allowing them to explore Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes, from the Red Sea coastlines and the Asir mountains to the vast plains and rich cultural heritage sites. The ministry’s annual statistical report for 2023 revealed that the total number of domestic and international tourists reached 109 million, a 16% growth compared to 2022. This momentum continued into 2024, with the first half alone seeing 60 million tourists, signaling strong progress toward the ambitious goal of attracting over 150 million tourists by 2030.

Key Details

During the press conference, Minister Al-Khateeb highlighted the breakdown of the 2024 figures: 44 million domestic tourists spent over SR52 billion, while 15 million international tourists contributed more than SR90 billion in expenditure. Tourism directly contributed 5% to the GDP during the same period. The minister emphasized the vital role of the Tourism Development Fund, which has injected SR7.4 billion to support over 100 tourism projects across various regions, with a total value exceeding SR35 billion. He also underscored the importance of developing Saudi human capital, noting that a special budget has been allocated to train and qualify nationals in collaboration with top tourism institutions in Switzerland, Britain, and Spain. Furthermore, the electronic visa system, initially launched for selected countries in 2019, has now expanded to 66 eligible countries, making the Kingdom one of the fastest countries in the world to obtain a visa.

Implications and Impact

The surge in tourist numbers and expenditure has far-reaching implications for Saudi Arabia’s economy and international standing. The tourism sector’s growing contribution to GDP—currently at 5%, with a target of 10% by 2030—demonstrates the Kingdom’s successful economic diversification efforts. Employment in the sector is also set to expand dramatically, from around 650,000 jobs in 2019 to a projected 1.6 million jobs by 2030. This job creation is particularly significant for Saudi youth and women, who are being equipped with world-class skills through international partnerships. On the global stage, Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a premier tourism destination enhances its soft power and cultural diplomacy, fostering greater international understanding and exchange. The record-breaking first-half figures for 2024 also reflect the effectiveness of ongoing investments in infrastructure, hospitality, and entertainment, such as the Red Sea Project, Diriyah Gate, and AlUla, which are drawing visitors from around the world.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The achievements in the tourism sector are a direct reflection of Vision 2030’s objectives to diversify the economy, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for citizens and residents. By attracting 60 million tourists in just six months and generating SR143 billion in expenditure, Saudi Arabia is well on its way to becoming a global tourism powerhouse. The National Tourism Strategy, with its target of 150 million tourists by 2030, is not merely about numbers; it is about showcasing the Kingdom’s rich heritage, warm hospitality, and modern attractions to the world. As Minister Al-Khateeb noted, the support of the leadership has been instrumental in this journey. With continued investment in human capital, infrastructure, and international partnerships, Saudi Arabia is poised to achieve its ambitious goals, contributing to a vibrant and sustainable future in line with Vision 2030.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the total number of tourists Saudi Arabia attracted in the first half of 2024?

A1. Saudi Arabia attracted 60 million domestic and international tourists in the first half of 2024, according to preliminary data announced by the Minister of Tourism.

Q2. How much did tourists spend in Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2024?

A2. Tourists spent over SR143 billion during the first half of 2024, reflecting the sector’s robust growth and economic impact.

Q3. Who announced these tourism achievements?

A3. The achievements were announced by Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb during a press conference in Abha City, Asir region.

Q4. What is the National Tourism Strategy and when was it launched?

A4. The National Tourism Strategy is a key initiative under Vision 2030, launched in September 2019 to develop the tourism sector and diversify the economy.

Q5. What is the target number of tourists Saudi Arabia aims to attract by 2030?

A5. Saudi Arabia aims to attract over 150 million tourists by 2030, as part of the National Tourism Strategy’s ambitious goals.

Q6. How many tourists visited Saudi Arabia in 2023?

A6. In 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed 109 million domestic and international tourists, representing a 16% growth compared to 2022.

Q7. What was the breakdown of tourists in the first half of 2024?

A7. There were 44 million domestic tourists and 15 million international tourists in the first half of 2024.

Q8. How much did domestic tourists spend in the first half of 2024?

A8. Domestic tourists spent over SR52 billion during the first half of 2024, contributing significantly to the tourism sector’s revenue.

Q9. How much did international tourists spend in the first half of 2024?

A9. International tourists spent over SR90 billion in the first half of 2024, demonstrating the Kingdom’s growing appeal as a global destination.

Q10. What percentage of GDP did tourism directly contribute in the first half of 2024?

A10. Tourism directly contributed 5% to the GDP during the first half of 2024, with a target to reach 10% by 2030.

Q11. What is the role of the Tourism Development Fund?

A11. The Tourism Development Fund finances tourism projects, having contributed SR7.4 billion to support over 100 projects worth more than SR35 billion.

Q12. How many countries are eligible for Saudi Arabia’s electronic visa?

A12. The electronic visa is now available to citizens of 66 countries, making Saudi Arabia one of the fastest countries to obtain a visa.

Q13. What is Saudi Arabia doing to develop tourism skills among its citizens?

A13. Saudi Arabia has allocated a special budget to train nationals in collaboration with top tourism institutions in Switzerland, Britain, and Spain.

Q14. How many jobs is the tourism sector expected to create by 2030?

A14. The tourism sector is expected to increase employment from around 650,000 jobs in 2019 to 1.6 million jobs by 2030.

Q15. What are some of the key tourism projects in Saudi Arabia?

A15. Key projects include the Red Sea Project, Diriyah Gate, and AlUla, which are designed to attract visitors from around the world.

Q16. How does the tourism sector support Vision 2030?

A16. The tourism sector supports Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global standing as a tourism destination.

Q17. What did the ministry’s annual statistical report for 2023 reveal?

A17. The report documented 109 million tourists in 2023, a 16% increase from 2022, and highlighted the sector’s achievements and targets.

Q18. How has the electronic visa impacted tourism?

A18. The electronic visa, launched in 2019 for selected countries and now expanded to 66 countries, has simplified entry and boosted tourist arrivals.

Q19. What role does the Saudi Center for International Communication play?

A19. The center hosted the press conference in Abha, facilitating communication of key tourism developments to local and international media.

Q20. What is the significance of the Asir region in Saudi tourism?

A20. Asir region, where the press conference was held, is part of Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourism offerings, known for its mountains, heritage, and natural beauty.

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