Saudi Arabia welcomed over 100 million tourists in 2023 with the Kingdom having also seen a 56 percent increase in international arrivals since 2019. The results – achieved seven years ahead of expectations – mark the emergence of a new global tourism “powerhouse,” say both UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Among the 106.2 million tourists in 2023, 27.4 million were international visitors, a 65% increase from 2022, while domestic tourists accounted for 79.3 million tourists.
Saudi Arabia also led the G20 in international tourist growth rate in 2023 compared to 2019, prompting the Kingdom to set a new target of welcoming 150 million tourists by 2030.
The WTTC says the arrivals milestone is a result of reforms, investment, and “resilience in the face of global challenges” and demonstrates the country’s plan to transform its Travel & Tourism sector into a key driver of economic diversification and growth.
UN Tourism, which established its Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021, similarly applauded the milestone.
“The Kingdom’s success story is built on a foundation of strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector to new heights,” it said. “With a staggering 390% increase in demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 and the contribution of tourism to the non-oil GVA estimated to exceed 7%, Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future is clear.”
The introduction of tourist visas in 2019 and the formation in 2020 of a Ministry of Tourism were pivotal developments in Saudi Arabia’s tourism goals, according to the WTTC, which adds that strategic reforms in the country have created a supportive and flexible regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation.
Key among the reforms is the restructuring of tourism license fees, tailored to meet specific needs and operations of investors. The Kingdom has also taken significant steps to alleviate the financial burden on the Travel & Tourism sector by reducing annual government fees by almost 22%, with a commitment to further reductions of up to 70%.
Saudi tourism minister Ahmed Al Khateeb commented: “This (tourist milestone) demonstrates the scale of our transformation since the National Tourism Strategy was launched five years ago. Tourism is a key pillar in the nation’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, creating jobs and revenue for the Kingdom.
“The tourism ecosystem continues to operate in line with the national tourism strategy by developing diverse tourist destinations. Our aim is to enrich the experiences of tourists, diversify options for both local and international visitors, and enhance hospitality facilities along with other services provided. We are committed to aligning with top-tier international experiences and practices. This approach contributes to shaping a prosperous future for our tourism industry, improving the quality of life, and bolstering the Kingdom’s position on the global tourism map.”