RIYADH: Among the G20, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leader in the expansion of tourism. In the first seven months of 2024, foreign tourists increased by an astounding 73 percent compared to 2019. According to the UN World Tourism Barometer, 17.5 million foreign visitors visited the Kingdom during this period, demonstrating its increasing appeal as a tourism destination worldwide.
This increase is a result of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification and dependence reduction on oil earnings. The goal of the National Tourism Strategy is to bring in 150 million tourists by 2030 and increase the industry’s share of the GDP from 6% to 10%. These objectives show the Kingdom’s dedication to growing its travel industry and expanding its appeal abroad.
With a 73 percent rise in foreign visitor visits in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, Saudi Arabia “cements its global leadership and takes the first spot among G20 countries in growth,” the Saudi Tourism Ministry said on X.
The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
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