Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector Booms with Record Spending
In a groundbreaking announcement, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, revealed that tourist spending in the country has soared to approximately SR150 billion ($40 billion), marking a remarkable 10 percent increase in both traveler numbers and expenditure compared to the previous year.
New Tourist Visa to Boost International Visitors
During a conference focused on reviewing the 2024 summer tourism program, Minister Al-Khateeb unveiled plans to launch a new tourist visa next month. This initiative aims to attract more international visitors and further fuel the growth of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia.
Kingdom Aims to Host 150 Million Tourists by 2030
With a bold target of hosting 150 million tourists annually by 2030, Saudi Arabia is steadfast in its mission to establish itself as a premier global tourism destination. The country’s commitment to transformation and growth in the tourism sector is evident in its ambitious goals.
Surge in Air Traffic and Flights
Statistics released by the General Authority of Civil Aviation indicate a significant surge in passenger air traffic in the first half of 2024, with a 17 percent increase resulting in 62 million passengers compared to 53 million in the same period last year. This growth was supported by a 12 percent rise in flights, totaling 446,000 compared to 399,000 in the first half of 2023.
Diverse Attractions and Economic Impact
Minister Al-Khateeb highlighted Saudi Arabia’s diverse attractions, describing the country as a “continent” with vast natural beauty, varied landscapes, mountains, resorts, Red Sea beaches, and vibrant cities. This diversity positions Saudi Arabia as a unique destination offering a wide array of tourism products to global travelers.
Government Initiatives and Private Sector Collaboration
The minister outlined initiatives aimed at enhancing opportunities and training for Saudis, emphasizing the government’s proactive stance in encouraging private sector investment in Saudi human capital. Al-Khateeb stressed the pivotal role of the private sector in shaping the tourism landscape and underscored the government’s support for infrastructure through the Tourism Development Fund.
Regional Development and Strategic Investment
With a focus on regional development, the Tourism Development Fund has allocated significant funding to projects in the Aseer region, totaling SR1 billion for 10 projects aimed at enhancing hospitality offerings. This strategic investment showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting regional growth and economic development.
Enhancing Transparency and Stakeholder Support
To ensure transparency and support stakeholders, the minister announced the launch of comprehensive tourism statistics on the ministry’s website. An annual report will provide valuable insights for the media and investors, detailing relevant statistics and figures related to Saudi Arabia’s thriving tourism sector.