Saudi Arabia Emerges as Third-Fastest-Growing Destination for International Tourism Recovery in 2023
Saudi Arabia has surged as the third-fastest-growing destination worldwide for international tourism recovery in 2023, with arrivals skyrocketing by 61 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels, as revealed by the latest World Tourism Barometer from the UN World Tourism Organization.
Middle East Leads Global Growth in Tourism Recovery
The Middle East, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, has witnessed the strongest growth globally, with international tourism bouncing back to 98 percent of its pre-pandemic activity. Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, a crucial component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, plays a central role in diversifying the economy away from oil dependence.
Boosting Tourism’s Contribution to GDP
This growth surge is driving efforts to enhance tourism’s contribution to the national gross domestic product, with a target set to elevate its share from 3 percent to 10 percent by the end of the decade, aligning with the Vision 2030 objectives.
Milestone in Tourism Recovery Globally
According to the Barometer, a whopping 1.1 billion international tourists traveled globally between January and September 2023, marking a significant milestone in the industry’s recovery post-COVID-19.
Full Recovery Expected by Year-End
Full recovery is anticipated by the end of the year, with the Middle East leading the charge in growth, propelled by the stellar performance of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Global Tourism Recovery Progress Across Regions
Tourism recovery has been steadily progressing across regions globally. Europe and Africa have both surpassed 2019 levels in tourist arrivals, while the Americas have reached 97 percent of pre-pandemic figures. Asia and the Pacific, reopening more cautiously, have attained 85 percent of 2019 levels by September, indicating ongoing improvement.
Surge in Tourism Spending
Tourism spending has also surged, with 35 out of the 43 destinations tracked by the UNWTO reporting higher tourism receipts than pre-pandemic levels. This trend is reflected in Saudi Arabia, where both visitor numbers and spending have increased. Other countries like Japan, Turkiye, France, Spain, Italy, and the UK have also seen significant growth in tourism receipts.
UNWTO Secretary-General’s Remarks
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated, “The strong growth in tourism receipts is excellent news for economies worldwide. The fact that visitor spending is growing even faster than arrivals directly benefits millions of jobs, small businesses, and contributes significantly to the balance of payments and tax revenues in many countries.”
Saudi Arabia Seizes Momentum for Economic Diversification
As global tourism makes a comeback, Saudi Arabia continues to leverage this momentum to solidify its position as a premier global travel destination, all while advancing its ambitious economic diversification goals.