RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s leisure tourism sector has surged by 656 percent since 2019, welcoming 17.5 million international visitors in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
This growth reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism offerings and attract global travelers.
The introduction of the first tourism visa in 2019 marked a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia's travel industry, significantly boosting international tourism. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to welcome 100 million tourists by 2030 — a goal achieved seven years ahead of schedule in 2023.
Between January and July of this year, Saudi Arabia saw 4.2 million visitors seeking entertainment and leisure experiences, a 25 percent increase from the previous year. Overall, the total number of international tourists in the first seven months of 2024 represents a 10 percent rise from 2023 and a 73 percent increase compared to 2019. These statistics underline the sector’s rapid expansion, driven by Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global tourism hub.
The UN World Tourism Barometer recognized the Kingdom as the fastest-growing G20 nation in terms of international arrivals and tourism revenues.
Key initiatives fueling this growth include the development of new tourist attractions, such as the Diriyah Gate project, and substantial investments in luxury resorts along the Red Sea coast.
Additionally, the Kingdom has prioritized cultural and historical tourism, with projects like the AlUla site and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cultural Heritage Program enhancing its appeal to travelers.
These initiatives, along with a push for integrated tourism destinations, have positioned Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for travelers across the globe.
The tourism sector is poised to significantly impact Saudi Arabia’s employment landscape. By 2030, it is projected to create approximately 1.2 million jobs for Saudis, particularly in hospitality, tour operations, and cultural heritage preservation.
The National Transformation Program, part of Vision 2030, is designed to ensure that a substantial portion of these jobs are held by Saudi nationals.
Currently, tourism is one of the largest sources of employment for citizens, with around 900,000 nationals already working in the sector. These developments indicate the sector’s potential to bolster the economy, reduce unemployment, and empower the local workforce.
