Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is experiencing significant growth. In 2023, the sector saw 109.3 million tourists, a 153% increase from 2019.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb stated that tourist spending reached around $40 billion in the first half of 2024, marking a 10% increase in visitor numbers and expenditure compared to last year.

The positive outlook comes as the kingdom prepares to launch a tourist visa next month, aiming to further strengthen the sector’s growth and attract more international visitors. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goal of welcoming 150 million tourists annually by 2030, solidifying its position as a global tourism destination.

The country’s passenger air traffic has also seen a significant rise, surging by 17% in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023. This growth coincides with a 12% increase in flights, highlighting the rising demand for travel to Saudi Arabia.

The Ministry of Tourism is actively developing a skilled Saudi workforce for the tourism sector. Initiatives include salary increases and providing over 100,000 training courses annually.

Recognizing the critical role of private entities, Minister Al-Khateeb acknowledged, “The tourism and travel sector worldwide is primarily managed by the private sector, and we recognize its pivotal role in our sector’s development. “

The Tourism Development Fund, launched in 2020, has significantly bolstered the country’s tourism infrastructure. With over 100 projects financed, totaling $9.3 billion, the fund supports initiatives from small businesses to large-scale ventures.

Minister Al-Khateeb highlighted the fund’s impact on regional development, using Asir as an example. The region received $266 million to support 10 tourism projects, showcasing the kingdom’s commitment to balanced growth.

Looking ahead, Minister Al-Khateeb is optimistic. He pointed to Asir’s success story, which attracted 8 million tourists and generated $3 billion in revenue last year.

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