Incoming tourists surge by 27% in first 9 months of 2024- Saudi Tourism Ministry

SAUDI ARABIA – Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Tourism has reported the country’s travel and tourism sector recorded a 27% surge in tourist numbers in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

At the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh, Ahmed Al Khateeb highlighted the remarkable strides made by Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector toward achieving Vision 2030 goals.

He noted a 600% surge in international tourist arrivals for recreational purposes in 2023 compared to 2018.

This growth has been accompanied by an increase in religious visitors, with the Kingdom actively encouraging them to explore its natural and archaeological attractions beyond pilgrimage destinations.

The announcement coincided with data revealing record-breaking hotel occupancy rates in Riyadh. During the recent mid-year school break, five-star hotels in the city reported a 97% occupancy rate, while the overall average in the first half of 2024 exceeded 90%.

 Riyadh also welcomed 8.8 million domestic and 1.3 million international tourists during this period, according to ministry reports.

This growth has been fueled by initiatives such as the Saudi Winter events calendar, Riyadh Season, and several high-profile international conferences, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The tourism ministry has also introduced measures to simplify licensing for hospitality establishments, aiming to enhance service quality for both local and international visitors. Additionally, rural tourism is gaining momentum, with rising demand across various regions of the Kingdom.

Employment within the tourism sector has also seen significant growth. Al Khateeb shared that the workforce increased from 750,000 to 960,000, with localization within the hospitality industry reaching 35%.

He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to nurturing local talent under the guidance of HRH the Crown Prince.

An annual budget of SAR 375 million (US$99.8 million) has been allocated to train up to 100,000 Saudis, including offering over 10,000 opportunities at world-class institutes, preparing them for leadership roles in the industry.

Tourism’s contribution to the GDP climbed to 5% by the end of 2023, with a target of 10% by 2030.

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