Saudi Arabia Achieves Over 100 Million Visitors For Second Year Running In 2024

The Ministry of Tourism has unveiled its 2024 Annual Statistical Report, shedding light on the tourism sector's performance in Saudi Arabia. This report highlights key metrics and emphasises the sector's ongoing expansion following notable achievements in 2023. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb attributed this robust performance to the guidance and support from the Kingdom’s leadership.

Tourism has emerged as a crucial component of Saudi Vision 2030, with the report showcasing accelerated growth driven by the ministry and stakeholders within Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem. The Kingdom welcomed approximately 116 million domestic and inbound tourists in 2024, marking a 6% increase compared to 2023.

Total spending on domestic and inbound travel reached about SAR284 billion, reflecting an 11% year-over-year growth. The ministry noted that Saudi Arabia recorded its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, with around 30 million visitors in 2024, an 8% rise from the previous year.

Inbound tourism spending amounted to SAR168.5 billion in 2024, up by 19% compared to the previous year. Domestic tourism also saw significant growth, with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, marking a 5% increase from 2023.

Spending on domestic tourism reached SAR115.3 billion in 2024. This reflects the sector's steady expansion as more residents explore local attractions. The ministry encourages investors and stakeholders to review the complete report available on its official website for detailed insights into these developments.

Minister Al-Khateeb stated that "the strong performance reflected in the 2024 report was achieved through the guidance and support of the Kingdom’s leadership." He further highlighted how tourism has become a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030.

The report underscores how efforts by both the ministry and stakeholders have contributed to this growth trajectory. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, these figures highlight its potential as a major global tourist destination.

This comprehensive data provides valuable insights into how strategic initiatives are shaping Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape. With continued investment and development, the sector is poised for further growth in alignment with national goals.

With inputs from SPA