Saudi Arabia's Tourism Sector Experiences 27% Increase In Incoming Tourists Over Nine Months

The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant growth, with a 27% increase in tourist arrivals during the first nine months of 2024. This is a notable rise compared to the 14% growth seen in the same period last year. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb shared these insights at the 2025 Budget Forum held in Riyadh.

Al Khateeb highlighted that international tourists visiting for leisure purposes surged by an impressive 600% in 2023 compared to 2018. This increase is complemented by more visitors arriving for religious reasons, who are encouraged to explore other cities and discover the Kingdom's natural and archaeological sites.

The tourism sector's contribution to Saudi Arabia's GDP reached 5% by the end of 2023. Efforts are ongoing to elevate this figure to 10% by 2030. The economic impact is evident, with a surplus of over SAR 41 billion recorded in the balance of payments during the first half of 2024, surpassing SAR 48.1 billion for all of 2023.

This marks a significant improvement from a deficit of SAR 10 billion back in 2018. Employment within the tourism industry has also seen substantial growth, with jobs increasing from 750,000 to 960,000. Localization within hospitality has reached a rate of 35%, according to Al Khateeb.

The Ministry of Tourism, guided by HRH the Crown Prince, is heavily investing in training local talent. An annual budget of SAR 375 million is allocated for qualifying and training up to 100,000 Saudis. This includes over 10,000 opportunities at prestigious institutes worldwide, preparing them for leadership roles within the industry.

Rural tourism is gaining traction across Saudi Arabia's diverse regions as well. There is growing demand reported throughout these areas, contributing further to the sector's expansion. The Kingdom encourages visitors to explore beyond traditional destinations and experience its rich cultural heritage.

Al Khateeb emphasized that these developments align with Vision 2030 goals aimed at diversifying the economy and boosting non-oil revenues. The progress made so far underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to transforming its tourism landscape into a major economic pillar.

With inputs from SPA