Saudi Arabia Enhances Tourism With 2024 Summer Program Events
The Saudi Tourism Authority has officially rolled out its ambitious summer program for 2024, promising an extensive array of events across seven key destinations within the Kingdom. Under the banner "Saudi Summer is Next Door," the initiative is set to span four months, concluding at the end of September.
Destinations earmarked for this vibrant campaign include Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea, Aseer, Al Baha, and Taif. This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia's accelerated growth in the hospitality sector, highlighted by a record influx of visitors in 2023.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi Minister of Tourism, emphasized the country's ongoing transformation in tourism, aiming to elevate the Kingdom as a leading global destination. "The Saudi Summer Program 2024 is our pledge to display the Kingdom's rich cultural legacy, stunning natural landscapes, and exceptional hospitality," Al-Khateeb remarked.
Reflecting on the tourism surge, data from the UN's World Tourism Barometer reveal that Saudi Arabia welcomed 106 million visitors in 2023, marking a staggering 156 percent increase from 2019 figures. This surge positions Saudi Arabia on a dynamic trajectory, aiming to diversify its economy away from oil reliance.
The upcoming summer program will reintroduce the Jeddah Season and debut the Aseer Season, promising a medley of family-centric activities and events. Al-Khateeb invites both local and international tourists to explore the diversity of Saudi's destinations and enjoy tailored offers and packages designed for memorable experiences.
Saudi Arabia's National Tourism Strategy is ambitious, targeting 150 million visitors by 2030 and aspiring to boost the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP to 10 percent, up from the current 6 percent.
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization, lauded Saudi's tourism evolution, noting its significant advances and leading position on the UN World Tourism's list of key tourist destinations. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and board member of STA, highlighted that this year's summer program encompasses over 550 tourism products and 150 special offers, including hotel booking discounts.
The ease of visiting Saudi Arabia has notably improved, thanks to the launch of the eVisa system available to citizens of 66 countries, making the Kingdom's visa 20 percent less expensive and further boosting tourist arrivals.
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