Saudi Arabia leads G20 in tourism growth with 73% rise in international visitors
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leader in tourism growth among G20 nations, experiencing a remarkable 73 percent increase in international visitors in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019.
The UN World Tourism Barometer reports that the Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists during this timeframe, showcasing its growing allure as a global travel destination.
This surge is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues. The National Tourism Strategy targets attracting 150 million visitors by 2030 and boosting tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product from 6 percent to 10 percent. These goals reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its tourism sector and enhancing its global appeal.
“Saudi Arabia cements its global leadership and takes the first spot among G20 countries in international tourist arrivals growth, with a 73 percent increase in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019,” stated the Saudi Tourism Ministry on X.
During the G20 tourism ministers’ meeting in Brazil on Sept. 21, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering cultural connections worldwide while promoting sustainable growth in the sector. The report also highlighted a 207 percent surge in Saudi Arabia’s international tourism revenues during the same timeframe compared to 2019.
