A Historic Milestone
In a remarkable achievement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has surpassed the milestone of welcoming over 100 million tourists, ahead of schedule, garnering praise from the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This accomplishment not only cements Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism powerhouse but also underscores its pivotal role in driving economic diversification and sustainable development in the tourism sector worldwide.
Milestone Celebration:
The arrival of over 27 million international tourists and more than 79 million domestic tourists, with a combined expenditure exceeding USD 67 billion, highlights the robustness of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. This achievement also underscores the commitment of the Saudi Ministry of Tourism to advanced data gathering and statistical analysis, a priority echoed by UN Tourism.
Strategic Initiatives and Reforms:
Saudi Arabia’s success story is underpinned by strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector forward. With a staggering 390% increase in demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 and tourism’s contribution to the non-oil Gross Value Added (GVA) estimated to surpass 7%, the country’s vision for the future is clear. Moreover, the tourism sector’s direct contribution to GDP is expected to exceed 4%, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Leadership:
UN Tourism has closely collaborated with Saudi Arabia, recognizing its efforts in developing robust tourism infrastructure and statistical analysis capabilities. The establishment of UN Tourism’s Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021 signifies a significant step towards fostering tourism innovation, education, and rural development. This partnership has played a crucial role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable tourism practices and statistical excellence.
Testament to Resilience and Innovation:
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with inbound spending surpassing USD 37 billion in 2023 and a significant increase in hotel capacity across the kingdom. These achievements reflect Saudi Arabia’s dedication to creating a prosperous and sustainable tourism sector.
Empowering the Workforce:
The tourism sector has emerged as a significant source of employment, with 925.5 thousand jobs created as of 2023 and substantial investments in training. Saudi Arabia is on track to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030, ensuring widespread and sustainable benefits from tourism growth.
Gratitude and Future Vision:
UN Tourism extends its congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this historic achievement. We commend the leadership, the Ministry of Tourism, and all partners for their unwavering support and dedication. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey towards welcoming 150 million tourists by 2030, UN Tourism stands ready to support its efforts, celebrate its successes, and promote a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for global tourism.
Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia’s achievement of welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023 exemplifies the possibilities through collaboration, innovation, and a clear vision for the future. The Kingdom not only promises but also delivers a diverse and enriching tourism experience, paving the way for a brighter future for the global tourism industry.