Saudi Arabia Surpasses 100 Million Tourists, Sets Ambitious 2030 Target
Category: Expats

In a remarkable achievement, Saudi Arabia has exceeded its tourism goal by welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023, a significant milestone for the Kingdom's burgeoning tourism sector. Now, with ambitious aspirations, Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, marking a substantial increase from its initial target.

Tourism Minister Ahmed al-Khateeb announced this milestone during a meeting convened by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, underscoring the nation's rapid progress in the tourism industry. Of the 100 million tourists, 77 million were domestic travelers, while 27 million arrived from abroad.

The revised target reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to diversifying its economy, with tourism playing a pivotal role in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform plan. By emphasizing tourism, the Kingdom aims to reduce its reliance on petroleum and gas, preparing for a future beyond oil.

Renowned for its cultural and religious significance, Saudi Arabia boasts the holy cities of Makkah and Madina, making it a longstanding destination for pilgrims and business travelers. However, the Kingdom only began issuing general tourist visas in 2019, shortly before the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the tourism industry worldwide.

Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in promoting tourism by relaxing restrictions on entertainment, including movies, shows, and sporting events. Additionally, the development of new resorts along the Red Sea coast is expected to further bolster tourism, attracting more visitors to the Kingdom.

07 Feb, 2024 0 794
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