Tourexpi
In an exceptional achievement, the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists, a milestone celebrated by
the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This remarkable accomplishment
achieved seven years ahead of its original schedule, not only underscores Saudi
Arabia's emergence as a global tourism powerhouse but also highlights its
leading role in the economic diversification and sustainable development of the
tourism sector worldwide. This milestone, marked by the arrival of over 27 million
international tourists and over 79 million domestic tourists with a combined
total spend of over USD 67 billion, not only showcases the Kingdom's robust
tourism sector but also underscores the Saudi Ministry of Tourism's commitment
to advanced data gathering and statistical analysis, a priority echoed by UN
Tourism.
The Kingdom's success story is built on a
foundation of strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism
sector to new heights. With a staggering 390% increase in demand for tourism
activity licenses in 2023 and the contribution of tourism to the non-oil GVA
estimated to exceed 7%, Saudi Arabia's vision for the future is clear. With the
tourism sector's direct contribution to the GDP estimated to exceed 4 %,
the country has showcased its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Leadership
UN Tourism has closely collaborated with Saudi
Arabia, recognizing its efforts in developing a robust tourism infrastructure
and statistical analysis capabilities. The inauguration of UN Tourism's
Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021 marked a significant
step towards fostering tourism innovation, education, and rural development.
This partnership has been instrumental in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader
in sustainable tourism practices and statistical excellence.
Elevating its global position in the tourism
sector, Saudi Arabia has distinguished itself by leading the G20 in
international tourist growth rate in 2023 compared to 2019. This recognition
underlines the Kingdom's pivotal role in the global tourism sector's recovery
following the pandemic. Moreover, the Middle East has emerged as the sole
region not only to rebound but also to outpace pre-pandemic tourism levels,
with a 122 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared
to 2019. At the forefront of this remarkable growth, Saudi Arabia witnessed a
staggering 156 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals compared to
2019, underscoring its central role in the region's tourism boom.
A Testament to Resilience and Innovation
The Kingdom's tourism sector has shown remarkable
resilience, with inbound spending reaching over USD 37 billion in 2023 and a
significant increase in hotel keys across the kingdom. These achievements are a
testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to creating a prosperous and sustainable
tourism sector.
Empowering the Workforce
The employment opportunities created by the tourism
sector are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's success. As of 2023, with 925.5
thousand jobs in the tourism sector and significant investments in training,
the Kingdom is on track to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030.
This focus on workforce development ensures that the benefits of tourism growth
are shared widely and sustainably.
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 to drive towards its goal of
150 million tourists by 2030, UN Tourism looks forward to supporting its
journey, celebrating its successes, and promoting a more resilient,
sustainable, and inclusive future for global tourism.
Saudi Arabia's achievement of welcoming over 100
million tourists in 2023 is a beacon of what is possible through collaboration,
innovation, and a clear vision for the future. The Kingdom not only promises a
diverse and rich tourism experience but delivers on that promise, paving the
way for a brighter future for the global tourism industry.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
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