RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has once again registered the highest growth in international tourism figures among the G20 countries during the first seven months of 2024, according to the latest data released by the United Nations Tourism Organization. The Kingdom recorded an increase of 73 percent in the number of international tourists and a 207 percent growth of international tourism revenues during this period compared to the same period in 2019, the organization's September 2024 World Tourism Barometer report pointed out. Saudi Arabia welcomed around 17.5 million international tourists during this period, which points to a significant increase in its global tourism appeal. In 2023, the Kingdom had 27.4 million visitors, registering a 56 percent growth in the number of international tourists compared to 2019. This positioned Saudi Arabia at the top of the UN list recording tourism growth among major tourist destinations in 2023. Moreover, the travel item's surplus recorded a historic SR48 billion in 2023, reflecting a 38percent year-on-year increase. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its 2024 Article IV Consultation report issued in September, commended the unprecedented achievements of Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, as part of Saudi Vision 2030. The IMF particularly noted the sector's role in the drive to diversify the Kingdom's economic base, especially in the services sector where tourism has emerged as a key driver of growth. The sector has led in visitor numbers, spending, job creation, and contribution to the GDP. These achievements underscore the Kingdom's growing status as a premier global tourism destination, with the continuous rise in tourist numbers reflecting confidence in the country's diverse and attractive tourism offerings.
