Saudi Arabia reported a record 30 million foreign tourists last year, driven by significant investments in hotels, luxury projects, and entertainment. This effort is part of the kingdom’s strategy to become a major tourism hub.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced these figures at the World Economic Forum, noting an increase from 27.5 million in the previous year. These numbers include visitors for religious, business, and leisure purposes.
Despite the growth, the pace of increase has slowed compared to the previous year when international arrivals surged by over 60%. Saudi Arabia aims to attract 70 million international visitors annually by 2030, with a focus on middle-class travelers from India and China.
The kingdom is investing nearly $1 trillion over the next decade to diversify its economy beyond oil, as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030. This includes funding entertainment, sports, and major events to enhance the country’s global appeal.
Riyadh has also launched a metro system to improve city transport and is constructing a new international airport projected to be the world’s largest by 2030. Upcoming major events like the Asian Winter Games, World Expo, and World Cup are expected to boost tourism further.
Overall, tourism, including domestic travel, reached approximately 115 million visitors, up from 109 million in the prior year. The sector accounted for 5% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, with a goal to double this by the next decade.