The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has disclosed a significant financial influx from inbound tourists for the year 2023, amounting to an impressive SAR141 billion. The annual tourism statistics report for 2023 revealed that the majority of this expenditure, exceeding SAR45 billion, was allocated to lodging facilities. Shopping by these visitors generated over SAR25.5 billion, while about SAR21.5 billion was spent on navigating through the local transportation network.
Furthermore, tourists’ indulgence in local gastronomy and beverages accounted for SAR19.4 billion of the total spending. The report also highlighted that additional expenses amounted to more than SAR25.5 billion, with entertainment expenditures rounding off at SAR4.0 billion.
With more than 27 million international tourists recorded in 2023, the influx of visitors has significantly bolstered the Saudi economy. The combined footfall of both domestic and international tourists reached a monumental count of over 109 million in the same year, underscoring a thriving tourism sector.