Wednesday, September 25, 2024 As of September 21, 2024, the Middle East has experienced an impressive 26% rise in international tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019. This growth, encompassing Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iran, positions the region as the world’s fastest-growing tourism market, showcasing a robust recovery and renewed traveler confidence. Data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reveals that global tourism is rebounding strongly, with international travel reaching 96% of pre-pandemic levels.
Between January and July 2024, around 790 million tourists traveled internationally, an 11% increase from the previous year and just 4% below 2019 figures. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative has been a significant driver of its tourism boom, focusing on diversifying its economy beyond oil through the introduction of tourist visas and new attractions. This strategic shift has positioned the Kingdom as a key destination for global travelers.
In the UAE, tourism remains robust, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where ongoing investments in hospitality and entertainment, fueled by the extended success of Expo 2020 Dubai, continue to attract visitors from around the world. Qatar has maintained its momentum post-FIFA World Cup 2022, investing in infrastructure and promoting cultural and sports tourism to become a year-round destination. Meanwhile, Oman is appealing to e.