Sunday, August 11, 2024 Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a Middle Eastern country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and significant economic influence, primarily driven by its vast oil reserves. Recently, Saudi Arabia has been gaining attention for its growing outbound travel sector, with its passport granting citizens visa free or visa-on-arrival access to 88 countries as of August 2024. Mr.
Anup Kumar Keshan, Editor-in-Chief of TTW, remarked: “Saudi Arabian outbound travel is rapidly expanding, with more Saudis exploring international destinations. The Saudi passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 88 countries, including popular spots like the UAE, Malaysia, and Egypt as of August 2024. Major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, known for their historical sites and modern architecture, are attracting global tourists.
Under Vision 2030, these urban centers are becoming key travel hubs. The economic impact of tourism is significant, contributing to employment and overall economic growth, as reflected in Saudi Arabia’s rising global mobility and GDP growth.” 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 surpass 4%, the country has showcased its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Saudi Arabian passport holders enjoy extensive travel freedom, thanks to the strength of their passports.
They can travel to these countries visa-free: Outbound tourism from Saudi Arabia recorded a 37 percent increase in the number of tourists, along with a 74 percent increase in spending compared to the first half of 2022. This growth is attributed to the lifting of global travel restrictions and the onset of the summer season. Non-Saudi residents represented 45 percent of all outbound tourists, marking a 24 percent increase from the previous year, and their spending accounted for 66 percent of total outbound expenditure.
The average length of stay for non-Saudi outbound tourists extended from 19.3 nights in the first half of 2022 to 45.5 nights in 2023, resulting in a 109 percent increase in their spending.
Saudi outbound tourists primarily visited neighboring countries, showing a 49 percent increase in numbers and a 32 percent rise in spending. However, the average spending per night for Saudis decreased from 599 Saudi Riyals (US$160) in 2022 to 332 Saudi Riyals (US$88) in 2023. The top ten outbound destinations from Saudi Arabia include: Travel and tourism were expected to have a contribution of about 6.
5 percent of the GDP of Saudi Arabia in 2022. It was forecasted that the contribution of tourism to the Saudi economy would continue to grow to reach about 635 billion Saudi riyals by 2032. Major Airports in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia’s strategic location and booming tourism industry have led to the development of several world-class airports.
These airports serve as crucial gateways for international and domestic travel, supporting the country’s vision of becoming a global travel hub. Saudi Arabia’s airlines are pivotal in connecting the country to the rest of the world. These airlines offer high-quality service, and extensive route networks, and contribute significantly to the nation’s tourism and economic growth.
Destinations : The airline primarily focuses on domestic routes but is gradually expanding its international network. Overview : Flyadeal, a subsidiary of Saudia, is another prominent low-cost carrier in Saudi Arabia. It aims to provide economical travel options while maintaining high standards of safety and comfort.
Fleet and Services : Flyadeal operates a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, offering a no-frills service model that appeals to budget travelers. The expansion of visa-free access and the booming outbound tourism sector underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global travel. With strategic investments and government initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to enhance its tourism footprint, benefiting both its citizens and the global economy.
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