Friday, November 29, 2024 Saudi Arabia has set a new tourism milestone with a remarkable 27% increase in international visitors in 2024, driven by growth in leisure and religious tourism. The tourism industry in Saudi Arabia has experienced a significant surge, with a 27% increase in international arrivals in the first nine months of 2024, compared to a 14% rise during the same period in 2023. This data, shared by the Saudi Press Agency, was revealed by the country’s tourism minister, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh.
Al-Khateeb emphasized the sector’s rapid progress in meeting the targets set by the Vision 2030 initiative, noting a staggering 600% increase in international tourists visiting for leisure between 2018 and 2023. Alongside this growth, the number of religious tourists has also risen, as Saudi Arabia actively encourages visitors to explore not only its holy cities but also its natural landscapes and archaeological landmarks. Rural tourism has gained popularity, with demand growing across various regions of the kingdom, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to broaden its tourism offerings beyond just religious pilgrimages.
The sector’s employment levels have also seen a positive trend, with job numbers climbing from 750,000 to 960,000. Additionally, the hospitality industry has made notable strides in localisation, reaching 35%..
