In an distinctive achievement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million vacationers, a milestone celebrated by the World Tourism Group (UN Tourism).
This outstanding accomplishment achieved seven years forward of its authentic schedule, not solely underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a worldwide tourism powerhouse but in addition highlights its main function within the financial diversification and sustainable growth of the tourism sector worldwide. This milestone, marked by the arrival of over 27 million worldwide vacationers and over 79 million home vacationers with a mixed whole spend of over USD 67 billion, not solely showcases the Kingdom’s strong tourism sector but in addition underscores the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s dedication to superior information gathering and statistical evaluation, a precedence echoed by UN Tourism.
The Kingdom’s success story is constructed on a basis of strategic initiatives and reforms which have propelled its tourism sector to new heights. With a staggering 390% improve in demand for tourism exercise licenses in 2023 and the contribution of tourism to the non-oil GVA estimated to exceed 7%, Saudi Arabia’s imaginative and prescient for the longer term is evident. With the tourism sector’s direct contribution to the GDP estimated to exceed 4 %, the nation has showcased its resilience, innovation, and dedication to excellence.
Strategic Partnerships and International Management
UN Tourism has intently collaborated with Saudi Arabia, recognizing its efforts in growing a strong tourism infrastructure and statistical evaluation capabilities. The inauguration of UN Tourism’s Regional Workplace for the Center East in Riyadh in 2021 marked a big step in the direction of fostering tourism innovation, schooling, and rural growth. This partnership has been instrumental in positioning Saudi Arabia as a frontrunner in sustainable tourism practices and statistical excellence.
Elevating its world place within the tourism sector, Saudi Arabia has distinguished itself by main the G20 in worldwide vacationer development charge in 2023 in comparison with 2019. This recognition underlines the Kingdom’s pivotal function within the world tourism sector’s restoration following the pandemic. Furthermore, the Center East has emerged as the only area not solely to rebound but in addition to outpace pre-pandemic tourism ranges, with a 122 p.c restoration in worldwide vacationer arrivals in 2023 in comparison with 2019. On the forefront of this outstanding development, Saudi Arabia witnessed a staggering 156 p.c restoration in worldwide vacationer arrivals in comparison with 2019, underscoring its central function within the area’s tourism growth.
A Testomony to Resilience and Innovation
The Kingdom’s tourism sector has proven outstanding resilience, with inbound spending reaching over USD 37 billion in 2023 and a big improve in resort keys throughout the dominion. These achievements are a testomony to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to making a affluent and sustainable tourism sector.
Empowering the Workforce
The employment alternatives created by the tourism sector are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s success. As of 2023, with 925.5 thousand jobs within the tourism sector and vital investments in coaching, the Kingdom is on monitor to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030. This deal with workforce growth ensures that the advantages of tourism development are shared extensively and sustainably.
Gratitude and Future Imaginative and prescient
UN Tourism extends its congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this historic achievement. We commend the management, the Ministry of Tourism, and all companions for his or her unwavering assist and dedication. As Saudi Arabia continues to drive in the direction of its purpose of 150 million vacationers by 2030, UN Tourism seems to be ahead to supporting its journey, celebrating its successes, and selling a extra resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for world tourism.
Saudi Arabia’s achievement of welcoming over 100 million vacationers in 2023 is a beacon of what’s potential via collaboration, innovation, and a transparent imaginative and prescient for the longer term. The Kingdom not solely guarantees a various and wealthy tourism expertise however delivers on that promise, paving the way in which for a brighter future for the worldwide tourism business.
