According to the Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia achieved its goal of hosting 100 million tourists in 2023. Of the total number of tourists, 77 million were domestic tourists, and 27 million were international tourists. These tourists collectively spent SAR100 billion.
During the second edition of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Private Sector Forum, Al-Khateeb stated that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s new strategy aims to attract 150 million tourists by 2030. He highlighted the establishment of the Tourism Development Fund, which has funded over 50 projects totaling SAR35 billion, and the commitment to funding training programs.
Last year, more than 100,000 young men and women were trained in the tourism sector, including 15,000 trained in the best institutes in the world. The Human Resources Development Fund played a crucial role in increasing salaries. Experts interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat credited new legislation, regulations, and facilitations for contributing to receiving a large number of visitors during 2023.
Mohammad Al Abdul Karim, a tourism media specialist, said that Saudi Arabia has accomplished this tremendous developmental leap in the number of visitors and tourists through its plans in recent years to empower the sector within the Vision 2030 programs. The program’s initiatives contributed to promoting marketing opportunities for the Kingdom as a tourist destination.
At the same time, entertainment and sporting events also played a significant role in increasing the demand for electronic visas. Ali Al-Zwaid, a tourism expert, said that the key factors that contributed to attracting 100 million tourists within a year lie in the natural revolution witnessed by the sector, which began with the launch of Vision 2030.
According to the World Tourism Organization, Saudi Arabia leads the G20 countries in the growth rate of the number of arriving tourists during 2023 and also ranked second among the fastest growing destinations in the world for the first three quarters of 2023.
