Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism industry is celebrating a banner year, shattering previous records in visitor numbers, tourist spending, and its contribution to the national economy. Fueled by a strategic shift towards tourism development, the country has witnessed a remarkable surge in its attractiveness as a travel destination.
According to the latest report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector's contribution to Saudi Arabia's GDP reached a staggering SAR 444. 3 billion (US$118. 8 billion) in 2023. This represents a phenomenal 32% growth over the previous year and translates to a remarkable 11. 5% share of the entire Saudi economy. This surpasses the previous record by a significant 30%, highlighting the pivotal role tourism now plays in the nation's economic landscape.
Job creation within the travel and tourism sector has mirrored the explosive growth. The WTTC report indicates that jobs supported by tourism surged by a staggering 436, 000, reaching over 2. 5 million. This translates to nearly one in five jobs in the country being directly or indirectly connected to tourism. Notably, this represents a 24% increase in tourism-related employment since the pre-pandemic peak, showcasing a robust recovery and significant expansion within the sector.
The influx of visitors has been equally impressive. International visitor spending skyrocketed by nearly 57% in 2023, reaching SAR 227. 4 billion (US$60. 5 billion). This shatters the previous record by a significant SAR 93. 6 billion (US$24. 8 billion), signifying a surge in tourist activity and a substantial boost to the national economy. Domestic tourism spending also witnessed healthy growth, increasing by 21. 5% to reach SAR 142. 5 billion (US$37. 8 billion).
Perhaps the most remarkable achievement lies in surpassing the ambitious tourist arrival target set by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative. This national transformation program envisioned attracting 100 million tourists by the year 2030. However, the country achieved this goal a staggering seven years ahead of schedule, welcoming over 100 million domestic and international tourists in 2023. Buoyed by this success, Saudi Arabia has set its sights even higher, aiming to attract an ambitious 150 million tourists by 2030.
The phenomenal growth in Saudi Arabia's tourism industry can be attributed to several factors. The country has embarked on a series of ambitious tourism development projects, creating world-class attractions and destinations. This includes the development of the futuristic megacity NEOM, the historic preservation efforts in AlUla, and the opening of tourist visas for a wider range of nationalities. Additionally, a focus on promoting the country's rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse offerings has significantly enhanced its appeal as a travel destination.
The future of Saudi Arabia's tourism industry appears bright. With continued investment in development projects, strategic marketing initiatives, and a focus on creating a world-class tourist experience, the kingdom is poised to become a major player on the global tourism map.