Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: The Saudi tourism sector is seeing significant growth as tourist spending in the Kingdom reached SAR 150 billion ($40 billion) during the first half (H1) of 2024, showing a 10% rise in traveler numbers and expenditure compared to H1-23, as stated by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb.
During a press conference held to review the Saudi Summer Season 2024 program, Al Khateeb stated that the Kingdom welcomed around 60 million visitors during the first half of 2024.
The minister revealed that the ministry will launch a tourist visa next month to attract more international tourists and boost the growth of the tourism sector, in alignment with the Kingdom's goal of attracting 150 million tourists annually by 2030.
Furthermore, Al Khateeb noted that the Saudi Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has financed more than 100 projects amounting to SAR 35 billion since its launch in 2020.
“In Asir alone, the Tourism Development Fund has allocated SAR 1 billion to 10 projects, reflecting a significant focus on enhancing hospitality offerings in the region,” Al Khateeb said, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to regional development through strategic investment.
Moreover, the minister announced the release of comprehensive tourism statistics on the ministry’s website to enhance transparency and support stakeholders.