Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia's tourism industry continues to experience unprecedented growth, with incoming tourist numbers surging by 27% in the first nine months of 2024, compared to a 14% increase during the same period in 2023.
Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism made those remarks, speaking at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh, highlighting the sector's remarkable strides toward achieving the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.
Al Khateeb revealed that international tourist arrivals for recreational purposes saw an extraordinary 600% increase in 2023 compared to 2018. This growth has been accompanied by a steady rise in visitors arriving for religious purposes, with initiatives encouraging these travelers to explore the Kingdom's diverse offerings, including its natural and archaeological landmarks.
The minister also pointed to a growing interest in rural tourism, with demand rising across the Kingdom's various regions. By the end of 2023, tourism contributed 5% to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product (GDP), with efforts underway to reach a 10% contribution by 2030.
The tourism sector has also delivered significant economic benefits. Al Khateeb noted a surplus of over SAR 41 billion in the balance of payments for the first half of 2024, compared to SAR 48.1 billion for 2023 entirely.
Employment in the tourism industry has grown substantially, with the number of jobs increasing from 750,000 to 960,000. Localization efforts within the hospitality sector have also seen notable progress, reaching a 35% Saudization rate.
To support this growth, the Ministry of Tourism, under the leadership of the Crown Prince, has prioritized the development of local talent. The ministry has allocated an annual budget of SAR 375 million to train and qualify up to 100,000 Saudis, including more than 10,000 opportunities at world-class institutes. This investment aims to prepare Saudi professionals for leadership roles within the industry, ensuring that the sector remains a key driver of economic growth and employment.