Saudi Arabia becomes an international tourism destination: tops G20 in International Tourism Growth

Saudi Arabia Tops G20 in International Tourism Growth for 2024

Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as a global tourism leader, ranking first among G20 countries in both international tourist growth and tourism revenue. According to the latest data for the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019, the Kingdom recorded a 73% increase in international tourist arrivals and a 207% rise in tourism revenue, as reported by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in September 2024.

Saudi Arabia welcomed 17.5 million tourists during the first seven months of 2024, reflecting a growing demand for its diverse and unique tourist attractions. In 2023, Saudi Arabia experienced a 56% increase in international tourists compared to 2019, with 27.4 million visitors. The travel sector generated a historic surplus of 48 billion SAR, marking a 38% growth year-on-year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently commended Saudi Arabia’s achievements in tourism in its 2024 report, praising the Kingdom’s efforts in economic diversification and highlighting tourism as a key sector driving economic growth, job creation, and visitor spending.

🏅 Saudi Arabia’s continuous growth in tourism reflects global confidence in its unique destinations and supports the Vision 2030 strategy for becoming a premier global tourism hub.