Remember Saudi Arabia? The country with vast deserts and seemingly endless oil reserves. Now, a new story is emerging. And it has to do with millions of tourists! Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom is breaking records and exceeding expectations.
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Everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom
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According to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2024 report, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector grew its contribution to the country’s GDP by an astounding 32% in 2023. This is equivalent to a whopping SAR 444.3 billion (S$159 billion), with tourism playing a vital role in the Saudi Arabian economy, contributing an astounding 11.5%.
But money isn’t the only reason for the growth: tourism is creating jobs at an astonishing rate: more than 436,000 new tourism jobs are expected to be created in 2023, bringing the total to more than 2.5 million, roughly 20% of all employment in the country.
And this boom isn’t just limited to domestic tourism. International visitor spending in 2023 is set to surge by nearly 57%, reaching a record SAR 227.4 billion (S$81 billion). This surge in spending reflects a massive influx of tourists. In fact, Saudi Arabia has achieved its ambitious target of welcoming 100 million tourists in 2023 – seven years ahead of schedule!
So what’s behind this tourism boom?
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This success has fueled even bigger dreams. Saudi Arabia has set a new goal of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030. The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that growth will continue in 2024, contributing SR498 billion (S$179 billion) to GDP and creating more than 158,000 new jobs. International tourist spending is also predicted to double.
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in its tourism sector, developing new luxury resorts, historical and cultural sites and futuristic megacities, while also easing visa restrictions and promoting the country’s diverse landscapes, from breathtaking deserts to pristine coastlines.
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So, is Saudi Arabia on your travel dream list? With a rich history, cultural heritage and ambitious development plans, the Kingdom is fast becoming a major tourist destination. The story of Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom is only just beginning, so stay tuned!
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