Saudi’s tourist growth tops G20...

Foreign visitors to region are up 73% on 2019

Saudi Arabia has emerged as the top G20 nation for international tourist growth in the first seven months of 2024, according to a report released at the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Brazil.

The UN Tourism Barometer report for September revealed that Saudi had a 207% gain in international tourism profits and a 73% increase in the number of foreign tourists compared to the same period in 2019.

This surge follows a robust performance in 2023, when it welcomed 27.4 million tourists, a 56% rise from 2019, and achieved a historic tourism revenue surplus of US$12.8 billion, up 38% year-on-year.

The results are in line with UN Tourism’s projection of a full recovery in international arrivals in 2024 despite ongoing economic and geopolitical risks.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) commended Saudi’s tourism sector, highlighting its contributions to job creation, spending and GDP.

These advancements are part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and position the nation as a leading global tourist destination.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “International tourism is on track to consolidate its full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history.

“This recovery also highlights the growing need for tourism planning and managing to cater for its impacts on communities in a way that the immense socio-economic benefits are paired with inclusive and sustainable policies.”

For more information, visit www.unwto.org

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