Saudi Arabia tops G20 nations in tourism growth in 7M 2024: Alkhateeb

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb

The Saudi tourism sector expanded by 70% in the first seven months of 2024, compared to the same pre-pandemic period in 2019, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Alkhateeb said at the 2025 Budget Forum.

The Kingdom led the G20 countries by tourism growth, far surpassing Turkey's 5%, while other nations lag behind in pandemic recovery.

The number of tourists visiting multiple Saudi cities rose to 27% in the first nine months of 2024, from 14% in 2023, therefore translating into higher tourist spending given the extended stays, Alkhateeb noted.

On another note, demand for rural tourism is growing, with plans underway to build hotels in rural areas. Licenses for rural lodges will be announced soon, following coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

Work under the National Tourism Strategy is “proceeding well”, the minister pointed out, stressing that the updated version has been shared with the strategic committee.

According to Alkhateeb, Saudi Arabia is now securing its “natural share” of the global tourism market. The Kingdom targets a 10% GDP contribution from tourism by 2030.

Saudi Arabia welcomed 60 million tourists in H1 2024, with their spending reaching SAR 150 billion, up 10% year-on-year (YoY). During this period, tourism contributed 5% to the Kingdom’s economy, according to Argaam’s data.