Saudi leads G20 nations in tourist growth from Jan-July

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

The kingdom reported a remarkable 73 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2019, with a total of 17.5 million visitors.

In terms of tourism revenues, Saudi Arabia recorded a robust 207 per cent increase, reinforcing its status as a rapidly growing global destination.

Saudi Arabia tourist numbers rise in 2023

This surge follows a robust performance in 2023, when the kingdom welcomed 27.4 million tourists — a 56 per cent rise from 2019 — and achieved a historic tourism revenue surplus of SAR48bn, up 38 per cent year-on-year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its September report following the “Article IV Consultation 2024”, commended the kingdom’s tourism sector, highlighting its significant contributions to job creation, spending, and GDP.

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

Read: Saudi Arabia welcomes 60 million visitors in H1 2024