Saudi Arabia Welcomes Record 60 Million Tourists in First Half of 2024

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia has achieved a record-breaking milestone with 60 million tourists visiting the Kingdom during the first half of 2024, spending a total of SR143 billion ($38.1 billion), Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb.

Speaking at a press conference, Minister Al-Khateeb highlighted the significant advances made by both the Kingdom and its tourism industry, which have contributed to this notable achievement.

“Our country is blessed with a multiplicity of tourist destinations and climate diversity, (as well as) the moderate weather that the Aseer region enjoys during the summer season and low temperatures compared to most cities in the world,” he said.

Minister Al-Khateeb emphasized that visitors could enjoy diverse attractions, from historic villages to farms rich in local products, along with delicious cuisine that tells stories of the past.

The third Aseer Season, running until September 1, is set to make its mark on the region, with renowned locations providing rich cultural experiences for visitors. Aseer, known as the cultural hub of Saudi Arabia, boasts a range of attractions in Abha, such as Rijal Alma and Shada Palace Museum. A key landmark is Soudah Peaks, a sustainable luxury mountain destination standing 3,015 meters above sea level — the highest point in the Kingdom.

Minister Al-Khateeb stated that the Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia has achieved a record-breaking milestone with 60 million tourists visiting the Kingdom during the first half of 2024, Vision 2030 had strengthened the tourism sector through the launch of the National Tourism Strategy in 2019 and the introduction of a tourist visa. He also spoke about the launch of the Bachelor of International Hospitality Management program, a partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, King Khalid University, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

“Our goal is to develop tourism capabilities and expand international specialized technical colleges and strategic partnership institutes in the field of tourism and hospitality,” he said.

He further announced that 10,000 training opportunities both inside and outside the Kingdom would be allocated to those working in the Aseer region’s tourism sector.

The National Tourism Strategy aims to attract over 150 million local and international tourists by 2030. In 2023, it reached 109 million visitors.

Minister Al-Khateeb also highlighted the crucial role of the Tourism Development Fund, which has allocated SR7.4 billion to finance over 100 tourism projects around the Kingdom, with a total value exceeding SR35 billion.

These developments underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector, promoting cultural heritage, and achieving the ambitious goals set out in Vision 2030.