RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is now the second-fastest-growing tourism destination in the world, according to data released by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) on Wednesday. In comparison to pre-pandemic levels, the Kingdom saw a startling 64 percent increase in foreign tourism in the first quarter of 2023. According to the WTO, 7.8 million tourists came to Saudi Arabia in the first few months of the year.
Based on the WTO Index, Saudi Arabia rose 12 places from 25th place in 2019 to be ranked 13th globally as one of the top tourist destinations in 2022. The data indicates that 16.6 million foreign tourists traveled to the Kingdom in 2022 for all types of travel. Saudi Arabia rose from 27th place in 2019 to 11th place in 2022 on the international tourism revenue index.
According to Minister of Tourism Ahmed al-Khateeb, the information is the result of the Saudi leadership’s efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s position on the world tourism map and increase the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP.
The minister added that simplifying travel visa procedures, organizing global marketing campaigns, and the variety of destinations available within Saudi Arabia all contributed to the country’s appeal as a travel destination for tourists. According to SPA, the initiatives are all a part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 economic reform plan for Saudi Arabia, which aims to diversify the nation’s economy and grow its non-oil sectors.
The Kingdom’s goal of becoming a major hub for tourism worldwide was emphasized by the tourism minister, who also pledged that the ministry would keep working with partners in the public and private sectors to that end.
വാര്ത്തകള് editor@sauditimesonline.com എന്ന വിലാസത്തില് ഇമെയില് ചെയ്യുക. വാര്ത്തകള് അയക്കുന്നവര് പേരും മൊബൈല് നമ്പരും എഴുതാന് മറക്കരുത്.
