Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector Achieves New Heights with $38 Billion Milestone
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Hashim Sheikh
- . July 22, 2024
- . Update: July 22, 2024 9:53 pm
With 60 million welcomed guests and SAR143 billion (US$38.1 billion) generated in the first half of 2024, Saudi Arabia has reached an astounding level in the travel industry. The Kingdom’s notable increase in tourism means that this amazing performance sets new benchmarks for visitor interaction and economic development. Underlining these amazing numbers during a recent news conference, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb pointed out the several attractions and perfect setting Saudi Arabia presents.
Many attractions and seasonal highlights
Minister Al-Khateeb pointed out Saudi Arabia’s unique attractions for visitors and various temperature range. “Our country is blessed with a multiplicity of tourist destinations and climate diversity; the moderate weather the Aseer region enjoys summer season, with lower temperatures compared most cities in the world,” he said. Particularly the Aseer area stands out with its old villages, surrounding farms, and great cuisine to provide a different and amazing visiting experience.
Run until September 1; the third Aseer Season could generate much excitement. Under construction as a sustainable luxury resort, important attractions include Rijal Alma and Shada Palace Museum and Soudah Peaks, the highest point in the Kingdom at 3,015 meters above sea level.
Vision 2030 and Initiatives for Strategic Development
The grandiose Vision 2030 project clarifies Saudi Arabia’s remarkable surge in tourism. Applying a tourist visa in line with the National Tourism Strategy started in 2019 has substantially improved the Kingdom’s attraction as a travel destination. Minister Al-Khateeb underlined the cooperation in creating the Bachelor of International Hospitality Management program between the Ministry of Tourism, King Khalid University, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University aiming at increasing tourism and hospitality education.
“Our aim is to build tourism capabilities and extend international specialized technical colleges and strategic partnership institutes in the field of tourism and hospitality,” Al-Khateeb said. Plans complementing this educational endeavor consist on 10,000 domestic and worldwide training prospects in the tourism industry of the Aseer region.
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Goals for the Future and Accessible Resources
The National Tourism Strategy aims to attract more with roughly 150 million local and overseas visitors expected by 2030—a significant rise from the 109 million visitors in 2023—from which Al-Khateeb also underlined the important function of the Tourism Development Fund, which has provided SAR7.4 billion to assist over 100 tourism projects scattered around the Kingdom with a total value of SAR35 billion.
This financial help is aimed to confirm Saudi Arabia’s top ranking among all travel destinations globally and boost the expansion of tourism even more. The strategic projects and large expenditure are meant to progress sustainable development, generate employment, and improve the whole visiting experience.
Notes toward a Finish
Travel statistics for Saudi Arabia for the first half of 2024 show the success of its calculated sectors investments and Vision 2030 projects. The Kingdom is set to be among the top vacation destinations worldwide with its varied attractions, innovative concepts, and financial backing. Saudi Arabia is a great model of how strategic planning and investment may propel travel industry economic growth by keeping innovating and extending its tourism services.
