Saudi Arabia ranks 3rd globally by growth in int’l tourists in 9M 2024

Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in terms of the highest growth rate in the number of international tourists during the first eight to nine months of 2024, with a 61% increase compared to the same period in 2019, according to a report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) published this month.

The Kingdom also moved up 15 places in the global ranking for international tourist spending, achieving the 12th position globally in 2023 compared to 2019, making the largest leap among the top 50 countries, the state-run SPA reported.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia led the G20 countries in the growth of international tourist numbers during the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019.

According to Argaam data, Saudi Arabia recorded 60 million tourists in the first half of 2024, who spent nearly SAR 150 billion, representing a 10% growth compared to the same period last year. Tourism's contribution to the Kingdom's economy reached 5% during the first half of 2024.