Saudi Arabia tops UN list of international tourist arrivals in 2023

Saudi Arabia recorded a 56% leap in the number of tourists arriving during 2023 compared to 2019, Saudi Press Agency reported, citing the UN’s World Tourism Barometer report.

The Kingdom achieved a 156% rise in the number of tourists arriving during 2023 compared to 2019.

The great success achieved by the Kingdom in the sector contributed to the Middle East leading the global recovery of tourism, as it was the only region to have achieved growth beyond pre-pandemic levels, attracting 122% more tourists in 2023 than in 2019.

Various tourist destinations in the Kingdom witnessed a surge in the number of visitors in 2023 and the country achieved a new record in spending by visitors coming from abroad, according to data issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) earlier this month.

The Kingdom's tourism revenues exceeded SAR 100 billion during the first three quarters of 2023.