Saudi Arabia Achieves 27M Foreign, 77M Domestic Tourists Targets in 2023

Saudi Arabia has surpassed its 2030 tourism goals with record-breaking figures for 2023. According to the latest data, the Kingdom successfully welcomed 27 million foreign visitors and 77 million domestic tourists last year, exceeding the targets set by its Vision 2030 plan.

According to the report, the kingdom has recently revised its tourism goals, aiming to welcome 150 million visitors by 2030, an increase from the initial target of 100 million. With a focus on developing its hospitality and real estate sectors, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is primed for significant growth. By attracting millions of visitors, Saudi Arabia aims to move revenue generation forward and enhance its global reputation as a tourist destination.

The founder, president and chief economist at Nasser Saidi & Associates, Nasser Saidi said, “Strategic initiatives such as the development of resorts along the Red Sea and hosting major events like gaming conferences and concerts, coupled with facilitative measures like the unified GCC tourist visa and the upcoming Expo 2030, are projected to fortify tourism prospects.”

The plan for the unified GCC tourist visa was driven by the Gulf Cooperation Council. Similar to the Schengen visa in Europe, it aims to simplify travel within the Gulf region by allowing tourists and residents to move between member countries with a single visa.

Among the various non-oil sectors experiencing growth in Saudi Arabia, Saidi believes that tourism has strong potential, given the country’s capacity to attract cultural, historical, and religious tourists.