Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Tourism, participated in the United Nations' celebration of World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this year's celebration was themed 'Tourism and Sustainable Transformation' and aimed to highlight the significant economic, social, cultural, and political value of the tourism sector. The event also focused on the role of tourism in supporting sustainable development through various global events, conferences, and exhibitions.
The Ministry of Tourism's participation underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to aligning with international sustainability efforts within the tourism sector. This aligns with the Kingdom's belief in the critical role that travel and tourism play in fostering connections between cultures, creating jobs, and stimulating indirect opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, food industries, transport, and infrastructure on a global scale.
Saudi Arabia's engagement in World Tourism Day coincides with a period of remarkable growth in its tourism sector, evidenced by a significant rise in both domestic and international visitors. In 2024, the Kingdom saw approximately 116 million domestic and inbound tourists, marking a six percent increase from 2023. The total tourism spending in the Kingdom, comprising both domestic and inbound figures, reached about SAR284 billion, reflecting an 11 percent growth compared to 2023.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia recorded its highest-ever number of international tourists in 2024, with approximately 30 million visitors-a notable eight percent increase from the previous year. The total spending of inbound tourists amounted to SAR168.5 billion, marking a substantial 19 percent growth compared to 2023.
In 2025, Saudi Arabia continued to excel in international tourism indicators, achieving the top rank globally as the leading tourist destination in terms of growth in international tourist revenues during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2019. This achievement was highlighted in the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer report issued in May 2025, which noted a 102 percent increase in the number of international tourists in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2019.