Saudi Arabia attracts 27M tourists in 2023, spending crosses SAR 100B: Minister

Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism

Saudi Arabia welcomed 27 million tourists in 2023, as spending surpassed SAR 100 billion, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said at the PIF Private Sector Forum.

Accordingly, Saudi Arabia ranked first among the 12 Middle Eastern countries.

The ongoing improvement in the sector involves legislative changes or efforts to attract investments, as the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), established for this purpose, has already financed over 50 projects worth up to SAR 35 billion so far.

He explained that Saudi Arabia succeeded in achieving Vision 2030’s objectives by reaching 100 million tourists, with 77 million domestic tourists and 27 million international tourists.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister directed the target to be increased to 150 million tourists after reaching the initial goal of 100 million, Al Khateeb highlighted.

The Ministry of Tourism is currently formulating a strategy to attract 150 million tourists, aiming for 80 million domestic tourists and 70 million international tourists.