The number of tourists visiting Saudi Arabia in 2023 increased by 156% compared to 2019, according to the World Tourism Organization.
Thanks to this growth, the Middle East has become the leader of the global tourism recovery in terms of relative value, with a 122% increase in the number of tourists compared to 2019.
According to a report by the World Tourism Organization, the global recovery rate in 2023 was 88% of the pre-pandemic level. The number of international arrivals is estimated at 1.3 billion people, and international tourism revenues amounted to $1.3 trillion, approaching 93% of the $1.5 trillion achieved in 2019.
The organization estimated the direct contribution of tourism to the global gross product at 3% during 2023, reaching $3.3 trillion according to direct calculations of tourism GDP according to preliminary indicators of the organization.
The World Tourism Organization estimates that global tourism will grow by 2% in 2024 compared to 2019.
In addition, Saudi Arabia also ranked as the second fastest growing tourist destination in the world in the first three quarters. The kingdom has seen an increase in spending by visitors coming from abroad: in the first three quarters of 2023, total spending by visitors reached more than 100 billion riyals, according to balance of payments data published by the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia.
This defines the kingdom as one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the region and travelers' confidence in Saudi Arabia's attractive tourism opportunities and the degree of their diversity.
Participants discussed the boundary between nature and ecotourism, whether mass visits to unique areas can remain safe, the responsibilities of investors, and how to prepare tourists for visiting specially protected natural areas.
The head of state expressed confidence that the Forum will be held at a high level, and that its results will contribute to the development of tourism in Russia and the expansion of humanitarian and business ties.
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