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Tourism in Saudi Arabia Booms with 58% Growth in Arrivals in 2023, Ranks 2nd Globally

A landmark is lit up in the colors of the Saudi national flag in Diriyah. (SPA file photo)
A landmark is lit up in the colors of the Saudi national flag in Diriyah. (SPA file photo)
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Tourism in Saudi Arabia Booms with 58% Growth in Arrivals in 2023, Ranks 2nd Globally

A landmark is lit up in the colors of the Saudi national flag in Diriyah. (SPA file photo)
A landmark is lit up in the colors of the Saudi national flag in Diriyah. (SPA file photo)

Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant milestone in the tourism sector, ranking second globally in terms of tourist arrivals during the first seven months of 2023.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Kingdom witnessed a remarkable 58% growth in tourist numbers during the first seven months of this year compared to the same period in 2019.

The data is sourced from the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, published by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in September 2023.

This is a continuation of Saudi Arabia's success in the tourism industry and its position as a global leader in this field. Riyadh hosted World Tourism Day on September 27-28.

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said this achievement would not have been possible without the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

This achievement strengthens the Kingdom's status as a global tourist destination. The substantial rise in tourist arrivals reflects the confidence travelers have in the variety and quality of tourism options available in Saudi Arabia.

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Russia Hikes Import Tariffs for Consumer Goods from 'Unfriendly Countries'

A Russian national tricolor flag flutters on a tourist boat as another boat passes by along the Moskva river in central Moscow on July 18, 2024. (Photo by Natalia KOLESNIKOVA / AFP)
A Russian national tricolor flag flutters on a tourist boat as another boat passes by along the Moskva river in central Moscow on July 18, 2024. (Photo by Natalia KOLESNIKOVA / AFP)
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Russia Hikes Import Tariffs for Consumer Goods from 'Unfriendly Countries'

A Russian national tricolor flag flutters on a tourist boat as another boat passes by along the Moskva river in central Moscow on July 18, 2024. (Photo by Natalia KOLESNIKOVA / AFP)
A Russian national tricolor flag flutters on a tourist boat as another boat passes by along the Moskva river in central Moscow on July 18, 2024. (Photo by Natalia KOLESNIKOVA / AFP)

Russia increased imports tariffs for consumer goods, including candies, biscuits and shampoo, produced in countries that support sanctions against Moscow, according to a government order published late on Friday.

Russian imports from nations that imposed sanctions against Moscow over its military conflict with Ukraine slumped in 2022.

Some Western producers stopped selling to Russia, but Moscow has found roundabout ways to keep goods coming, including a grey imports scheme, and plenty of foreign goods remain on store shelves.

According to the order, the tariffs for perfume, cosmetics and shampoo from Poland, for example, will amount to 35% of the customs value. Duties for wallpapers from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will rise to 50%.

The new tariffs will be in place until and including Dec. 31 2024 and take effect seven days after publication.