Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb said the tourism sector in the Kingdom achieved its goal of hosting 100 million tourists in 2023.
Of that figure, 77 million were domestic tourists and 27 million were international tourists. They collectively spent SAR100 billion.
He made the announcement during his participation at a ministerial panel, "The Importance of the Private Sector in Achieving Vision 2030", at the second edition of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Private Sector Forum.
Al-Khateeb emphasized that the new strategy of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, aims to attract 150 million tourists, some 80 million domestic and 70 million from abroad, by 2030.
He said the Kingdom has committed to funding training programs, adding that more than 100,000 young men and women were trained last year. Of these, 15,000 trained in the best institutes in the world to join the tourism sector.
He also highlighted the role played by the Human Resources Development Fund in increasing salaries.
Al-Khateeb emphasized the ongoing effort to boost legislation and encourage investment, highlighting the establishment of the Tourism Development Fund, which has funded over 50 projects totaling SAR35 billion.
