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UN Tourism and WTTC Laud Saudi Arabia for Receiving over 100 Million Tourists in 2023

The Kingdom has achieved this milestone seven years ahead of the initial goal, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism said
The Kingdom has achieved this milestone seven years ahead of the initial goal, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism said
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UN Tourism and WTTC Laud Saudi Arabia for Receiving over 100 Million Tourists in 2023

The Kingdom has achieved this milestone seven years ahead of the initial goal, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism said
The Kingdom has achieved this milestone seven years ahead of the initial goal, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism said

Saudi Arabia has received international recognition and praise from UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council for the "remarkable achievement" of receiving over 100 million tourists in 2023, according to a statement issued today by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.
This accomplishment, the statement said, significantly surpassed the target set for 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as "an emerging global tourism powerhouse.”
According to the ministry, the Kingdom has achieved this milestone seven years ahead of the initial goal, according to the latest data. Motivated by this success, the Kingdom has now set a new ambitious target of welcoming 150 million tourists by 2030.
Tourism has proved to be a significant contributor to the nation’s economy, with domestic and international tourists spending over SAR250 billion in 2023. This expenditure represents over 4% of GDP and 7% of the non-oil GDP, and reflects the crucial role played by tourism in diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb said that this announcement demonstrates the scale of the Kingdom's transformation since the National Tourism Strategy was launched five years ago.
"Tourism is a key pillar in the nation’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, creating jobs and revenue for the Kingdom," he said. "We thank both UN Tourism and WTTC as valued partners in our journey for their shared commitment to a sustainable and prosperous tourism sector.”
Al Khateeb said the tourism sector operates in line with the national tourism strategy, developing diverse tourist destinations. The aim, he said, is to enrich the tourists’ experience, diversify options for both local and international visitors, and improve hospitality facilities along with other services provided.
"We are committed to aligning with top-tier international experiences and practices. This approach contributes to shaping a prosperous future for our tourism industry, improving the quality of life, and bolstering the Kingdom's position on the global tourism map," said the minister.
According to the statement, the tourism sector in the Kingdom has made significant leaps, with the total number of tourists, both domestic and international, reaching 106.2 million in 2023. This represents a remarkable 56% increase over 2019 and a substantial 12% surge over 2022.
International tourists numbered 27.4 million, a substantial 56% increase over 2019 and an impressive 65% rise compared to 2022.

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Saudi Arabia to Host Regular World Economic Forum Global Meeting

A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Regular World Economic Forum Global Meeting

A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia will host a regular high-level World Economic Forum (WEF) global meeting in Riyadh, with the first slated for the Spring of 2026.

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim and WEF President Børge Brende, made the announcement on Friday - the final day of the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The global WEF meeting in Riyadh will serve as a vital platform for global leaders, experts, policy- and decision-makers from diverse fields including the public and private sectors, academia, international organizations, and civil society to convene and address the challenges defining the world.

“Hosting a regular global World Economic Forum meeting in the Kingdom is a testament to the global platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation that Saudi Arabia has become, and that the World Economic Forum continues to be. This meeting represents a significant opportunity to further unite the world in capturing the immense potential that lies ahead,” said Alibrahim.

“In this critical juncture for the global economy, we are not only inspired by the opportunities before us, but also deeply confident that our collective efforts will forge a brighter, more inclusive and more prosperous future for all. We look forward to welcoming the global community again in Saudi Arabia in the spring of 2026,” he added.

For his part, Brende said: “The World Economic Forum is looking forward to coming back to the Kingdom in 2026. To close the 55th World Economic Forum with this announcement puts us on a strong course for the years ahead. Years that will have immense consequences. Because the progress we make over the coming months will not only deliver results in the near term, but will shape our course for years to come.”

Building on the success of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting held in Riyadh in April 2024, this new development solidifies Saudi Arabia’s position as a central player in shaping the global agenda. The Kingdom’s bold leadership and determination to foster global dialogues between developed and developing economies and drive inclusive global growth make it an ideal host to address complex global challenges with the WEF community.

The World Economic Forum Global Meeting in Riyadh is set to become a cornerstone event in the global calendar, reflecting the Kingdom’s position as a key bridge between the north and south, east and west, and a beacon for constructive dialogue and action.