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.



Saudi Arabia Allocates 3 Mining Complexes in Eastern and Madinah Regions

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources building in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources building in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Allocates 3 Mining Complexes in Eastern and Madinah Regions

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources building in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources building in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has designated three sites for mining complexes in the Eastern and Madinah regions. This initiative aims to enhance the investment environment in the mining sector, improve transparency, attract investors, and support mining licenses for building materials quarries.

According to ministry spokesperson Jarrah Al-Jarrah, developing these mining complexes will help regulate the building materials quarry sector, strengthen governance in mining, and increase investor confidence.

The initiative is expected to attract further investments while ensuring sustainability by focusing on environmental protection, occupational health and safety, and community participation in the sector’s growth under the Mining Investment Law.

Al-Jarrah added that the allocated sites include a location southeast of Madinah, covering 108.25 square kilometers, a site in the Eastern Province south of Khafji, spanning 4.84 square kilometers, and another site southwest of Khafji, covering 4.28 square kilometers.

By allocating these sites, the ministry aims to stimulate local economic development by creating job opportunities for residents in nearby areas, increasing local procurement, and fostering effective community engagement.

The initiative also emphasizes adherence to environmental regulations, ensuring responsible mining practices, and implementing rehabilitation and closure plans for mining sites.