Saudi Arabia Record Highest Int’l Tourism Growth among G20 Countries in First 7 Months of 2024

Saudi Arabia Record Highest Int’l Tourism Growth among G20 Countries in First 7 Months of 2024
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Saudi Arabia Record Highest Int’l Tourism Growth among G20 Countries in First 7 Months of 2024

Saudi Arabia Record Highest Int’l Tourism Growth among G20 Countries in First 7 Months of 2024

Saudi Arabia has once again registered the highest growth in international tourism figures in the first seven months of this year among the G20 countries, according to the latest data from the United Nations Tourism Organization.

Compared to the same period in 2019, the Kingdom recorded a remarkable 73% increase in the number of international tourists and a 207% growth of international tourism revenues, the organization's September 2024 World Tourism Barometer report showed.

Saudi Arabia welcomed around 17.5 million international tourists during this period, which points to a significant increase in its global tourism appeal. In 2023, the Kingdom had 27.4 million visitors, registering a 56% growth in the number of international tourists compared to 2019.

This positioned Saudi Arabia at the top of the UN list recording tourism growth among major tourist destinations in 2023. Moreover, the travel item’s surplus recorded a historic SAR48 billion in 2023, reflecting a 38% year-on-year increase.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its 2024 Article IV Consultation report in September, commended the unprecedented achievements of Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

The IMF particularly noted the sector's role in the drive to diversify the Kingdom's economic base, especially in the services sector where tourism has emerged as a key driver of growth. The sector has led in visitor numbers, spending, job creation, and contribution to the GDP.

These achievements underscore the Kingdom's growing status as a premier global tourism destination, with the continuous rise in tourist numbers reflecting confidence in the country's diverse and attractive tourism offerings.



Saudi Mining Licenses Reach 2,401 by End of 2024

Saudi Mining Licenses Reach 2,401 by End of 2024
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Saudi Mining Licenses Reach 2,401 by End of 2024

Saudi Mining Licenses Reach 2,401 by End of 2024

The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced on Sunday that the number of valid mining licenses in the Kingdom has reached 2,401 by the end of 2024.

The licenses cover various categories, including mining, exploration, reconnaissance, building materials quarries, and small mine operations.

According to the 2024 Mining Sector Indicators Bulletin, issued by the National Industrial and Mining Information Center, the majority of these licenses were granted for building materials quarries (1,481), followed by exploration (642), mining and small mining exploitation (215), reconnaissance (41), and surplus mineral ore extraction (22).

The bulletin serves as a critical tool for monitoring developments in the mining sector, tracking both existing and newly issued licenses across various regions of the Kingdom. By boosting transparency and providing accurate data, the initiative supports investors and decision-makers in making informed choices that contribute to the sector’s growth and sustainability.