The entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia continues to attract more visitors to achieve the country's target of 150 million visitors annually by 2030.
The General Entertainment Authority announced last Friday that Riyadh Season 2024 has already welcomed over 12 million visitors since its launch on October 13 with a daily average of around 174,000 visitors.
The number of visitors to Riyadh Season 2024 has already exceeded half the total attendance of last year's season, which was 20 million visitors, with a daily average of about 150,000 visitors.
Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh announced during a press conference for Riyadh Season 2024 that this year's edition will include 14 entertainment areas, 11 international tournaments, and 100 exhibitions and festivals.
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib revealed earlier this year that the country had achieved the goals of Vision 2030 by surpassing 100 million visitors. As a result, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s new strategy was set to reach 150 million visitors.
In September, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector as a major contributor to the country’s economic diversification.
An IMF report acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s success in exceeding the Vision 2030 target of attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2023, seven years ahead of schedule. Tourism revenues reached $36 billion in 2023, with net tourism income increasing by 38%. The sector’s direct and indirect contribution to GDP reached 11.5% in 2023, with expectations to grow to 16% by 2034.
