Harry Usher’s Post

In the first three months of this year, tourism spending in Saudi Arabia surged by 23%, reaching a total of SR45 billion ($12 billion). This significant increase highlights the country's growing appeal as a travel destination. The rise in tourist expenditure is a positive sign for the economy, reflecting successful efforts to attract more visitors. With continued growth, Saudi Arabia is poised to strengthen its position in the global tourism market. https://lnkd.in/dkJf9s2N

Oman's tourism industry is significantly enhancing the country's economic landscape. Recent efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil revenues have focused on promoting the nation's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Government-led initiatives contribute to the sector transformation. As a result, Oman is poised to attract more international visitors and achieve new heights in its tourism sector. https://loom.ly/zL7bnHw

Until some years ago, Saudi Arabia was not the top-of-the-mind destination one thought of for historical exploration or luxurious leisure. But now, it is investing heavily in tourism and travel; the target is 10% of GDP by 2030 to be contributed by the tourism sector. According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank – SAMA, tourist spending reached a record high of $39.95 billion in 2023. This showcases a growth rate of 42.8%, as compared to 2022. 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leader in tourism growth among G20 nations, experiencing a remarkable 73 percent increase in international visitors in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019. The UN World Tourism Barometer reports that the Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists during this timeframe, showcasing its growing allure as a global travel destination. This surge is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues. The National Tourism Strategy targets attracting 150 million visitors by 2030 and boosting tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product from 6 percent to 10 percent. These goals reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its tourism sector and enhancing its global appeal. #vison2023 #saudiarabia #tourism

Data Dive: Spectacular Growth Of Tourism Delivers Boost to Saudi Economy * In 2023, Saudi Arabia hosted 27.4 million international tourists, who spent a total of $36 billion. * Now, the Saudi government plans to invest almost $1 trillion in tourism over the next decade, and to attract between $60-80 billion in private investments for the tourism industry by 2030. Jack Dickens delved into the data for Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism industry: https://lnkd.in/ezQ5R2We

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector Has Risen by 656% since 2019 During 2024, 17.5 millions of international visitors have visited KSA, confirmed by Saudi Ministry of Tourism.   This growth reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism offerings and attract global travelers.  The introduction of the first tourism visa in 2019 marked a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia's travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Under the Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to welcome 100 million tourists by 2030.  Between January and July 2024, Saudi Arabia saw 4.2 million visitors seeking tourism, entertainment and leisure experiences, a 25% increase from the previous year. Total number of international tourists in the first seven months of 2024 represents a 10% rise from 2023 and 73% increase compared to 2019.  UN World Tourism Barometer has recognized the Kingdom as the fastest-growing G20 nation in terms of international arrivals and tourism revenues.  Key initiatives fueling this growth include the development of new tourist attractions, such as the Diriyah Gate and Al-Oula cultural projects, and substantial investments in luxury resorts along the Red Sea coast. The tourism sector is poised to significantly impact Saudi Arabia’s employment landscape. By 2030, it is projected to create 1.2 million new jobs for Saudis, particularly in hospitality, tour operations, cultural heritage preservation.   Currently, tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of employment for Saudi citizens, with 900,000 nationals already working in the sector. These developments indicate the sector’s growing potential to diversify the economy, generate employment, and empower the local workforce. #SaudiVision2030 #PIF #SaudiRealEstate #SaudiTravel #SaudiTourism #AlOula #DiriyahGate #RedSea #Amala #Riyadh #SaudiTourism #SaudiArabiaTourism #VisitSaudiArabia #SaudiTravel #SaudiArabiaTravel #SaudiArabia #TourismGrowth #Travel #Tourism #SaudiVision2030 #TourismVisa #Riyadh #Jeddah #Dammam #DiriyahGate #AlUla #RedSeaProject #SaudiHospitality #SaudiJobs #TourismIndustry #TravelDestinations #GlobalTravel #TravelGram #Instatravel #SaudiTourismGrowth #VisitSaudiArabiaNow #SaudiTravelExperience #SaudiHospitalityJobs #SaudiArabiaTourismBoom #RedSeaLuxury #DiriyahGateExperience #AlUlaHeritage #SaudiVision2030Goals

Saudi Arabia plans to invest almost $1 trillion in tourism over the next decade But how will it be investing this colossal sum? And can tourism deliver the boost to the non-oil economy that the Saudi government is counting on? I took a look at some recent data in this week’s edition of Inside Saudi

Saudi Arabia has notably exceeded its 2030 tourism goal, welcoming over 106 million visitors last year, thus setting a new objective of 150 million visitors by 2030. This achievement, indicative of a 56% increase in international tourism since 2019, reflects the kingdom's escalating prominence as a global tourism hub, aligning with Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and bolster the tourism sector's GDP contribution. https://lnkd.in/dJUEerbg Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia #سياحتنا_طموح_وازدهار

STA Launches Summer Program to Boost Tourism Sector. RIYADH: The Saudi Tourism Authority has unveiled its 2024 summer program, “Saudi Summer is Next Door,” featuring events across seven destinations in the Kingdom. 🔹 Duration: The program runs for four months until the end of September. 🔹 Destinations: Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea, Aseer, Al Baha, and Taif. 🔹 Tourism Growth: Saudi Arabia saw a record 106 million visitors in 2023, a 156% increase from 2019, according to the UN’s World Tourism Barometer. 🔹 Minister’s Statement: "Saudi Arabia is witnessing a transformative period in tourism, driven by our vision to position the Kingdom as a premier global destination," said Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism. 🔹 Key Events: The summer program includes the return of Jeddah Season and the launch of Aseer Season, with numerous family activities and events. 🔹 Tourism Strategy: Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, increasing tourism's GDP contribution to 10% from the current 6%. 🔹 Global Recognition: "Saudi tourism is witnessing unparalleled development, achieving great leaps in recent years," said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization. 🔹 Offers and Discounts: Over 550 tourism products and 150 special offers, including discounts on hotel bookings, are part of this year's program. 🔹 eVisa Initiative: The introduction of the eVisa for citizens of 66 countries has made visiting Saudi Arabia more accessible and 20% less expensive. #SaudiTourism #SaudiSummer2024 #TourismGrowth #ExploreSaudi #VisitSaudi #TravelDeals #Riyadh #Jeddah #AlUla #RedSea #Aseer #AlBaha #Taif #GlobalDestinations #Hospitality #EconomicDiversification #TourismStrategy #SaudiVision2030 #TourismDevelopment

🌟 Unlocking Saudi Arabia's Tourism Potential! 🌟 In 2023, Saudi Arabia experienced a record-breaking surge in tourism spending, reaching SAR 135 billion—an impressive increase of 42.8% compared to the previous year. Additionally, the Kingdom led global tourism growth with a remarkable 56% rise in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019. This announcement from Saudi Arabia's central bank, coupled with the unveiling of a new stopover visa initiative by its national airline, Saudia, signifies a pivotal moment for Saudi tourism. Under this initiative, passengers holding stopover visas can stay for up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia. During this period, visitors can engage in activities such as Umrah, exploring sacred sites, and visit top tourist destinations including the nation’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites like the breathtaking desert landscape of AlUla, the vibrant Historic Jeddah, and the verdant Al-Ahsa Oasis. These developments are in line with Vision 2030, which aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030, offering ample opportunities for businesses and investors. Join us in unlocking Saudi Arabia's tourism potential and seizing the opportunities it offers! ✈️🇸🇦 #SaudiTourism #Vision2030 #GlobalInsights #SaudiArabia https://lnkd.in/dUxiqFdd