The World Travel & Tourism Council's forecast for 2024 would be a record-breaking year for the travel and tourism industry – and it proved entirely accurate.
According to records kept by the World Travel & Tourism Council, the international travel and tourism industry has experienced "an all-time high of $11.1 trillion in economic output from the industry."
With a notable surge in tourism figures experienced internationally, Saudi Arabia has also experienced a massive uptick in local, regional and international tourists visiting the Kingdom.
Saudi's Tourism Boom
The Kingdom's burgeoning tourism scene, and the continued global success of Riyadh Season has ensured the nation has reached new heights with recent figures highlighting the city's growing popularity as a global destination.
From January to July 2024, according to data unveiled by the World Tourism Barometer corroborated by UN Tourism, the Kingdom experienced a remarkable 73% increase in international tourist arrivals - with an "estimated 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, about 11% more than in 2023, though 4% less than in 2019."
In mid-November 2024, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism announced that Riyadh's 5-star hotels achieved an impressive (and near-unheard-of) 97% occupancy rate. And overall, the city's hotel and apartment occupancy surpassed 90%, a testament to the city's thriving tourism scene.
This surge in both local and international tourism can be attributed to the Saudi government's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a leading global tourism destination by developing world-class infrastructure and promoting cultural experiences. From the ancient wonders of AlUla, Al Balad, Al Diriyah to the futuristic Red Sea destinations of Shebara's floating orbs, to the wow-factor of Desert Rock and of course the cities of the Kingdom - there is so much to discover and explore.
World's Most Visited Countries in 2024
This recently released list of the world's most visited countries provides valuable insights into global travel trends.
It underscores the enduring allure of classic European destinations, such as France, Spain and Italy, which continue to captivate travellers from across Europe and around the world with their rich history, art, and culture - and perfect placement on the edges of the much-loved Mediterranean Sea.
The United Arab Emirates came in at number 26, with 16.7 million visitors entering the country in 2024. Saudi Arabia ranked in 31st place, welcoming 13.6 million visitors into the Kingdom.
However, the list also highlights the growing popularity of emerging travel hotspots such as Saudi Arabia, Norway and South Africa, which are attracting increasing numbers of visitors with their unique charm, stunning natural beauty, and their exciting hospitality options.
1. France: 89.4 million visitors
2. Spain: 83.7 million visitors
3. United States: 79.3 million visitors
4. China: 65.7 million visitors
5. Italy: 64.5 million visitors
6. Turkey: 51.2 million visitors
7. Mexico: 45 million visitors
8. Thailand: 39.8 million visitors
9. Germany: 39.6 million visitors
10. United Kingdom: 39.4 million visitors
11. Japan: 32.3 million visitors
12. Austria: 31.9 million visitors
13. Greece: 31.3 million visitors
14. Malaysia: 26.1 million visitors
15. Portugal: 24.6 million visitors
16. Russia: 24.4 million visitors
17. Hong Kong: 23.8 million visitors
18. Poland: 22.1 million visitors
19. Canada: 22.1 million visitors
20. Netherlands: 20.1 million visitors
