(MENAFN) Tourist spending in Saudi Arabia surged to approximately SR150 billion (USD40 billion) during the first half of 2024, marking a significant 10 percent increase in both visitor numbers and expenditure compared to the previous year. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, highlighted these figures at a conference focused on reviewing the 2024 summer tourism program. He emphasized the upcoming launch of a tourist visa next month, aimed at further boosting international visitor arrivals and fostering continued growth in the tourism sector.

Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious goal to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030, underscoring its commitment to establishing itself as a leading global tourism destination. The Kingdom's efforts are supported by robust growth in passenger air traffic, which soared by 17 percent in the first half of 2024, reaching 62 million passengers compared to 53 million in the same period last year. This increase was facilitated by a 12 percent rise in the number of flights, totaling 446,000 compared to 399,000 flights in the first half of 2023.

Minister Al-Khateeb provided insights into the tourism sector's performance for the year, stating, "We achieved 60 million visits and approximately SR150 billion in tourist spending." These statistics underscore Saudi Arabia's growing appeal as a tourist destination, driven by strategic initiatives and infrastructure investments aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and expanding tourism offerings across the Kingdom.

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