Tourism licences 89% up in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector witnessed a significant boost in 2023, with the number of tourism facility licences reaching over 4,400—an 89% increase compared to the previous year, according to an official from the Ministry of Tourism.
Mohammed Al Rasasmah, spokesperson for the Ministry, confirmed that 2,300 licences were issued in 2023 alone. He attributed the growth to the Ministry’s proactive efforts to streamline the licensing process and support operators and investors across the tourism industry.
Tourism Growth Driven by Visa Reforms and Investment Incentives
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector continues to thrive, fueled by progressive initiatives aimed at attracting international visitors. One major milestone was the launch of the tourist e-visa and visa-on-arrival system in 2019, which allows citizens of multiple countries to enter the Kingdom with ease. These reforms have significantly enhanced the country’s global appeal as a tourist destination.
Global Recognition: Saudi Arabia Ranks 12th in International Tourist Spending
Saudi Arabia advanced 15 positions in the global rankings for international tourist spending in 2023, moving up to 12th place, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Kingdom now leads the world in upward movement among the top 50 tourist destinations.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), international visitors spent over SAR 141 billion (approximately USD 38 billion) in 2023—underscoring the Kingdom’s growing prominence in the global tourism market.
Record-Breaking Year: Over 100 Million Tourists Visited Saudi Arabia in 2023
In 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed more than 100 million tourists, achieving its Vision 2030 target ahead of schedule. Of these, 77 million were domestic tourists and 27 million were international arrivals.
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb confirmed the milestone, highlighting it as a testament to the Kingdom’s strategic investments in infrastructure, hospitality, and regulatory reform.
Vision 2030: Aiming for 150 Million Tourists Annually
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious target of attracting 150 million tourists annually by 2030. This includes 80 million domestic tourists and 70 million international visitors. The overarching goal is to position Saudi Arabia among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations.
As the Kingdom continues to expand its tourism offerings and invest in mega-projects such as NEOM and Red Sea Global, the sector is poised for sustained growth and global recognition.