Wednesday, December 20, 2023
The Tourism Department of Saudi Arabia is excited to share the initial figures for the first six months of 2023, showcasing a significant progression in tourism activities, following the impressive surge observed in 2022. This update not only keeps local and global investors informed about the latest trends in the tourism industry but also highlights the successful strategies employed by the Tourism Department and its associates in drawing tourists. These strategies include the enhancement of tourism offerings and service quality, as well as improvements in visa procedures.
The period witnessed unprecedented numbers in inbound tourism, marking a 142% rise in tourist count and a 132% increase in overall tourism revenue compared to the same period in 2022. This growth is evident across various tourism types, with leisure tourism experiencing the most substantial boost of 347% in comparison to the first half of 2022.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has seen impressive gains this year, with the total number of tourists (inclusive of overnight visitors for all purposes) reaching 53.6 million. This figure comprises 39.0 million domestic tourists and 14.6 million international visitors. The total revenue generated from tourism soared to SAR150 billion, with domestic tourism contributing SAR 63.1 billion and international tourism adding SAR 86.9 billion, marking a new historical peak for Saudi Arabian tourism.
Domestic tourism experienced a 16% growth in revenue during the first half of 2023, owing to the increased average duration of stay from 4.6 nights in the first half of 2022 to 6.3 nights in the same period of 2023. Leisure remains the primary reason for travel, with a visitor increase of 18% compared to the first half of 2022, accounting for 43% of all domestic tourism travels with 16.6 million tourists.
Outbound tourism also saw a rise in the first half of 2023, with a 37% increase in tourist numbers and a 74% surge in spending compared to the first half of 2022. This growth is attributed to the easing of global travel restrictions, coupled with the onset of the summer season and school holidays in June. Non-Saudi residents accounted for 45% of all outbound tourists, marking a 24% increase from the first half of 2022, and their spending represented 66% of total outbound tourism expenditure. The primary reason for travel among these tourists was visiting friends and relatives, which comprised 67% of all non-Saudi outbound trips. The average stay duration rose from 19.3 nights in the first half of 2022 to 45.5 nights in the first half of 2023, leading to a 109% increase in non-Saudi outbound expenditure.
Saudi outbound tourists, primarily traveling to neighboring countries, registered a 49% increase, while their spending rose by 32% compared to the first half of 2022. However, the average spending per night for Saudi tourists declined from SAR 599 in the first half of 2022 to SAR 332 in the same period of 2023.
Tags: saudi arabia, Tourists
Monday, January 1, 2024
