JEDDAH — In 2023, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in transforming itself into a premier global tourism destination, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Barometer reporting it as the world’s second fastest-growing tourist destination.
This impressive achievement reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious efforts to diversify its economy and enhance its appeal to international visitors.
Record-Breaking Growth in Tourism
According to the UNWTO report, Saudi Arabia achieved a staggering 150% recovery rate in its tourism sector compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, outpacing the global recovery rate of 87% and leading the Middle East with a 120% recovery.
This rapid growth is attributed to the Kingdom’s proactive strategies to increase tourist numbers, especially following the launch of several new tourist destinations.
Introduction of ‘KSA Visa’ Platform
A key development in 2023 was the launch of the ‘KSA Visa,’ a unified visa platform designed to streamline the visa…