Latest news with #AhmedAl-Khateeb
Saudi Gazette
14-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Khateeb hails Taif's tourism appeal as Saudi Summer 2025 gets underway
Saudi Gazette report TAIF — Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb reaffirmed on Sunday that national talents are the backbone of the Kingdom's tourism sector. He highlighted the government's focus on training and empowerment programs to raise workforce competence and expand employment opportunities across tourism pathways. During a field tour of Taif, marking the launch of his site visits under the Saudi Summer 2025 program, Al-Khateeb praised the province's natural charm and moderate climate, which he said position it as one of the most promising tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. The visit included inspections of several key tourist landmarks and facilities in Taif, with a focus on evaluating visitor experience, reviewing available infrastructure, and supervising the quality of services. Al-Khateeb also visited Al-Shafa, a popular summer retreat known for its scenic landscapes and cool weather. According to official data, Taif welcomed over 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year. Total tourism spending in the city reached SR3.4 billion. As of June 2025, Taif has 266 licensed tourism establishments and more than 10,220 hotel rooms. The Saudi Summer 2025 program showcases the strength and maturity of the Kingdom's tourism sector, offering over 250 exclusive promotions developed in partnership with more than 200 private sector entities. To support growing demand, more than 1 million additional airline seats have been made available across key tourist routes in collaboration with partners. Saudi Arabia is currently the fastest-growing tourist destination in the world. In 2024, it recorded more than 115.9 million visits, generating over SR283.8 billion in spending. In Q1 of 2025, the Kingdom led the world in year-on-year growth of international tourism revenue.
Gulf Insider
23-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia's Tourism Soars: 116 Million Visitors, SR284 Billion Spending In 2024
Saudi Arabia welcomed approximately 116 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, a 6 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism's Annual Statistical Report released on Sunday. The report revealed that total domestic and inbound travel spending reached around SR284 billion in 2024, an 11 per cent year-on-year growth. The surge reflects the Kingdom's growing appeal as a global travel destination and the effectiveness of its sustained investment in tourism infrastructure, cultural offerings, and streamlined visitor experiences. A record-breaking 30 million inbound tourists visited Saudi Arabia in 2024, an 8 percent increase over 2023, the highest number ever recorded. Spending by international visitors soared to SR168.5 billion, a 19 percent rise from the previous year. Domestic tourism also showed robust growth, with 86.2 million residents travelling within the Kingdom, spending SR115.3 billion and representing a 5 per cent increase in volume and value. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said: 'Tourism is no longer a supporting sector; it is a key economic driver that enables Vision 2030. These figures reflect the commitment of our partners across the tourism ecosystem, from investors and entrepreneurs to cultural institutions and hospitality leaders.' The ministry emphasised that the sector's growth builds on the significant momentum gained in 2023 and showcases the effectiveness of recent policy reforms, marketing campaigns, and investment initiatives to make Saudi Arabia more accessible and attractive to global travellers.
Leaders
22-06-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Welcomes 116 mln Visitors in 2024
Saudi Arabia welcomed nearly 116 million domestic and inbound tourists in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's tourism sector, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The ministry also released its 2024 Annual Statistical Report on Saudi Arabia's tourism sector to highlight key indicators of tourism activity and review the sector's growth during the year. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb stated that the report focuses on the efforts of the ministry and all stakeholders in Saudi Arabia's tourism ecosystem. According to the report, total tourism spending for domestic and inbound travel recorded approximately SAR284 billion, marking an 11% year-over-year growth. Furthermore, the Kingdom reached its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, with almost 30 million visitors in 2024, marking an 8% rise compared to 2023. Meanwhile, inbound tourism spending in 2024 surged to SAR168.5 billion, up 19% from the previous year. The Ministry of Tourism noted that this remarkable success was mainly driven by the efforts and support of the Saudi leadership in line with the Saudi Vision 2030. As for domestic tourism, the ministry reported noticeable growth with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, representing a 5% increase compared to 2023. The domestic tourism spending also reached SAR115.3 billion in 2024. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Sets Ambitious Target: 70 Million Tourists by 2030 Eid Al-Adha Brings Influx of Tourists to Haql's Scenic Beaches, Parks Saudi Arabia Targets Over 5M Chinese Tourists by 2030 Short link : Post Views: 19
Saudi Gazette
22-06-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Tourism Ministry: Saudi Arabia tops 100 million visitors for second year in a row in 2024
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia welcomed around 116 million domestic and foreign tourists in 2024, and this figure marks an increase of six percent compared to 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism. In its 2024 Annual Statistical Report on Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, released on Sunday, the ministry stated that total tourism spending for domestic and inbound travel during the last year reached approximately SR284 billion, reflecting an 11 percent year-over-year growth. The ministry noted that Saudi Arabia recorded its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, with approximately 30 million visitors in 2024, marking an 8 percent rise compared to 2023. Inbound tourism spending in 2024 totaled SR168.5 billion, up 19 percent from the previous year. Domestic tourism also experienced solid growth with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, marking a five percent increase compared to 2023. Moreover, domestic tourism spending reached SR115.3 billion in 2024. The ministry's annual report highlighted key indicators of tourism activity and underscored the sector's continued growth following the significant progress made in 2023. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb stated that the strong performance reflected in the 2024 report was achieved through the guidance and support of the Kingdom's leadership. He highlighted that tourism has become a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030, with the report shedding light on the sector's accelerated growth, driven by the efforts of the ministry and all stakeholders in Saudi Arabia's tourism ecosystem. The ministry invited investors and stakeholders to view the full 2024 Annual Statistical Report, available on its official website.
Tourism Breaking News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Saudi Tourism launches 2025 'Colour Your Summer' program
Post Views: 18 H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has launched the 2025 edition of the 'Saudi Summer' program, themed Colour Your Summer, at a workshop gathering over 120 public and private sector partners. Running from May to September, the initiative spans six destinations, from Jeddah's coastal retreats to the highlands of Taif, Al-Baha, and Aseer. Highlights include the Esports World Cup in Riyadh and seasonal events in Jeddah and Aseer, aimed at boosting tourism and economic growth. H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, stated, 'Bringing together our partners each year through this workshop is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping the future of the Saudi tourism industry. This year, we are encouraged to see the private sector contributing over SAR300 million in preparation for what promises to be an incredible summer season. With its rich culture and breathtaking diversity, Saudi Arabia's destinations continue to inspire travelers from around the world while fueling a dynamic domestic tourism scene.' The theme 'Colour Your Summer' highlights the rich diversity of Saudi Arabia's tourism offerings, catering to a wide range of visitor preferences. The program features coastal and mountain destinations, global events, exclusive deals, and a broad selection of tourism experiences across the Kingdom.
