Latest news with #AhmedAlKhateeb
Al Arabiya
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia tops global tourism spending growth in Q1 2025: UN report
Saudi Arabia led the world in international tourism spending growth during the first quarter of 2025 and ranked third globally in tourist arrival gains, according to the latest UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) data. The Kingdom recorded a 102 percent surge in international visitor numbers and spending compared to the same period in 2019, significantly outpacing the global average of 3 percent and the Middle East's 44 percent. For more news on Saudi Arabia, visit our dedicated page. In its latest World Tourism Barometer, the UNWTO confirmed that Saudi Arabia placed first worldwide in tourism receipts growth and third globally in international arrivals. Regionally, the Kingdom ranked second in the Middle East for visitor growth. According to the Ministry of Tourism, foreign visitor spending in Q1 2025 reached $13.2 billion (SAR 49.4 billion) – an increase of nearly 10 percent over Q1 2024. The Kingdom's travel account surplus also rose 11.7 percent year-on-year. Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed al-Khateeb welcomed the results, saying they 'support the Kingdom's efforts to boost tourism as part of its Saudi Vision 2030.' The strong performance reflects the impact of Vision 2030 and the Kingdom's ambitious giga-projects – including NEOM, AlUla, the Red Sea Project, Amaala, and Sindalah – as well as streamlined visa policies and expanded tourism infrastructure, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Religious tourism continues to play a central role, with Mecca and Madinah drawing millions of pilgrims annually. Mecca alone attracted 9.4 million visitors in 2022. Meanwhile, heritage destinations like Hegra in AlUla – known for its ancient Nabatean tombs – are expanding Saudi Arabia's appeal to leisure and cultural tourists. The 'Quality of Life' Program has also contributed to this momentum, with $9.2 billion (SAR 34.6 billion) invested since 2018 in entertainment, festivals, and infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. With this upward trajectory in both receipts and arrivals, Saudi Arabia appears well on track to reach its Vision 2030 goal of 150 million annual visits and establish itself as a leading global tourism destination.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif
RIYADH: Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has visited Taif governorate to begin his field tours of destinations featured in the Saudi Summer program. The program, launched in May with the slogan 'Color Your Summer,' runs until September and showcases destinations from Jeddah and the Red Sea's coastal escapes to the cooler highlands of Taif, Baha, and Asir. It offers more than 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private sector entities. Al-Khateeb led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and the tourism sector. The visit included tours of tourist landmarks in Taif to assess the visitor experience, review facilities, and oversee service quality. He expressed satisfaction with the visit, highlighting Taif's natural beauty and mild climate, which help position it as a key tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Tourism data shows Taif welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, up 9 percent from 2023. Annual tourism spending reached SR3.4 billion ($906 million), and 266 tourism establishment licenses were issued, according to the SPA. Al-Khateeb said at the program's launch in May: 'This year we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia's growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.' The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors in total by 2030 through improved infrastructure, diverse experiences, better connectivity, and streamlined travel procedures. Asir is hosting its summer season with a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events, featuring Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event, along with adventure trails and outdoor activities amid the lofty mountains and pleasant weather. Riyadh is hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, attracting visitors worldwide. The city also offers artistic and cultural events and various entertainment shows throughout the summer. Jeddah is welcoming visitors with its beaches and luxury resorts. Its diverse marine activities and relaxation events make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore City Walk and enjoy performances at Circus 1903. Sheybarah and Ummahat are islands that are part of the Kingdom's luxury tourism network, featuring white sandy beaches, clear waters, and colorful coral reefs to offer maritime adventures. Taif greets summer visitors with refreshing mountain breezes and fragrant Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, in addition to traditional markets and lush orchards. The Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains provide a misty, magical atmosphere for those immersed in the region's rich heritage. Visitors can also experience stunning natural beauty in Baha, from mountain heights to valley depths in Raghadan Forest.
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
Saudi Arabia sees highest global jump in tourism spending in early 2025 — UN report
Saudi Arabia ranked first in the world in terms of growth in international tourism spending during the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2019. This was revealed in the latest World Tourism Barometer published by the United Nations Tourism agency in May. Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb welcomed this achievement on X, saying it supports the Kingdom's efforts to boost tourism as part of its Saudi Vision 2030. The report also showed that the Kingdom placed third globally in the increase of international tourist arrivals and second in the Middle East for the same period. International tourist arrivals to Saudi Arabia surged by 102 percent in Q1 of 2025 compared to Q1 of 2019. This is far above the global average growth of 3 percent and the Middle East regional average of 44 percent. Tourism spending hit $13.2 billion According to the Ministry's report, the country reached SAR 49.4 billion or around $13.2 billion in international visitor spending in Q1 2025, a 9.7 percent rise from 2024. Meanwhile, travel account surplus stood at SAR 26.8 billion, reflecting an 11.7 percent increase from the same period last year.
Arabian Post
05-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Saudi Crown Charts Tourism Surge Ahead of 2034 Boom
Global tourism is projected to reach 30 billion trips by 2034 and contribute $16 trillion to world GDP, growing 1.5 times faster than the global economy, according to the World Economic Forum's latest report. Amid this surge, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a pivotal force, ranking the second fastest-growing tourism destination and leading global investments in innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability The WEF report, Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth, produced with Kearney and the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, highlights the Kingdom's rapid evolution. Under Vision 2030, it aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, underpinned by major mega-projects like NEOM, Soudah Peaks in Asir, Trojena, Al‑Ula, and the Red Sea Project. These initiatives reflect bold efforts to diversify beyond oil and position Saudi Arabia as a global tourism and cultural hub. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasises that tourism goes beyond economic benefit; it fosters cultural diplomacy and long‑term resilience. He asserts that developing 'regenerative destinations, future‑ready infrastructure, and talent pipelines' is central to both national growth and shaping future global tourism. Saudi Arabia's investments via the Quality of Life Program—backed by a US$34.6 billion budget—underscore its commitment to improving recreation and entertainment infrastructure while supporting emerging tourism projects. ADVERTISEMENT Saudi mega-developments like NEOM's Sindalah island and the mountain resorts of Soudah Peaks and Trojena illustrate the Kingdom's integrated approach. Sindalah, an ultra‑luxury island destination opened in October 2024, with 85‑berth marina and high‑end amenities, aims to host 2,400 visitors daily by 2028. Soudah Peaks, a US$7.7 billion project nestled in the Asir Mountains, targets two million annual visitors by 2033 and aims to contribute US$7.8 billion to GDP. Trojena, designed as a year‑round mountain resort with skiing and adventure tourism, continues despite budget pressures, though a 2023 audit flagged soaring costs and alleged financial irregularities. Globally, Asia is highlighted as the fastest‑growing tourism region, with India and China expected to account for over 25% of outbound trips by 2030. Within this broader context, Saudi Arabia stands out for its strategic role in shaping global travel through luxury endeavours, sports tourism, ecotourism, and travel tech investment. Rapid industry expansion demands extensive infrastructure: an additional 7 million hotel rooms, 15 million flights annually, and substantial investments in transport and hospitality—areas where Saudi Arabia is heavily investing. Yet, the WEF report raises red flags: tourism already accounts for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and that share could climb to 15% by 2034 if unchecked. Tourist‑derived waste is expected to reach 205 million tonnes annually—about 7% of global solid waste—and acute labour shortages plague countries worldwide, with UK turnover at 53% and US firms struggling with rising wages. WEF President Børge Brende warns of potential losses of up to $6 trillion by 2030 due to inadequate planning and lack of collaboration. He calls for transformative public‑private partnerships and sustainable fuel standards to underpin the sector's future. Kearney's Bob Willen echoes this, highlighting the need for investment in green infrastructure, workforce support, cultural preservation, and community benefit. Saudi Arabia appears poised to lead this shift. Its Vision 2030 agenda is channeling funds into infrastructure, entertainment, and training to support the projected 150 million annual visitors. Initiatives like cinemas, tourism visas, and Quality of Life enhancements are central to this strategy. By aligning mega-projects with sustainability and community inclusion objectives, Riyadh seeks to set an example of responsible tourism transformation.
Hospitality Net
04-07-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Saudi Arabia Tops 100 Million Domestic And Inbound Tourist Mark For The Second Year In A Row In 2024
The Ministry of Tourism has released its 2024 Annual Statistical Report on the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key indicators of tourism activity and underlining the sector's continued growth following the significant progress recorded in 2023. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, stated that the strong performance reflected in the 2024 report was achieved with the guidance and support of the Kingdom's leadership. His Excellency added that tourism has become a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030, with the report showcasing the sector's accelerated growth driven by the efforts of the Ministry and all stakeholders of Saudi Arabia's tourism ecosystem. According to the report, the Kingdom welcomed around 116 million domestic and inbound tourists in 2024, a 6% increase compared with 2023. Total tourism spending—for domestic and inbound tourism—reached approximately SAR 284 billion, reflecting 11% growth year-on-year. The Ministry noted that Saudi Arabia achieved its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, receiving about 30 million inbound tourists in 2024, marking an 8% rise versus 2023. Inbound tourism spending in 2024 totaled SAR 168.5 billion, up 19% from 2023. Domestic tourism also experienced solid growth with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, marking a 5% increase compared with 2023. Moreover, domestic tourism spending reached SAR 115.3 billion in 2024. The Ministry invited investors and stakeholders to view the full 2024 Annual Statistical Report available on the Ministry's website: Tourist Intelligence Center | Ministry of Tourism | KSA (
