Latest news with #AhmedAl-Khateeb
Leaders
4 hours ago
- 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
10 hours ago
- 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.
Saudi Gazette
27-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Aseer draws 8 million tourists in 2024, minister says
Saudi Gazette report ABHA — Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced that Aseer Region welcomed around 8 million tourists in 2024, positioning it as one of Saudi Arabia's leading tourism destinations. The announcement came on Tuesday during his participation in the second edition of the Aseer Investment Forum. Al-Khateeb highlighted Aseer's unique natural and cultural assets, saying they make the region an increasingly attractive environment for tourism investment. He revealed that the region's hospitality sector is set to expand with the addition of nearly 4,000 new hotel rooms in the coming years, supported by Saudi Arabia's broader tourism ecosystem. The minister also underscored the ministry's ongoing efforts to attract global hospitality brands, many of which are now eyeing Aseer due to its untapped potential and growing emphasized the crucial role of the local community, especially Aseer's youth, in delivering an authentic and memorable tourism noted that Aseer has evolved beyond its traditional image as a seasonal summer destination, becoming a year-round attraction thanks to its rich environmental and cultural the region's key cultural draws are Asiri arts such as Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, traditional clothing, and local cuisine, all of which have helped shape a distinctive tourism identity for the region.
Leaders
25-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Tourism Minister Unveils 2025 ‘Saudi Summer' Program
Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, officially launched the 2025 edition of the 'Saudi Summer' program under the theme Colour Your Summer during a workshop event held Saturday by the Authority. 'Saudi Summer' Program The event convened more than 120 stakeholders from across Saudi Arabia's tourism landscape, including representatives from both the public and private sectors. The collaborative workshop served as a platform to coordinate efforts ahead of the summer season, ensuring alignment on strategic objectives and maximizing the initiative's economic and tourism potential. Set to run from May through September 2025, the program will spotlight six diverse destinations—ranging from the temperate coastal getaways of Jeddah and the Red Sea, to the cool mountain retreats of Taif, Al-Baha, and Aseer. Esports World Cup (EWC) Key events this summer include the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, taking place from July to August, as well as the lively Jeddah and Aseer Seasons, featuring a rich mix of cultural events, entertainment, and promotional campaigns. '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,' said Minister Al-Khateeb. 'This year, we are particularly proud to see the private sector investing over SAR 300 million in preparation for what promises to be a spectacular summer season. Saudi Arabia's remarkable culture and natural diversity continue to captivate international travelers while energizing our domestic tourism market,' he added. The Minister emphasized that the summer season represents more than just peak travel—it is a pivotal opportunity for innovation and growth in the sector. 'Our goal this year is to welcome over 41 million visitors from 18 countries and generate SAR 73 billion in tourism spending. These targets underscore the Kingdom's rise as a premier global destination, offering exceptional experiences throughout the year.' Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, highlighted the transformative impact of the program: 'Saudi is redefining global summer travel. Moreover, the support of over 120 partners, we are launching more than 600 unique tourism products and experiences, alongside over 250 exclusive offers.' Shebara, Umhat Islands He added, 'From the untouched beauty of Shebara and Umhat islands in the Red Sea, to luxury openings like St. Regis and Desert Rock, five new beaches in Jeddah, and the scenic escapes of Aseer, Taif, and Al-Baha—Saudi Arabia is curating a vibrant and unforgettable summer for every traveler.' Finally, the theme Colour Your Summer captures the dynamic range of Saudi Arabia's tourism offerings. From coastal and mountain destinations to global events and curated experiences, the program is designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of visitors, positioning the Kingdom as a top-tier travel destination. Related Topics : Tourism Authority Announces Details of Saudi Summer Excellence Awards 2024 Saudi Tourism Authority Launches Saudi Summer Program 2024 Saudi Red Sea Authority Promotes Coastal Tourism with Fincantieri Diriyah Company Boosts Sports Development with Saudi Tennis Federation Short link : Post Views: 49
