Saudi Arabia received 53.6 million tourists in the first half of 2023, a 142% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the country’s Ministry of Tourism.
The total number of tourists, counting overnight visitors for all purposes, is comprised of 39 million domestic tourists and 14.6 million international ones. While visitors for all purposes increased in numbers, the highest growth was seen in leisure tourists, 347% more compared to the previous year figures.
Moreover, tourism spending reached SAR 150 billion (€ 36 billion), far exceeding previous estimates from the Saudi Central Bank of only SAR 40 billion (€10.13 billion) and standing at 132% compared to the same period in 2022. From the total, SAR 63.1 billion (€15.13 billion) came from domestic tourism and SAR 86.9 billion (€20.84 billion) from international visitors, marking a new record for the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia.
“This confirms the effectiveness of the Ministry of Tourism and its partners efforts in attracting visitors by enhancing the tourism products and quality of services, in addition to improving visa structures”, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism said in a statement.
While domestic tourism only recorded a growth of 16% in tourism spending, the average length of stay increased from 4.6 nights in the first half of 2022 to 6.3 nights in the first half of 2023. Leisure was again the top purpose in number of visitors, achieving an increase of 18% compared to the first half 2022, with 16.6 million tourists accounting for 43% of all domestic trips.
Outbound tourism also recorded an increase, standing 37% higher than the first half of 2022, while spending increased by 74%. The increase is attributed to the lifting of travel restrictions in more destinations around the world in 2023, in addition to having the start of the summer season and school break in June.
Outbound non-Saudi residents represented 45% of all outbound tourists, increasing by 24% compared to the first half of 2022, while their spending accounted for 66% of all outbound spending. Visiting friends and relatives was the top purpose, representing 67% of all non-Saudi outbound tourist trips, with the average length of stay increasing from 19.3 nights in the first half of 2022 to 45.5 nights in the first half of 2023, resulting in an increase of 109% for non-Saudi outbound spend for all purposes.
Saudi outbound tourists recorded an increase of 49%, mostly to neighbouring countries, whereas Saudi outbound tourism spending increased by 32% compared to the first half of 2022. On the other hand, the average spending per night for Saudis decreased from SAR 599 (€144) in the first half of 2022, to SAR 332 (€80) in the first half of 2023.
