Domestic tourists take 10.5 mln trips to Saudi cultural sites in 2021: Report

Domestic tourists take 10.5 mln trips to Saudi cultural sites in 2021: Report

Domestic tourists made more than 10 million trips to cultural sites in Saudi Arabia in 2021, a 30 percent increase on the previous year, according to a new report.

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While the lifting of pandemic restrictions played a part in the spike in numbers, increased investment in cultural sites was also a factor, the Ministry of Culture said in its ‘Report on the State of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2021.’

The ministry has spearheaded a massive expansion in the Kingdom’s cultural offerings that has seen a boom in the number of cinemas, theaters, art exhibitions, museums, libraries, and cultural events.

A wide range of initiatives have bolstered the industry since the launch of Saudi Arabia’s National Culture Strategy in 2019.

The in-depth report outlines a variety of grants and support funds, art and literary residencies, cultural competitions, business accelerators, and educational programs on offer.

Besides a spike in participation in organized cultural activities, there was an increase in the number of domestic tourists enjoying the natural beauty of the country.

Popular destinations included nature reserves in the provinces of Asir, Jizan, and Medina, while Mecca and Tabuk were chosen for their