‎Saudi Arabia targets 25 mln foreign tourists in 2023: Al Khateeb

‎Saudi Arabia targets 25 mln foreign tourists in 2023: Al Khateeb

Saudi Arabia aims to attract 25 million foreign tourists this year, Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, said.

The ministry aims to provide one million jobs in the tourism sector, and will establish training institutes, and develop training services and programs in hospitality and tourism.

Al Khateeb stressed the importance of enhancing the level of service through the training and qualification of human cadres. He urged investors to upskill employees and workers through high-quality training programs.

Saudi Arabia is expected to rank 17th among world’s tourist destinations, which reached 16.5 million tourist arrivals, an increase of 94% during the pre-pandemic period.

Tourist spending reached SAR 185 billion in 2022, a rise of 93% year-on-year. The Kingdom exceeded the figures during 2019, to become the highest country in posting a record number of tourists among the G20 countries.

The minister called on the investors in the tourism sector to adhere to the new regulations.