Saudi Arabia showcased its tourism achievements at the world’s largest travel show and convention, ITB Berlin, revealing that there were 93.5 million visits in 2022 and a 121% increase in international tourism compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Since opening its doors to tourists in 2019, Saudi Arabia has been recognized as the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination in the G20. As the world’s largest investor in tourism, the kingdom has committed $550B to develop new destinations by 2030. At this year’s ITB Berlin, a record number of partners are promoting trips, excursions, hotels, packages, and cruises in Saudi Arabia.
One of the highlights of the Saudi tourism experience is the preservation of heritage and history, with a $50.6B master plan to transform Diriyah, a 300-year-old city and birthplace of the nation.
Red Sea Global is set to launch its first hotels, including Six Senses, St. Regis, and Nujama – a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in 2023. The Saudi Tourism Authority’s participation at ITB Berlin reflects its commitment to the European market and its efforts to facilitate trade development. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board of STA, said that Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid transformation, and last year, it recorded 93.5 million domestic and international visits, with a record number of inbound overnight visitors in January 2023.
The country aims to increase international air connectivity from 140 to 250 cities by 2030 to attract more visitors. The Saudi government has partnered with Wizz Air to launch 24 new routes from Europe to KSA. In January 2023, SAUDIA and flynas launched the first-ever free 96-hour stopover visa, according to Arabian Business.
In 2022, the Kingdom extended eVisa regulations to GCC countries and visas on arrival to holders of valid US, UK, and Schengen visas to expand consumer choice and drive down costs.
