Saudi Arabia, the fastest growing G20 tourist destination 

02-10-22

The latest barometer of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), indicated that Saudi Arabia is the fastest growing tourist destination within the Group of Twenty (G20). The Saudi kingdom stands out in the ranking of G20 economies with a 121% growth, driven by the pilgrimage to Mecca, reflecting the country's considerable investment in tourism and the preparation of its tourism sector for the future. Saudi Arabia is followed by Turkey (+0%) and Spain (-8%) in second and third place.

According to UNWTO data, international tourist arrivals almost tripled from January to July 2022 (+172%) compared to the same period in 2021, implying that the global tourism sector has recovered almost 60% of pre-pandemic levels.

By region, the Middle East shows the fastest recovery. International arrivals increased almost fourfold between January and July 2022 (+287%), surpassing pre-pandemic levels in July on the back of Saudi Arabia's momentum.

Other countries beyond the Asian continent exceeding 2019 figures include the US Virgin Islands (+32%), Albania (+19%), Sint Maarten (+15%), Ethiopia and Honduras (both +13%), plus Andorra (+10%), among others.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, said: "The recognition of Saudi Arabia's achievements in the UNWTO Tourism Barometer is a key milestone in our remarkable recovery and much of the success lies in the multi-pronged approach of our leaders to manage the pandemic and accelerate the pace of the sector's recovery".

Tourism is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, under which the Kingdom aims for the sector to contribute 10% of GDP by 2030 and create one million jobs.

The UNWTO Barometer regularly monitors short-term tourism trends to provide global tourism stakeholders with an up-to-date analysis of international tourism.

The report is published four times a year and includes an analysis of the latest data on tourism destinations and source markets.