Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth has also been reflected in international travel statistics.
Saudi Arabia sees 121% growth in tour guide licenses in 2024. Saudi Arabia has experienced a remarkable 121 percent increase in the number of tour guide licenses issued in the first nine months of 2024, according to local media reports. The Ministry of Tourism revealed that over 2,500 tourism guide permits were granted, compared to just 1,100 in the same period the previous year. This surge in licenses reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to develop its tourism industry and provide visitors with knowledgeable tour guides, enhancing their travel experience.
The increase in tour guide licenses is part of a broader expansion in the tourism sector. The Ministry of Tourism also reported a 49 percent rise in the number of permits issued for tourist activities across Saudi Arabia, with more than 2,600 licenses for travel and tourist services granted during the same period. This growth is attributed to the government’s initiatives to streamline the licensing process, making it easier for qualified individuals to join the sector and ensuring that tourists receive high-quality services from certified professionals.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth has also been reflected in international travel statistics. According to the United Nations Tourism Organisation’s September 2024 World Tourism Barometer, the Kingdom recorded the highest rise in international tourism among G20 countries. From January to July 2024, Saudi Arabia saw a 207 percent increase in tourism revenue and a 73 percent surge in foreign visitors compared to the same period in 2019. Around 17.5 million foreign tourists visited the Kingdom during this time, demonstrating the growing appeal of Saudi Arabia as a travel destination.
In 2023, the number of foreign visitors to Saudi Arabia rose by 56 percent compared to 2019, reaching 27.4 million. This boost helped Saudi Arabia secure the top spot on the United Nations list of countries with the highest tourism growth among major destinations in 2023. Furthermore, travel-related revenues reached a record SR48 billion in 2023, marking a 38 percent increase from the previous year, further highlighting the nation’s successful push to develop its tourism sector.