Saudi Arabia has once again registered the highest growth in international tourism figures, in the first seven months of this year, among the G20 countries, according to the latest data from the United Nations Tourism Organization. Compared to the same period in 2019, the Kingdom recorded a remarkable 73% increase in the number of international tourists and a 207% growth of international tourism revenues, the organization's September 2024 World Tourism Barometer report shows. Saudi Arabia welcomed around 17.5 million international tourists during this period, which points to a significant increase in its global tourism appeal. In 2023, the Kingdom had 27.4 million visitors, registering a 56% growth in the number of international tourists compared to 2019. This positioned Saudi Arabia at the top of the UN list recording tourism growth among major tourist destinations in 2023. Moreover, the travel item's surplus recorded a historic SAR48 billion in 2023, reflecting a 38% year-on-year increase. The Internatio nal Monetary Fund (IMF), in its 2024 Article IV Consultation report issued in September, commended the unprecedented achievements of Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, as part of Saudi Vision 2030. IMF particularly noted the sector's role in the drive to diversify the Kingdom's economic base, especially in the services sector where tourism has emerged as a key driver of growth. The sector has led in visitor numbers, spending, job creation, and contribution to the GDP. These achievements underscore the Kingdom's growing status as a premier global tourism destination, with the continuous rise in tourist numbers reflecting confidence in the country's diverse and attractive tourism offerings. Source: Saudi Press Agency