more than 18 million visitors in 2022

The Wahhabi kingdom is committed to strengthening the sector, fueled by attractions ranging from sports to religious pilgrimages. The goal is for tourism to contribute 10% of GDP and create one million new jobs, within the framework of the “Vision 2030” plan. Behind the Saudis are the United Arab Emirates, with 14.8 million visitors, and Morocco, with 11 million.

Riyadh () – Saudi Arabia tops the list of Arab nations by flow of tourists, according to data from the first nine months of 2022. This is indicated by the latest figures published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), according to the which more than 18 million visitors entered the Wahhabi kingdom. In recent years, the country has intensified investments in the sector, also focusing on sports. Examples include the Formula 1 race in Riyadh or the awarding of the 2029 Asian Winter Games in the futuristic complex of neomwhich drew criticism from environmental movements and human rights organizations

According to UNWTO figures, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with 14.8 million tourists, and Morocco, in third place, with 11 million, are also on the list of most visited countries, behind Saudi Arabia. of visitors. In fourth place is Syria, with 8.5 million entries. The government of Damascus It is also betting on the tourism sector to rebuild its image and rebound the economy, which has been brought to its knees: first, by the war and then by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the top ten of the classification, the positions that follow are occupied by Tunisia (5.7 million tourists), Egypt (5.2 million), Bahrain (4.3 million), Jordan (3.5 million), Qatar ( 2.9 million, but with the soccer world cup at the door) and Oman (2.3 million). Algeria (2 million), Lebanon (1.6 million), Iraq (1.5 million), Yemen (1 million), Sudan (800,000) and Palestine (400,000) close the list.

The last place is occupied by Kuwait, with 203 thousand entries.

Tourism is one of the pillars of the ambitious plan “Vision 2030”, pushed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) to free the kingdom from its dependence on oil and increase the number of visitors. The Saudis aim to reach 100 million visitors by 2030 thanks to investments in the leisure and entertainment industry. The reforms introduced in recent years, especially since 2019, have touched the social sphere and rights. Women can now drive vehicles and access stadiums (in controlled sectors). The country also promotes the entertainment industry, in addition to activities in the field religious. However, arrests of senior officials and businessmenthe repression of activists and critical voices and the Khashoggi case have dimmed the prospects for real change.

The Saudi government recently passed a new law that would make the country more competitive, judging by comments from Tourism Minister Ahmad al-Khateeb. Under the law, companies will receive special licenses and support from the ministry, which will simplify licensing procedures by creating a platform for all operators in the sector. The aim is to strengthen tourism -including the type religiousin Mecca and Medina- and its contribution to the national GDP, taking it to 10% of the total and creating up to one million new jobs.