Tourism in Saudi ArabiaTourism in Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia is the second biggest tourist destination in the Middle East with over 16 million visiting in 2017. Although most tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages, there is growth in the leisure tourism sector. As the tourism sector has been largely boosted lately, the sector is expected to a significant industry for Saudi Arabia, reducing its dependence on oil revenues. This is proved as tourism sector is expected to generate $25 billion in 2019. Potential tourist areas include the Hijaz and Sarawat Mountains, Red Sea diving and a number of ancient ruins. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2018, Travel and tourism in Saudi Arabia added 9% to the Kingdom’s total economy which is worth $65.2 billion. In December 2013, Saudi Arabia announced its intention to begin issuing tourist visas for the first time in its history. Council of Ministers entrusted the Ministry of Tourism with visa issuing on the basis of certain regulations approved by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs. On 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia formally announced the issuance of the tourist visa to visitors from 49 countries for a fee of $80. The visa can be either obtained online (eVisa) or on arrival. Ten days after the implementation of instant tourist visas, 24,000 foreign visitors entered Saudi Arabia. China visitors topped the list, with the UK and the US in second and third. Popular places to visit in Saudi Arabia are Makkah, Medina, Mada'in Salih, Yanbu, Tabuk, Jeddah and Riyadh. Arriving in Saudi Arabia can be through 13 international airports served by various global airlines. There are also 15 domestic airports connecting the country regions and cites. For moving within the country, there are budget airlines like Flynas, Fyadeal, Nesma Airlines, in addition to Saudi Airlines and SaudiGulf Airlines. Saudi Seasons In 2019, in support of Saudi Vision 2030, the country launched an initiative known as Saudi Seasons to help promote domestic and international tourism. Backed via public and private sector investments, Saudi Seasons consists of "seasons" in specific areas of the country throughout the year, which serve as a collective brand for cultural and entertainment events (including festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, sports, and other attractions) held during the periods: Riyadh Season, the largest of the events in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, runs from October through March annually. The inaugural edition of Riyadh Season generated six billion riyals in revenue and over eleven million visitors. Saudi Arabia Other Sites The Red Sea Project is being developed as a beach resort where women can wear bikinis. The construction began in 2019. The Red Sea is one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. Known for its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, it is listed as one of the best diving locations in the world. Tourists in Saudi The Travel & Tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is set for impressive growth, with an anticipated annual average increase of 11% over the next decade, positioning itself as the fastest-growing industry in the Middle East. This positive trajectory is highlighted by a projection that the Kingdom is expected to attract a substantial 22.1 million international arrivals by 2025. Such a promising outlook not only emphasizes the increasing allure of Saudi Arabia as a travel destination but also signifies the country's strategic efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global tourism landscape. Most visitors arriving in Saudi Arabia on a short term basis were from the following countries: Country 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
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