Saudi Arabia’s entertainment industry is driving a surge in visitor numbers as the nation strives to reach its ambitious goal of welcoming 150 million tourists annually by 2030.
The General Entertainment Authority announced last Friday that Riyadh Season 2024 has already drawn over 12 million visitors since its launch on October 13, averaging around 174,000 attendees per day.
This year’s attendance has already surpassed half of last year’s total of 20 million visitors, which had a daily average of approximately 150,000.
During a press conference, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh shared that Riyadh Season 2024 features 14 entertainment zones, 11 international tournaments, and 100 exhibitions and festivals.
Earlier this year, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib revealed that the country had surpassed its Vision 2030 milestone by attracting over 100 million visitors. Following this achievement, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced a new strategy targeting 150 million visitors.
In September, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recognized Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector as a key driver of economic diversification. An IMF report highlighted the kingdom’s achievement of exceeding its Vision 2030 goal of 100 million annual visitors by 2023, seven years ahead of schedule. Tourism revenues reached $36 billion in 2023, with net income from the sector increasing by 38%. The tourism industry’s direct and indirect contribution to GDP rose to 11.5% in 2023 and is projected to grow to 16% by 2034.
Credit: travelandtourworld
