Saudi Arabia has recorded a significant growth in tourism in the first seven months of this year as the number of international tourists arriving in the kingdom reached 17.5 million.

This is a 10% increase when compared to the same period last year and a more than 73% increase as compared to 2019 figures.

According to a statement published by the Tourism Ministry, 4.2 million tourists arrived in Saudi Arabia for entertainment and holiday purposes, which is 25% higher than the previous year.

"These results highlight the success of the kingdom's long-term tourism strategy under Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a global tourism destination. The kingdom had set the goal of 100 million tourists by 2030, but achieved this milestone in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule," the statement added.

Earlier in September, Saudi Arabia was named the fastest-growing G20 country in the latest UN World Tourism Barometer report. According to the report, the kingdom leads in the growth of both international tourist numbers and tourism revenues.