Tourist spending in Saudi Arabia reached a record high in 2023, totaling SR135 billion ($39.95 billion), according to preliminary data from the central bank.

This figure, revealed by the Saudi Central Bank, represents the highest visitor spending in the Kingdom’s history, showcasing a growth rate of 42.8 percent compared to 2022.

This comes within the framework of a series of continuous successes achieved by the tourism sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom secured the top spot on the UN’s World Tourism Organization list for the growth rate of international tourist numbers in 2023 compared to 2019.

This marked an increase of 56 percent in 2023, compared to 2019, according to the barometer report issued by the UNWTO in January 2024.

The nation also saw a recovery rate of 156 percent in the number of visitors during 2023 compared to 2019, the report added.

ARAB NEWS