Saudi tourism recovers 130% in Q1 compared to pre-pandemic levels

As Saudi tourism continues to recover, the first quarter of 2022 has witnessed over 130% of growth in the sector, compared to pre-pandemic levels, said the CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority during the Arabian Travel Market event in Dubai.

The CEO revealed that the Kingdom welcomed more than 62 million domestic and international visits and recorded over the last 12 months, making a 72% recovery to pre-pandemic levels.

“Saudi is incomparable, in its diversity, rich culture, true Arabian hospitality innate in its people, archaeological sites and unique landscapes. We are a new, pulsating Saudi with a new lifestyle offering designed to satisfy the curious traveler,” he said in a press release.

He gave the example of the Riyadh Season which was celebrated by more than 15 million visitors while the recently launched Jeddah Season received more than 200,000 visitors in its first three days.

“We have four new Michelin-starred chefs opening restaurants in Diriyah this year, and new hotels opening across Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Ula and — later this year — at the Red Sea Project. What Saudi is doing is working and this is not an opportunity to be missed for investors and visitors alike,” Hamidaddin added.

Source: Arab News