Saudi Arabia Breaks Tourism Records with Over 100 Million Visitors in 2023

Saudi Arabia Breaks Tourism Records with Over 100 Million Visitors in 2023

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 12, 2024

Saudi Arabia has achieved a remarkable milestone in its tourism sector, welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023. This significant achievement marks a 56% increase compared to 2019 and was reached seven years ahead of the ambitious timeline set by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan. This accomplishment underscores Saudi Arabia's rapid emergence as a global tourism powerhouse.

According to the Saudi Tourism Authority, the influx of tourists has brought substantial economic benefits. Around 77 million domestic travelers and approximately 27 million international tourists visited the Kingdom, collectively spending over USD 67 billion. This surge in tourism has significantly contributed to Saudi Arabia's economy, reflecting the nation's rapid growth as the world's fastest-growing tourism destination.

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The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) praised Saudi Arabia's leadership and dedication, highlighting the nation's successful efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure and connectivity. These improvements have made the Kingdom more accessible to international visitors, opening new routes and markets for the travel industry. UNWTO commended the collaborative and innovative approach of Saudi Arabia in achieving this milestone and expressed optimism for the Kingdom's goal of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) also highlighted Saudi Arabia's record-breaking year in its 2024 Economic Impact Research. The Travel & Tourism sector grew by more than 32%, contributing a record SAR 444.3 billion to the nation's GDP, which now accounts for 11.5% of the entire economy. This growth underscores the pivotal role of tourism in Saudi Arabia's economic framework. The sector supported over 2.5 million jobs, nearly one in five jobs in the country, marking an increase of 436,000 jobs compared to the previous year.

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International visitor spending saw a remarkable increase of nearly 57%, reaching SAR 227.4 billion, while domestic visitor spending grew by 21.5%, totaling SAR 142.5 billion. These figures highlight the robust recovery and growth of Saudi Arabia's tourism industry post-pandemic.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, lauded the Kingdom's extraordinary achievements, attributing the success to Saudi Arabia's visionary commitment to tourism. She emphasized the fusion of cultural heritage and innovative tourism initiatives as key drivers of this growth, positioning the sector as a crucial element in the nation's diversified economic future.

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is expected to continue its rapid growth. In 2024, the GDP contribution from tourism is projected to reach SAR 498 billion, with employment in the sector increasing by more than 158,000 jobs to nearly 2.7 million. International visitor spending is forecast to reach SAR 256 billion, while domestic visitor spending is expected to rise to SAR 155.2 billion.

Over the next decade, the global tourism body anticipates the sector will grow its annual GDP contribution to SAR 836.1 billion by 2034, representing almost 16% of the Saudi economy. Employment in the sector is projected to exceed 3.6 million, with one in five people working in tourism-related jobs.

Regionally, the Middle Eastern Travel & Tourism sector also experienced significant growth in 2023, with GDP contributions reaching almost $460 billion. The sector supported nearly 7.75 million jobs, and international visitor spending grew by 50%, reaching $179.8 billion. The Middle Eastern tourism sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory in 2024, with GDP contributions projected to reach $507 billion and job numbers rising to 8.3 million.

Saudi Arabia's tourism success story is a testament to its strategic vision and commitment to becoming a global tourism leader. The Kingdom's continued investments in infrastructure and innovative initiatives promise to drive further growth and solidify its position as a top global destination.


Air France Enhances India Connectivity and Easier Transit Access via Paris

Air France Enhances India Connectivity and Easier Transit Access via Paris

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 24, 2026

Air France is further strengthening its connectivity between India, France and international destinations through its Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport hub. The airline currently operates daily direct summer services from Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, offering Indian travellers smoother access to more than 190 destinations worldwide.

The airline said India continues to remain an important market for its growth strategy, supported by increasing demand from both business and leisure travellers.

One of the major updates for Indian passengers comes from recent changes introduced by French authorities. Indian nationals travelling between India and non-Schengen destinations through French airports will no longer require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV), provided they hold valid travel documentation. The move is expected to simplify transit procedures and offer a more convenient travel experience through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Laure Daynie, Country Manager Air France-KLM India, said, "India is a key strategic market for Air France and continues to demonstrate resilience and strong growth potential in the current environment. We operate daily flights from three gateways, offering customers greater choice and flexibility in their travel options."

"The recent removal of the Airport Transit Visa (ATV) requirement for Indian nationals by the French authorities is a very welcome development, making transit through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport simpler and more seamless."

"Along with Air France’s signature services and refined French hospitality, these developments further strengthen our commitment to elevating the customer journey and delivering smoother, more consistent, and a premium travel experience for our customers from India at every step."

Air France also highlighted enhancements to its passenger facilities at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, particularly within Terminal 2E at gates K, L and M. The redesigned Air France Lounge at Hall K now offers a three-level experience featuring relaxation areas, workspaces and wellness zones including the Clarins experience.

Travellers passing through Paris can also enjoy French dining experiences, selected wines and signature dishes created in collaboration with Ducasse Paris. Additional facilities include shower areas, high-speed Wi-Fi and seating spaces with views of the runway.

The airline also announced updates to Flying Blue, the loyalty programme of Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Through a limited-period Status Match programme, eligible frequent flyers in India can transfer their existing elite status from other airlines to Flying Blue.

Further adding to passenger benefits, Air France has renewed its Youth and Student fare programme, offering additional baggage allowance in Economy Class and greater ticket flexibility for eligible travellers.

With stronger connectivity and a focus on improving transit and passenger experiences, Air France continues to reinforce its commitment to the Indian travel market.


SWISS to Launch First-Ever Bengaluru Flights in Winter 2026/27

SWISS to Launch First-Ever Bengaluru Flights in Winter 2026/27

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 23, 2026

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is expanding its long-haul network with the launch of a new service to Bengaluru during its 2026/27 winter schedule. Marking a first for the airline, Bengaluru will become SWISS’s debut destination in Southern India and its third destination in the country after Delhi and Mumbai.

The new route will operate five times a week between Zurich and Bengaluru, strengthening travel connectivity between India and Switzerland. The 2026/27 winter schedule will run from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027.

Bengaluru, often recognised as India’s Silicon Valley, has grown into one of Asia’s leading technology and innovation hubs. The city is home to several global technology companies and has become a key destination for business travel as well as a gateway to Southern India.

Speaking on the expansion, Jens Fehlinger, CEO of SWISS, said, "We are delighted that, with Bengaluru, we will soon be providing our customers with another attractive and multi-faceted long-haul destination."

"India’s Silicon Valley has a lot to offer both leisure and business travelers, and is also a perfect gateway for exploring Southern India. Our new Bengaluru service is particularly aimed at meeting the growing demand among the business community for direct flights to this major technology hub."

Under the schedule, the eastbound LX 140 service will depart Zurich daily except on Mondays and Wednesdays at 13:20 and arrive in Bengaluru at 02:55 the next day. The return LX 141 flight from Bengaluru will operate daily except on Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing at 04:50 and reaching Zurich at 10:50 on the same day.

Alongside its India expansion, SWISS is also increasing the reach of its new Airbus A350 fleet. Following routes to Boston and Seoul, the airline plans to introduce Airbus A350 operations on the Zurich–Johannesburg route during the winter schedule and on Zurich–Shanghai flights from September.

Passengers on these routes will also experience the airline’s new "SWISS Senses" cabin concept, designed to offer upgraded comfort and a more refined travel experience across all seating classes.

The airline expects its Airbus A350 fleet to grow to five aircraft by the end of the year, allowing more long-haul travellers to access the new onboard experience.

SWISS has also announced network changes in Geneva, where Berlin, Hamburg and Pristina services will not continue during the upcoming winter schedule due to ongoing global aircraft and engine parts availability challenges affecting its Airbus A220 fleet.

Overall, SWISS plans to serve 88 destinations worldwide from Zurich and Geneva during the 2026/27 winter season, including 60 European and 24 intercontinental destinations from Zurich.


FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 19, 2026

FLY91 has announced an additional weekday daily flight between Pune and Goa for May 2026 to meet increased passenger demand during the summer holiday season. The temporary addition comes as travel activity continues to rise due to vacations, family trips and seasonal travel movement.

The airline already operates daily weekday services on the Pune-Goa route, while weekend operations currently run twice daily. The newly introduced weekday frequency is expected to provide travellers with more options and greater convenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

According to the airline, the decision was taken in response to increased movement from holidaymakers, students, families and business travellers. The Pune-Goa route has witnessed steady demand throughout the summer season, making it an important sector within the airline’s growing network.

By adding another service, FLY91 aims to improve schedule flexibility while increasing seat availability between the two destinations. The move is also expected to ease travel during the peak vacation period and support smoother passenger movement.

Pune continues to remain one of western India’s key educational and commercial centres, while Goa attracts a significant number of domestic travellers during the summer months. The additional service is expected to further strengthen connectivity between the two cities and support increasing regional travel demand.

FLY91 said the new flight also aligns with its broader objective of strengthening dependable and safe regional connectivity across underserved and high-demand sectors in India.

The airline currently operates flights across 12 destinations including Goa (GOX), Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Solapur, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, Kochi, Agatti, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Hubballi.

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