These 5 nationalities top new tourist list in Saudi Arabia: report

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to transform tourism industry into a huge investment sector are generating interest from around the world, with one in five tourists now more likely travelling to the kingdom, according to a new report by YouGov.

According to the report, which surveyed 9,521 respondents across the US, China and five key markets in Europe, visitors from China, UK, Malaysia, US and Canada have topped the list of new arrivals into the Kingdom since the launch of the new tourism visa in September 2019.

In September, Saudi Arabia launched the online application for tourist visa for 49 countries, including the majority of European states, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and some Asian countries.

In terms of nationalities more likely to visit Saudi Arabia, Italians topped the list with 35%, followed by Spanish (23%), Chinese (22%) Germans (19%), French (19%), British (15%) and Americans (14%).

Saudi's historic sites appear to be an important attraction for tourists. Amongst those surveyed by YouGov, over one in five (22%) are keen to visit Jeddah's historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another UNESCO site, Al Ula, is gaining a following amongst Chinese millennials. Al Ula now tops the list of destinations in the Arab world among a third of Chinese tourists below the age of 35.

The report also points to new opportunities for multi destination tourism growth. Of all respondents 73% reported a preference to visit several destinations rather than stay in one location.