Share the article
Last updated
Travelers are increasingly looking for new and different destinations to satisfy their desire for unusual and unexpected travel experiences.
And while this country is breaking all tourism records, it is still relatively undiscovered by American travelers.
Compared to 2019 one incredible 56% more tourists arrived here in 2023. This means the destination tops UN Tourism’s rankings for growth in international arrivals.
Here are seven reasons why this is the fastest growing tourist destination in the world:
A new destination to explore
Saudi Arabia only opened its borders to tourists in September 2019.
Considering that the world shut down just a few months later due to the pandemic, this means that Saudi Arabia is a relatively new country in the field of international tourism.
Travelers who think they’ve been everywhere and seen everything probably haven’t been to Saudi Arabia, which makes it an incredibly attractive destination for seasoned explorers.
Saudi Arabia is a hidden gem, and the fact that it remained hidden for so long only makes it more interesting. It’s a wealth of rich cultural experiences alongside breathtaking landscapes and an exciting destination to explore.
Outdoor adventures
Stretching across Saudi Arabia you’ll find the Rub’ al Khali Desert, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Not only is this a beautiful attraction in itself where you can enjoy fascinating sand dunes and mirages, but it is also a great place for outdoor adventurers.
Popular with hikers, you can walk or drive through the desert. You can also meet and even share a meal with the local Bedouins who call the desert their home, as part of a fascinating organized tour.
Desert quad biking and camel safaris are also popular here for adrenaline junkies who want to try something new in these breathtaking landscapes.
Historically significant
Saudi Arabia is a historically important destination and throughout the country you will find important archaeological sites that reveal its ancient history.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ula is not to be missed. Here you will find a fascinating mix of ancient tombs, ancient inscriptions and surreal rock formations.
The ancient civilization of the Nabataeans is well represented and can be explored in Hegra. Here you will find well-preserved Nabataean tombs and even more breathtakingly beautiful rock formations.
Head to Jubbah, where you’ll find rock paintings and carvings depicting human and animal figures and scenes dating back to 6,000 BC.
Saudi Arabia’s dry climate means that these ancient sites are incredibly well preserved and fewer countries have as many ancient examples to explore.
Beautiful landscapes
The landscapes of Saudi Arabia are more diverse than you might think. Although dominated by dry and arid deserts, they are also home to golden canyons, valleys full of green palms and modern cityscapes.
Explore the futuristic city of Neom. Take a jeep ride through Wadi Tayeb al Ism. Climb in the Hijaz Mountains. There is something for everyone here.
An incredible diving spot
Saudi Arabia has a coastline on the Red Sea, which means you have access to some of the best and most diverse diving in the world. Many travelers visit Saudi Arabia simply for the quality of its diving.
Beautiful marine life, such as sharks and turtles, and the chance to spot an ancient shipwreck all await.
Jeddah and Yanbu are the two largest cities that attract divers and both have excellent diving facilities.
As an added bonus, it’s possible to dive along the Saudi Arabian coast all year round, so there’s never a bad time to visit.
Welcoming people
Some destinations are so overrun with tourists that they treat them with total contempt (yes, I’m thinking of you Paris!), but because tourism is relatively new and travelers are new to Saudi Arabia, you can be sure of a warm welcome.
Local people show an incredibly generous level of hospitality to their foreign visitors. You will be treated with kindness and respect whether you travel alone or as part of a group.
It is one of the sacred duties of Muslims to show generosity to guests, and this is certainly reflected in the way travelers are treated in Saudi Arabia. Whether you arrive at a hotel or a local market, you will be greeted warmly.
As an added bonus, most people working in the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia speak excellent English, so the language barrier is less of an obstacle than many people might think.
A spiritual place
It would be remiss not to mention that religious tourism is one of the main reasons why many travelers choose to visit Saudi Arabia. Mecca and Medina, two of Islam’s holiest cities, are both located in Saudi Arabia.
It is important to note that non-Muslims are prohibited from entering both the city of Mecca and the central district of Medina. So it’s only worth including these sites in your trip if you’re Muslim and hoping to make a religious pilgrimage.
But if this is your faith, then these are significant and important locations that make a visit to Saudi Arabia all the more worthwhile.
Read more:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans from $10 per week
How to easily earn points for free travel
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
