Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — There has been an increase of 12 percent in the volume of spending, reaching SR77.3 billion, by tourists arrived in the Kingdom during the period from January to August this year, compared to the same period last year, according to a report of the Tourism Information and Research Center (MAS) under the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).

The number of foreign tourist trips to the Kingdom during the period also registered an increase of 11 percent.

The average spending on domestic tourism during the period rose 3.4 percent, reaching SR33.8 billion as against the same period last year.

MAS said in its Twitter account that the foreign tourist trips to Riyadh reached two million with a total spending exceeding SR12 billion, while domestic flights to the same destination accounted for 4.3 million trips, with total spending exceeded SR6 billion.

According to the report, the month of August was the most active tourist month of the year in terms of the foreign and domestic tourism trips as well as in the rate of tourism spending.

The figures are expected to break new records in the next two months as the Riyadh Season is ongoing from Oct. 11 till Dec. 15.