Asir ranked first among Saudi Arabia’s regions for local trips to museums and art galleries in 2023, attracting 541,544 visitors. This figure was published in the Ministry of Culture’s 2023 Cultural Status Report, available on their website and social media channels.
Private museums and traditional craftsT
he report emphasized that Asir’s cultural tourism success is due to its numerous private museums and centers dedicated to traditional crafts. These include Asir cat art, traditional industries, and honey production, which make the region a cultural tourism hotspot.
Economic impact of cultural tourism
Asir’s vibrant cultural scene plays a vital role in driving cultural tourism in Saudi Arabia’s southern regions. The region ranked second after Al-Baha in market share indicators for local and inbound tourist trips involving cultural activities, capturing 45% of the market.
Tourism growth trends in Saudi Arabia
The 2023 report highlighted the relationship between culture and tourism, especially regarding their economic impact. Cultural tourism grew in 2023, attracring 35.2 million local and inbound tourists, up from 22.9 million in 2022.
Surge in inbound cultural tourism
A major factor in this growth was the rise in inbound cultural tourism, with 13.77 million international tourists in 2023—a 145% increase from 2022. Inbound cultural tourism accounted for about 50% of all international tourist trips, reflecting the sector’s rising importance.
Post-pandemic recovery and government initiatives
The report also noted the recovery of cultural tourism since the effects of COVID-19 began to wane in 2021. Inbound cultural tourism has continued to grow, surpassing domestic cultural tourism, which accounted for 26.13% of total domestic trips. Regulatory developments, such as the approval of the tourism system, updated visa regulations, and the rehabilitation of historical sites, have significantly contributed to this growth.
