Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has kicked off a series of field tours to destinations featured in the Kingdom’s Saudi Summer program by visiting Taif governorate. The program, launched in May under the slogan “Color Your Summer,” runs until September and highlights attractions across Jeddah, the Red Sea coastline, Taif, Baha, and Asir.
The initiative offers over 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private-sector entities. During the visit, Al-Khateeb, who also chairs the Saudi Tourism Authority, inspected major tourist landmarks in Taif, reviewed facilities, and evaluated service quality.
Al-Khateeb praised Taif’s natural beauty, mild climate, and cultural heritage, noting its potential as a leading tourism hub in the Kingdom and the wider region. According to Saudi Press Agency data, Taif welcomed 3.6 million tourists in 2024, representing a 9% increase from 2023, with annual tourism spending reaching SR3.4 billion ($906 million).
At the program’s launch, Al-Khateeb stated:
“This year, we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.”
