KUWAIT CITY, May 5 – Kuwait witnessed a historic surge in tourist and visitor spending in 2024, with total expenditure reaching KWD 692.5 million (approximately $2.3 billion), marking a 30% increase from the previous year. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of government strategies aimed at revitalizing domestic tourism, enhancing infrastructure, and improving entertainment offerings. It also reflects the impact of recent visa facilitations for foreign visitors.

Foreign tourists spent KWD 533.3 million in 2023, compared to this year’s sharp rise. The steady growth throughout 2024 was highlighted by a strong fourth quarter, when spending jumped to KWD 186.8 million—the highest quarterly figure of the year. This spike is largely attributed to Kuwait’s successful hosting of the Gulf Cup “Gulf Zain.” 

Tourists are increasingly extending their stays and spending more on hospitality, dining, and services, benefiting the retail and entertainment sectors. A calendar filled with sporting and cultural events contributed significantly to this trend. The figures reflect Kuwait’s growing appeal as a regional destination and signal a shift in positioning tourism as a key pillar in the country’s broader plan to diversify income sources beyond oil.