The Aseer region has emerged as the top destination for cultural tourism in Saudi Arabia, according to the 2023 Report on the State of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, published recently by the Ministry of Culture. The region attracted significant visitors, with over 541,544 local trips undertaken to museums and art galleries last year.One of the primary factors contributing to Aseer's success is the region's growing number of private museums and cultural centers showcasing Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the region's renowned traditional interior wall decoration, traditional crafts, and honey production. Aseer's unique cultural offerings, including its distinctive southern heritage, have positioned it as a leading cultural tourism destination in the Kingdom.The cultural tourism index measures the economic impact of cultural activities on tourism. Aseer region's market share for local and incoming tourist trips that included cultural activities reached 45%, second only to the Al-Baha region.In 2023, the tot al number of local and visiting tourists participating in cultural activities in Saudi Arabia reached approximately 35.2 million, a substantial increase from 22.9 million in 2022. Inbound cultural tourism experienced remarkable growth, with 13.77 million visitors in 2023, a 145% increase from the previous year.The report attributed this growth to several factors, including regulatory reforms in the tourism sector, such as the introduction of the tourism sector and visitor visa regulations, as well as the development and rehabilitation of historical sites.Source: Saudi Press Agency