Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector continues to surge, with international visitors spending over SR49 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 10 percent increase from last year. This growth boosted the country’s travel account surplus to SR26.78 billion, highlighting tourism’s rising importance in the Kingdom’s non-oil economy.
Driven by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is aiming for 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade, having already surpassed the 100 million milestone ahead of schedule. In 2024, the nation recorded a 148 percent jump in international tourism revenue compared to 2019, the fastest among G20 countries.
According to the latest annual report, the Kingdom welcomed nearly 116 million tourists in 2024, with domestic trips nearly doubling to 86.2 million and inbound arrivals up 70 percent since 2019. Total visitor spending reached SR283.8 billion, split between international and domestic travelers.
Major investments are fueling this momentum, with new resorts and infrastructure projects underway, including the Red Sea Project, NEOM’s Trojena, and Diriyah Gate. Over 320,000 hotel rooms are planned, and a new airport is set to enhance international access.
Global recognition has followed, as Saudi Arabia topped G20 nations in international tourism growth in 2024. The sector is also expected to generate one million jobs by 2030, further anchoring its role in economic diversification.
Leisure travel is now the dominant reason for visits, comprising 59 percent of inbound arrivals, a rise attributed to easier visas and major events. Egypt, Pakistan, and Bahrain are leading source markets, while Makkah remains the top destination for foreign tourists.
As travel numbers and spending reach new heights, the Kingdom’s focus shifts to expanding capacity and ensuring high service standards to sustain this impressive growth.