Saudi Arabia is experiencing record-breaking growth in the tourism sector, with new figures showing a sharp rise in both visitor numbers and spending. The country’s Ministry of Tourism reported that international tourists spent $13.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 10 percent increase over the same period in 2024. The data highlights the scale of Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom and the government’s push to transform the Kingdom into a global travel destination.
The country also recorded a 102 percent surge in foreign arrivals compared to 2019, a rate that dwarfs the global average of just 3 percent.
Tourism officials say the numbers reflect a lasting trend, not a temporary spike. Infrastructure investments, simplified visa systems, and the expansion of air travel options have made the Kingdom far more accessible to international visitors.
Vision 2030 drives rapid expansion of the tourism sector
This growth is a direct outcome of Vision 2030, the government’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on oil and diversify the national economy.
Tourism has become central to that vision. Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million international tourists annually by the end of the decade, with a focus on cultural heritage, sports, ecotourism, and business travel alongside traditional pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia’s #tourism spending explains itself as the number of visitors to the Kingdom reaches around 116 million in 2024. #GrowingTourism pic.twitter.com/djvGVE0Du4
— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) June 25, 2025
Projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Development, and the Al Ula heritage site have helped broaden the country’s appeal.
Events like the Al Janadriyah Festival and Saudi National Day celebrations are drawing growing interest from abroad, while sporting competitions—including Formula E and international golf tournaments—are adding a new dimension to the country’s offerings.
Pilgrimage and cultural tourism continue to lead growth
Pilgrimage tourism remains a cornerstone of the sector. Millions of Muslims continue to visit the Kingdom each year for Hajj and Umrah. Recent improvements in infrastructure and accessibility have made these journeys smoother and more comfortable, contributing to the positive perception of Saudi Arabia as a destination.
The effects of the tourism boom stretch beyond airports and hotels. The rise in visitors is fueling growth in construction, aviation, retail, logistics, and hospitality. Airlines have increased capacity to meet growing demand. Luxury hotels and shopping centers are expanding. Local businesses, especially small and mid-sized enterprises, are benefiting from higher foot traffic and increased spending.
Government officials cite these developments as proof that Vision 2030 is taking root. The ongoing transformation is not just economic—it’s cultural. A younger, tech-savvy population is increasingly interacting with international visitors, while broader global engagement is reshaping how Saudi Arabia is viewed on the world stage.
With major events like the 2029 Asian Winter Games on the horizon and continued investment in travel infrastructure, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector appears set for sustained growth and global attention.
