Saudi tourism shatters records with 122M visitors in 2025 – Ministry of Tourism

SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has achieved unprecedented milestones in 2025, attracting over 122 million domestic and international tourists alongside SR300 billion ($80 billion) in spending.

Visitor and Revenue Surge

Preliminary Ministry of Tourism estimates confirm a 5% rise in tourist arrivals from 2024 levels, with total spending climbing 6% to reflect surging demand across diverse destinations.

This momentum positions the kingdom nearer to Vision 2030’s ambitious goal of 150 million annual visitors, underscoring accelerated sector expansion.

Strategic Growth Drivers

The ministry attributes this performance to comprehensive reforms, including streamlined licensing, investor incentives, and enriched offerings spanning leisure escapes, cultural heritage sites, nature adventures, business hubs, and blockbuster events hosted nationwide.

Infrastructure upgrades, from expanded airports to luxury resorts—have extended average stays and boosted per-visitor expenditures.

Human capital programs localize jobs, with nearly 1 million tourism roles now filled, 25% by Saudis, enhancing service readiness amid global campaigns targeting new demographics.

Economic and Diversification Impact

Tourism’s rising GDP share nears the 10% Vision 2030 target, diversifying revenue streams beyond oil while elevating destination competitiveness.

Private sector collaborations fuel sustainable projects like NEOM, Red Sea resorts, and Qiddiya entertainment districts, alongside Riyadh Air’s connectivity push.

Religious tourism thrives via Nusuk app efficiencies for Umrah, complemented by AlUla’s restored heritage and Diriyah’s cultural festivals drawing record crowds.

Vision 2030 Momentum

These advancements stem from regulatory evolution, service quality elevations, and promotional blitzes that transformed Saudi Arabia from niche pilgrimage hub to multifaceted global powerhouse.

International spending hit $13.16 billion in Q1 2025 alone, with surpluses climbing 11.7%, signaling robust non-oil contributions.

As hotel rates stabilize, SAR477 average nightly, demand surges across wellness retreats, local guides, and decentralized hotspots like Tabuk and Hail, up 46% and 49.5%.

Future Outlook

Sustained investments ensure resilience against global headwinds, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s ascent among top tourism economies.

With 102% international arrival growth over 2019 baselines per UNWTO, the kingdom outpaces Middle East averages by wide margins. This trajectory promises deepened economic multipliers, job localization, and enduring appeal as Vision 2030 reshapes hospitality landscapes for generations ahead.

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