Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector recorded its strongest year on record in 2025, welcoming an estimated 122 million domestic and international tourists and generating approximately SR300 billion (approx. US$80 billion) in tourism spending, according to preliminary figures released by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.
The results represent a five percent increase in visitor numbers and a six percent rise in tourism expenditure compared with 2024, underlining the continued acceleration of the sector as a core pillar of the Kingdom’s economic transformation.
Growth momentum continues under Vision 2030
The increase in arrivals brings Saudi Arabia significantly closer to its long-term ambition of attracting 150 million tourists annually by 2030, a key objective of Saudi Vision 2030.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the growth reflects sustained demand across a broad range of destinations and travel segments, including leisure, culture, nature-based tourism, business travel and major events.
Tourism authorities highlighted that the sector’s performance in 2025 was supported by continued investment in infrastructure, expanded air connectivity, and a steady pipeline of new destinations and experiences coming to market across the Kingdom.
Tourism positioned as an economic and social driver
Speaking alongside the release of the preliminary data, officials emphasised tourism’s growing contribution to the national economy and its role in job creation and skills development.
The Ministry noted that regulatory reforms, streamlined licensing procedures and enhanced investor support programmes have helped unlock private sector investment, while improvements in service quality have contributed to longer stays and higher average visitor spending.
Human capital development has also been a focus, with initiatives aimed at localising tourism jobs and expanding training opportunities for Saudi nationals strengthening the sector’s long-term readiness.
Minister highlights tourism’s broader impact
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, has repeatedly underlined the sector’s role beyond pure economic metrics, framing tourism as a tool for social inclusion, cultural exchange and international engagement.
The strong 2025 performance, he said in recent remarks, demonstrates how tourism can deliver tangible benefits for communities, youth and women, while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tourism map.
Towards a 10% GDP contribution
As part of its Vision 2030 agenda, Saudi Arabia aims to increase tourism’s contribution to 10% of GDP, diversify national income sources and enhance the global competitiveness of its destinations.
While the 2025 figures remain preliminary and subject to final validation, they confirm the Kingdom’s status as one of the fastest-growing tourism markets globally, with sustained momentum expected as new giga-projects, heritage sites and urban developments continue to open to visitors.
Final audited tourism statistics for 2025 are expected to be released later by Saudi authorities.
