Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has released 2023 tourism spending data. The Ministry reports that inbound tourists spent over SAR 141 billion (approximately USD 37.6 billion) within the kingdom. This impressive figure underscores the success of the nation’s efforts to establish itself as a premier global tourist destination, aligning with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.
The Ministry’s 2023 annual tourism statistics report reveals a detailed breakdown of this spending, providing insights into the sectors benefiting most from the influx of international visitors. Accommodation emerged as the largest expenditure category, with over SAR 45 billion (around USD 12 billion) spent on lodging. This reflects the kingdom’s ongoing investment in expanding and enhancing its hospitality infrastructure, from luxury hotels to more modest accommodations, catering to a diverse range of visitors.
Shopping was another major area of expenditure, with tourists spending over SAR 25.5 billion (approximately USD 6.8 billion). This significant outlay highlights the appeal of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning retail sector, which blends traditional markets and modern shopping centres, offering everything from luxury brands to local crafts.
Local transportation also commanded a substantial share of tourist spending, amounting to SAR 21.5 billion (roughly USD 5.7 billion). Various modes of travel were covered within the kingdom, including car rentals, domestic flights, and other forms of transport, reflecting the vast geographic scale of Saudi Arabia and the importance of mobility in the tourist experience.
Food and beverages accounted for SAR 19.4 billion (around USD 5.2 billion) in tourist spending, showcasing the Kingdom’s diverse culinary offerings that range from traditional Saudi cuisine to international dining experiences. Additionally, other miscellaneous outlays went beyond SAR 25.5 billion (approximately USD 6.8 billion), while spending on entertainment reached SAR 4 billion (around USD 1.1 billion), reflecting the growing number of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options available to tourists.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed over 27 million international tourists, who collectively contributed to the SAR 141 billion spent within the country. When combined with domestic tourism, the total number of tourists, both international and local, surpassed 109 million for the year, indicating robust growth in the sector.
These figures are a testament to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, an ambitious blueprint launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil dependency. Central to this vision is the development of the tourism sector, which is targeted to contribute significantly to the national economy by creating jobs, attracting investment, and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world.
Vision 2030 has driven significant investments in mega-projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Al-Ula, which are designed to transform Saudi Arabia into a global tourism hub. These projects, along with improvements in infrastructure, such as the expansion of airports and the development of new hotels and resorts, are crucial to achieving the goal of attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030.
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