Saudi Tourism Sector Achieves Record Growth in 2025
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector recorded unprecedented growth in 2025, welcoming over 122 million domestic and international tourists, according to preliminary estimates released by the Ministry of Tourism. Total tourism spending last year reached approximately SR300 billion, marking a 6 percent increase compared to 2024.
The number of tourists represents a 5 percent year-on-year increase, reflecting the rising demand for Saudi destinations and bringing the sector closer to achieving the Vision 2030 target of 150 million tourists annually.
The Ministry highlighted that this growth underscores the accelerating pace of development and the increasing contribution of the tourism sector to the national economy. Key drivers include legislative and regulatory reforms, expanded tourism investments, and a diversified range of products and destinations, encompassing leisure, cultural, nature, and business tourism, as well as major events hosted throughout the year.
Recent years have also seen significant improvements in infrastructure and services, with programs aimed at supporting investors, streamlining licensing procedures, enhancing the tourist experience, and improving service quality. These efforts have contributed to longer tourist stays and higher average spending.
Additionally, initiatives to develop human capital and localize tourism jobs have strengthened the sector’s capacity, while domestic and international promotional campaigns have boosted demand for Saudi destinations and attracted new tourist segments.
As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to raise the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP to 10 percent, diversify income sources, and enhance the competitiveness of its destinations. Continued development of regulations, promotion of public-private partnerships, and sustainable growth strategies are central to consolidating Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global tourist destination.
