Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with its National Tourism Strategy, which aims to attract 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030, as the sector continues to post strong growth figures.
In 2025, the Kingdom recorded approximately 123 million tourists, made up of 29.3 million inbound visitors and 93.3 million domestic travelers. Total tourism spending reached around SAR304 billion for the year, with inbound tourism accounting for SAR176.6 billion and domestic tourism contributing SAR127.1 billion.
The momentum has carried into the new year. During the first quarter of 2026, Saudi Arabia welcomed roughly 37.2 million domestic and international tourists, while tourism spending over the same period totaled approximately SAR82.7 billion.
Why it matters
Tourism has become one of the fastest-growing pillars of the national economy and a central element of efforts to diversify income sources beyond oil. For residents and expats, the expansion means more leisure options, new destinations, and a steady rise in jobs and business opportunities across hospitality, aviation, retail, and entertainment.
Reaching 150 million visitors by 2030 would place the Kingdom among the world's leading tourism destinations, supporting continued investment in hotels, transport links, and attractions in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond. The strong 2025 results and the solid start to 2026 suggest the sector is building toward that long-term goal.
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