Saudi Tourism Spending Hits SAR 275 Billion in 2025

Oct 21, 2026•2 min read

Saudi Arabia's tourism sector recorded spending of SAR 275 billion alongside more than 116 million domestic and international visitors,

The numbers underline the sector's rapid growth as a pillar of the national economy. Domestic tourism spending alone exceeded SAR 105 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2025, marking an 18% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.

Visitor spending reached approximately SAR 49.4 billion, with annual growth of 9.7%, reflecting steady momentum in both leisure and business travel across the country.

Looking ahead, the FY2026 budget statement sets a target of SAR 351 billion in total tourism expenditure by 2026. This aligns with the Kingdom's broader ambition to welcome 150 million visitors by 2030, a goal tied to its national development plans.

Why it matters

For residents and expats in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, the expanding tourism sector translates into more hospitality jobs, new attractions, improved transport links, and a growing calendar of events and seasonal festivals. The continued rise in domestic spending also signals that more people living in the Kingdom are exploring local destinations, from heritage sites to entertainment venues.

The latest figures confirm that tourism remains one of the fastest-growing contributors to economic diversification, with both visitor numbers and spending moving steadily toward the Kingdom's 2030 targets.

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