In 2024, the Kingdom welcomed 116 million domestic and international visitors, up an impressive 6% from the already record-breaking figures released for 2023.
The statistics were released by Saudi's Ministry of Tourism in its 2024 Annual Statistical Report, reflecting the growing appetite for travel across the Kingdom, and the growing global interest in the region.
This report highlights Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector as it continues its record-breaking ascent; the Kingdom welcomed a staggering 116 million visitors in 2024 and the nation experienced a total tourism spend that surpassed SAR 284 billion. The data for 2024, also highlighted that inbound tourism hit a record high, with 30 million international visitors, marking an 8% increase from 2023. Domestic travel remained strong, reaching 86.2 million trips, up 5% year on year.
As Vision 2030 accelerates and Expo 2030 draws near, the Kingdom is fast cementing its place as one of the world’s most exciting emerging travel destinations.
You Might Also Like: Saudi Arabia’s Gen Z is driving a domestic travel revolution
Visitors weren’t just window-shopping: total tourism spending topped SAR 284 billion ($75.7 billion); an 11% jump from 2023. Inbound tourism alone accounted for SAR 168.5 billion, rising 19% year over year, while domestic travellers spent SAR 115.3 billion.
Tourism Minister, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb attributed the growth to the Kingdom’s continued focus on diversification, part of the broader Vision 2030 strategy to reduce reliance on oil. He noted that tourism has become a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030.
The tourism momentum aligns with other major national initiatives, including Expo 2030 Riyadh, which is expected to attract more than 40 million visits and contribute over $5.6 billion to the economy. Earlier this month, the Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (owned by the Public Investment Fund) appointed former Aramco executive Talal H. AlMarri as CEO to oversee the expo’s development and operations.
With the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) giving final approval to Riyadh’s registration dossier, which acts as a masterplan, global attention is turning toward the capital ahead of Expo 2030, with tourism set to play an even bigger role in Saudi Arabia’s economic story.
