Saudi Arabia has made a clear push to increase tourism in the Kingdom, and it is reaping the benefits. A May 2025 report by UN Tourism found that Saudi Arabia saw a 102% increase in international tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2019. It recorded the third highest growth globally, with Albania in the second spot and Qatar leading the list with a 152% increase.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia had the highest percentage growth in international tourism receipts globally, meaning that tourists are spending more in the Kingdom, compared to 2019.
This is an ongoing trend. As of September 2024, the Kingdom had recorded a massive 73% surge in arrivals and a 207% increase in tourism revenue compared to the same period in 2019.
Investing in tourism
It’s all part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which places tourism at the centre of the country’s push to diversify its economy and reshape its global image.
The strategy includes massive investment in infrastructure, destination development, and cultural programming—plus a calendar packed with major international events, from Formula 1 races to art biennales and music festivals.
“By 2030, the tourism sector will be, next to oil, the highest contributor to our economy,” Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said in May 2025.
Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are leading the way, offering travellers a mix of modern luxury and ancient heritage. Meanwhile, attractions like the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif, the adrenaline-filled Atallah Happy Land, and the upcoming giga-projects across the Red Sea coast are turning heads globally.
Saudi also topped G20 countries in terms of international tourist growth during the first seven months of 2024—a feat that reflects both its long-term planning and short-term wins in drawing a new wave of global explorers.
The ministry has set its sights on welcoming 50 million international tourists a year by 2030, aiming to double the sector’s GDP contribution from 5 percent to 10 percent. That strategy includes localising the tourism sector and pushing youth to take part. Notably, in under a decade, the tourism workforce has grown from 2 percent to 7 percent of the population.
All signs point to continued growth for Saudi tourism, as the Kingdom continues to welcome more and more international tourists.
