Saudi Arabia logged a record 304 billion SAR (about US$80 billion) in tourism expenditure for 2025, supported by 123 million tourist trips including both international arrivals and domestic journeys.

Tourism contributed 4.9% to GDP in 2024, with the travel account posting a 49.4 billion SAR surplus in 2025 and tourism accounting for over 61% of total services exports.

International visitors reached 29.3 million and domestic trips totaled 93.3 million in 2025, signaling balanced growth across inbound and domestic markets.

Officials emphasize diversifying tourism beyond religious pilgrimage while keeping religious tourism as a stable growth pillar.

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb credited leadership support and strategic direction, framing tourism as a high-impact engine within Vision 2030 and national diversification.

Data indicate improved flight connectivity, expanded hotel capacity, and new tourism products enabling multi-region and multi-experience itineraries (heritage, luxury, nature, events).

Expansion is backed by nationwide investments in airports, airlines, hospitality, and destination development, including Red Sea projects and sites like AlUla.

Non-religious travel accounted for about 52% of inbound overnight visits in 2025, up from 44% in 2019, marking a shift toward diversified tourism motives.

In 2025, non-religious travel became the largest purpose of inbound visits, representing 52% of overnight stays, underscoring diversification beyond pilgrimage.

The growth reinforces Saudi Arabia’s status as a major year-round tourism market in the Middle East and enhances regional dynamics with UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and others.

Despite 2025 strength, the first five months of 2026 saw a 5–6% pace slowdown due to regional conflicts, with Umrah and Hajj providing some cushion.

Context: targets and initiatives under Vision 2030 continue to push non-religious tourism expansion and economic diversification, with focus on employment and export contributions.