Record Growth in Saudi Tourism: Huge Billions of Revenue and Millions of Visitors

Published on December 5, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is experiencing a period of remarkable growth, with tourism spending reaching an impressive $73.3 billion in 2025. The country also welcomed a record-breaking 116 million visitors, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing travel destinations globally. This surge in tourism is attributed to a combination of the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives, increased investments in infrastructure, and the diversification of tourism offerings.

As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its appeal as a global tourism hub, the growth in spending and visitor numbers reflects the successful implementation of strategic measures aimed at attracting international travelers. From historical landmarks to luxury resorts and religious tourism, Saudi Arabia has become a prime destination for travelers from all over the world. The significant rise in both the financial contribution and the number of visitors highlights the country’s success in reshaping its tourism sector.

Key Factors Driving Tourism Growth in Saudi Arabia

Several key factors are contributing to the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. A primary driver is the country’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy by reducing its reliance on oil and investing in non-oil sectors like tourism. As part of this vision, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure, including the construction of world-class hotels, resorts, and transport systems that cater to international visitors.

Additionally, the government’s initiatives to open up the country to international tourism have made it easier for visitors to access Saudi Arabia. In 2019, the country introduced a new visa program, which allowed visitors from over 50 countries to apply for tourist visas. This move opened up Saudi Arabia to a broader range of international tourists, leading to an increase in visitor numbers from key markets such as Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Religious Tourism as a Pillar of Saudi Tourism

Religious tourism has long been a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, particularly in the cities of Mecca and Medina. The annual influx of Muslim pilgrims traveling to Mecca for Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, continues to be a significant contributor to Saudi Arabia’s tourism economy. In addition to Hajj, the Umrah pilgrimage, which takes place year-round, attracts millions of visitors seeking spiritual enrichment.

In 2025, the number of pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina for Hajj and Umrah increased, contributing to the country’s tourism spending. Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in enhancing the infrastructure of religious sites, including the expansion of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the development of the King Abdulaziz International Airport, has made it easier for pilgrims to travel to these holy cities.

The expansion of religious tourism, combined with the country’s initiatives to promote its rich Islamic heritage and history, continues to make Saudi Arabia a key destination for Muslims worldwide.

Cultural and Heritage Tourism on the Rise

In addition to religious tourism, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in promoting its cultural and heritage tourism offerings. The country is home to a wealth of historical sites, including the ancient Nabatean city of Al-Ula, the archaeological site of Diriyah, and the ruins of the ancient city of Al-Balad in Jeddah. These sites, which are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, have become major attractions for tourists interested in history and archaeology.

Saudi Arabia is also investing in cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and concerts to appeal to international visitors. The launch of initiatives like the Winter at Tantora festival in Al-Ula, which includes performances, art exhibitions, and music events, has attracted cultural tourists from around the world. These events showcase Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global cultural exchanges and highlight its rich artistic and historical heritage.

Luxury and Leisure Tourism in Saudi Arabia

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has also positioned itself as a luxury tourism destination. With the opening of high-end resorts and hotels in regions such as the Red Sea coast and the Al-Ula area, the country has attracted affluent travelers seeking exclusive experiences. The development of world-class resorts, spas, and golf courses in destinations like the Red Sea Project and NEOM is transforming Saudi Arabia into a luxury travel hub.

The country’s growing focus on leisure tourism is also reflected in the development of entertainment offerings, including theme parks, shopping malls, and high-end dining experiences. The rise of leisure tourism is attracting families, couples, and solo travelers, all of whom contribute to the country’s growing tourism revenue.

Adventure and Eco-Tourism Opportunities

Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes provide ample opportunities for adventure tourism. From the rugged mountains of Asir to the vast deserts of Rub’ al Khali (the Empty Quarter), the country offers unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Saudi Arabia has invested in developing hiking trails, desert safaris, and scuba diving opportunities along its Red Sea coastline, further appealing to tourists seeking adventure and eco-tourism experiences.

The country’s natural beauty, combined with efforts to preserve its environment, has led to the rise of eco-tourism. National parks and nature reserves, including the Al Khobar Mangrove Reserve and Farasan Islands, are being promoted as eco-friendly destinations for those interested in wildlife watching, conservation, and nature exploration.

Economic Impact of Tourism Growth

The surge in tourism spending is contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts. Tourism is becoming an increasingly important sector in the country’s economy, supporting jobs, infrastructure development, and local businesses. The government’s investment in tourism-related industries, including hospitality, transport, and entertainment, is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the coming years.

As the tourism sector grows, it is not only benefiting major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca, but also smaller cities and rural areas that are now receiving attention as emerging tourist destinations. This regional development is helping to balance the distribution of tourism revenue across the country.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Saudi Tourism

Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory as the country invests in new attractions, infrastructure, and international marketing campaigns. By diversifying its offerings and focusing on sustainable tourism, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a top global destination for both leisure and business travelers.

To welcome even more visitors in the coming years, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector will remain a critical pillar of the country’s economic growth. By leveraging its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and luxury tourism offerings, the country is poised to further strengthen its position on the world tourism map.