Riyadh Makkah and Madinah Lead Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Growth as Visitor Numbers Climb, Get the Details Here

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October 31, 2025 19:48 GMT+5:30

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According to the most recent statistics from the Ministry of Tourism, within the first half of 2025, there were 60.9 million visitors, both domestic and international.

This aligns with the kingdom’s rapid advancements towards the 2030 Vision, which targets the repositioning of Saudi Arabia’s economy to become one of the top countries for leisure travel and cultural and spiritual tourism with hopes of economic diversification.

Tourism expenditure within the half of the fiscal year was SR161.4 billion (US$43 billion), which is a 4% increase from the previous fiscal year. Such growth reiterates the confidence travelers have in the kingdom’s tourist market and its advancements in hospitality and entertainment industries, as well as in the aviation sector.

Record Growth Across Both Domestic and International Tourism

The first half of 2025 saw a balance between domestic tourism and inbound international travel, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing appeal for both local residents and global visitors.

The report noted that inbound tourists stayed an average of 6.7 nights, while domestic travelers averaged 18.6 nights, demonstrating that Saudis continue to explore the country’s wide range of attractions.

Leisure, shopping, and sports tourism dominated the travel motivations, followed closely by religious pilgrimages and family visits. This diversity of purpose signals the maturation of Saudi Arabia’s tourism market — one that caters to different traveler profiles beyond traditional religious tourism.

Makkah and Madinah Remain at the Heart of Inbound Tourism

Unsurprisingly, the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah remain the top destinations for inbound tourism, drawing millions of Muslim visitors from around the world for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Pilgrimage-related travel continues to play a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s visitor economy, contributing significantly to hotel occupancy rates, retail spending, and local employment.

Beyond the holy sites, the government has invested in improving infrastructure, digital services, and crowd management systems to ensure seamless experiences for pilgrims — from visa issuance through the Nusuk platform to enhanced transportation links between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

Domestic Tourism Thrives in Riyadh and the Eastern Province

On the domestic front, Riyadh and the Eastern Province led travel demand. The capital city’s growing reputation as a hub for sports events, cultural festivals, and business tourism continues to attract residents and expatriates alike.

Meanwhile, destinations like Al-Ahsa, Dammam, and Khobar in the Eastern Province have become magnets for weekend travelers, family vacations, and shopping tourism.

Experts say the increased popularity of local destinations underscores the success of campaigns encouraging Saudis to “Explore Your Country.” Improved highways, domestic air connectivity, and the rise of boutique hotels have made it easier for citizens and residents to travel internally.

Top Source Markets: Egypt, Pakistan, and Kuwait Lead the Way

Internationally, Egypt, Pakistan, and Kuwait ranked as the top three source markets for inbound tourism, followed by India and Indonesia.

The growing number of visitors from neighboring and South Asian countries highlights the Kingdom’s role as a spiritual, cultural, and leisure destination for millions across the region.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets remain particularly important, with short-haul travelers choosing Saudi Arabia for weekend getaways and family-oriented trips. In parallel, the Kingdom’s expansion of electronic visas (eVisas) and visa-on-arrival services has made travel significantly easier for international tourists from more than 60 countries.

Accommodation Trends: Hotels Lead as Hospitality Expands

The Ministry of Tourism report showed that hotels accounted for 43% of total accommodation choices, followed by furnished apartments and private residences.

This distribution underscores the increasing availability of accommodation options across all budgets and preferences. The surge in hotel stays also reflects the success of major global hotel chains establishing a presence in Saudi Arabia’s key cities and resort areas.

Luxury hospitality continues to grow rapidly, with openings in destinations such as AlUla, Diriyah, and the Red Sea Project — part of the Saudi giga-project portfolio designed to redefine sustainable, high-end tourism.

Economic and Social Impact of the Tourism Boost

Tourism’s contribution to the Saudi economy continues to expand in both direct and indirect ways. Beyond the SR161 billion in spending, the sector has created thousands of jobs for Saudi citizens, particularly in hospitality, transportation, and retail.

By diversifying visitor experiences — from spiritual tourism and desert adventures to heritage exploration and entertainment — Saudi Arabia is fostering a more inclusive tourism economy. Local artisans, small businesses, and cultural organizations benefit from the increased demand for authentic products and experiences.

Officials have also emphasized that this growth aligns with sustainable tourism goals, ensuring that development projects protect cultural heritage and the environment while empowering local communities.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: The Road Ahead

The steady rise in tourist arrivals and spending underscores the effectiveness of Vision 2030’s tourism strategy, which aims to make the Kingdom a top global destination by the end of the decade.

Major upcoming attractions — including NEOM’s futuristic cityscape, the Diriyah Gate heritage project, and The Red Sea luxury resort islands — are set to further elevate Saudi Arabia’s global tourism profile.

With continuous investment in aviation infrastructure, sustainability, and cultural tourism, the Kingdom is building an ecosystem where tourism serves as a key pillar of economic diversification and international engagement.

A Welcoming Destination for Global Travelers

From the sacred heart of Makkah to the contemporary skylines of Riyadh and the tranquil shores of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia is changing as a place of discovery, and redefining hospitality and opportunity.

The Kingdom is transforming the way the world experiences Saudi Arabia; the first half of 2025 is projected to not only attain significant growth but deepen this experience with travel.