Riyadh Sees Impressive Tourism Growth with Record Visitor Numbers and Increased Spending, Get the Details Here

Published on December 21, 2025

The Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia’s capital and a major tourist destination within the Kingdom, has achieved a major milestone within its tourism industry. As of the final quarter of 2025, a total of 15.1 million tourists arrived in this region and beyond, denoting Saudi Arabia’s steadily growing recognition within the international tourist community despite its late entry into the scene as a tourist hub. This indicates a promising start for Saudi Arabia in fulfilling its Vision 2030 initiative.

Strong Growth in Tourist Spending and Visitor Numbers

In a recent post on X, the Ministry of Tourism announced that total tourist spending in Riyadh reached approximately SR33 billion ($8.8 billion) by the close of Q3 2025. This represents an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2024, underlining the growing economic importance of tourism for the Kingdom. This surge in tourist spending reflects not only an increase in the number of visitors but also a rise in the amount spent by each traveler, signaling a booming sector in Riyadh’s economy.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which places tourism as one of the key pillars of the country’s economic diversification, is clearly taking shape. The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors by the end of this decade, and with these positive indicators, Riyadh is on track to play a significant role in achieving that ambitious target.

Boost in Hotel Infrastructure and Services

Riyadh’s growing popularity as a travel destination has also translated into increased demand for accommodation. In the third quarter of 2025, the number of tourist rooms in the Riyadh region rose by 34% compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 50,000 rooms. This expansion in hotel infrastructure reflects not only the city’s booming tourism market but also the increased capacity to cater to visitors’ needs, whether for leisure, business, or cultural tourism.

This growth in hotel infrastructure is a vital component of Riyadh’s strategic tourism development, providing both international and domestic visitors with the facilities they need to enjoy their stay. The increase in available accommodations highlights the region’s commitment to keeping pace with the rising number of tourists and providing them with world-class services.

Growth in the Tourism Workforce

As Riyadh continues to expand its tourism industry, the demand for skilled professionals in the sector has also grown. The Ministry of Tourism reported that the number of registered tour guides in the Riyadh region increased by 44% during the third quarter of 2025, reaching a total of 673. This growth in the workforce is critical to enhancing the visitor experience, as qualified tour guides play an essential role in showcasing the city’s rich history, culture, and attractions.

The rise in the number of tour guides also highlights the broader trend of professionalization within the Saudi tourism sector, which is actively investing in education and training to ensure that local workers can meet international standards. As the country continues to build its reputation as a world-class tourism destination, a well-trained workforce will be crucial in providing visitors with exceptional service and promoting the cultural heritage of the Kingdom.

Domestic Tourism Surge: A Key Driver of Growth

In addition to the influx of international visitors, domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia has also seen a remarkable rise. Princess Haifa bint Mohammed, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, recently revealed that domestic tourism spending in the Kingdom had reached SR105 billion by the end of Q3 2025, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year. This growth reflects the Kingdom’s emphasis on promoting internal tourism and encouraging Saudis to explore their own country, thus strengthening the local tourism economy.

Domestic tourism is vital to the diversification of the Kingdom’s tourism sector, and with more Saudis traveling and exploring different regions, the economic benefits ripple across various industries, from hospitality to retail and transportation.

Record Growth in Inbound Tourism Spending

Saudi Arabia’s inbound tourism sector has also seen impressive growth, particularly in 2024. Data from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) showed that inbound tourism spending surged to a record SR153.61 billion in 2024, representing a 13.82% increase from the previous year. This increase underscores the country’s growing appeal to international visitors, who are increasingly drawn to Saudi Arabia for both business and leisure purposes.

The rise in inbound tourism spending reflects the Kingdom’s successful efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and improve infrastructure, making it easier and more attractive for foreign visitors to experience the country’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and modern attractions.

Tourism Development Fund: Supporting Investment and Growth

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is playing a crucial role in the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. The TDF has been actively fostering partnerships with both public and private sector entities to boost tourism development projects. At the recent Development Finance Conference Momentum 2025, the TDF announced six agreements and a memorandum of understanding, with a total impact exceeding SR4 billion.

The TDF’s initiatives are vital in supporting new business ventures, infrastructure projects, and innovative tourism experiences. With its focus on developing sustainable tourism practices and expanding the Kingdom’s tourism base, the TDF is a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s tourism goals under Vision 2030.

Looking Forward: A Bright Future for Riyadh’s Tourism Industry

The strong tourist figures recorded in Riyadh by the end of Q3 2025 highlight the city’s growing importance as a global tourism destination. With increased hotel capacity, a growing workforce, and expanding infrastructure, Riyadh is positioning itself as a key player in the global tourism market. The city’s successful efforts to attract both international and domestic visitors, supported by strategic investments and initiatives like the Tourism Development Fund, suggest that Riyadh will continue to see strong growth in the years ahead.

Looking ahead, Riyadh’s tourism industry is poised to benefit from even more developments, including new cultural attractions, hotels, and events, further solidifying its status as a leading destination for tourists. As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy and invest in sustainable tourism, the future of the Kingdom’s tourism sector looks bright.

Riyadh’s Rising Status on the Global Tourism Map

With its growing tourism industry and the number of visitors the city is registering, Riyadh is rapidly emerging as one of the most popular destinations not only in the Middle East but around the world. It is important to note that the ability of the city of Riyadh to welcome millions of tourists through the partnerships between the government and the private sectors will be essential in ensuring the touristic goals of Vision 2030 are realized.