Saudi Arabia Sees Nearly Thirty Million Domestic Trips in Q1 2026, Marking a Remarkable Sixteen Percent Year-on-Year Surge in Tourism Spending

Written By: Manab Baidya

Manab Baidya

I am currently studying for MA in English while also currently pursuing Journalism at Dibrugarh University. Passionate about storytelling, media, communication, and creative expression through words. Working as a Content Writer in the travel and tourism industry, where I transform destinations, experiences, and cultures into engaging stories. Constantly learning, exploring new ideas, and building a journey driven by creativity, curiosity, and meaningful content. Believer in growth, good vibes, and the power of words to connect people across the world.

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April 15, 2026 13:01 GMT+5:30

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In Q1 2026, Saudi Arabia recorded nearly thirty million domestic trips, marking a remarkable sixteen percent year-on-year surge in tourism spending. This growth can be attributed to a combination of factors, including increased domestic travel promotions, improved infrastructure, and a rising demand for local tourism experiences. Key holiday periods such as Ramadan and Eid further fueled this rise, with a significant boost in spending, reflecting the Kingdom’s successful efforts to enhance domestic tourism and strengthen its position as a leading destination for local travelers.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has witnessed remarkable growth in the first quarter of 2026, as domestic travel surged to nearly thirty million trips, marking a significant sixteen percent year-on-year increase. This growth has been accompanied by an increase in domestic tourism spending, with figures reaching SAR34.7 billion (approximately US$9.3 billion), highlighting the country’s rising appeal as a leading domestic travel destination. This surge in domestic travel is part of a broader upward trend, further solidified by growing international tourism and a robust hospitality sector.

Growth in Domestic Tourism: A Closer Look

The year 2026 has started with a strong performance in Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism, with nearly thirty million trips recorded in the first quarter. This represents a sixteen percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This robust growth signals the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s initiatives to promote domestic tourism, which has become an essential pillar of the country’s broader tourism development goals.

One of the most notable periods for domestic travel was between 18 February and 19 March 2026, which encompassed the transition from Ramadan to Eid. This time frame saw domestic trips rise to approximately ten million with a corresponding increase in spending, reaching SAR10.2 billion (around US$2.7 billion). The surge in travel during this period—marking a fourteen percent year-on-year increase—highlights the growing importance of holiday periods in stimulating domestic tourism.

Overall Tourism Volume: A Broader Perspective

In addition to the impressive growth in domestic tourism, Saudi Arabia’s total tourism volume—including international visitors—also saw significant expansion. Total tourism volume reached 37.2 million trips in the first quarter of 2026, with overall spending amounting to SAR82.7 billion (approximately US$22.1 billion). These figures indicate a healthy and growing tourism market that combines domestic and international travel.

Hospitality occupancy across the country averaged 59% in Q1 2026, showing steady demand in the accommodation sector. Among major cities, Madinah saw the highest occupancy rates at 82%, followed by Makkah at 60% and Jeddah at 59%. These numbers underscore the importance of religious and cultural tourism, with Makkah and Madinah, in particular, seeing higher demand due to their significance as Islamic pilgrimage destinations.

Hospitality Sector Performance and Trends

In terms of the hospitality industry, Saudi Arabia has experienced a steady increase in the number of licensed tourist accommodation facilities. The number of licensed facilities rose by 34.2% year-on-year to a total of 5,900 by the end of Q4 2025. This growth is indicative of the country’s continued investment in infrastructure to accommodate the rising demand from both domestic and international travelers.

Serviced apartments have seen a particularly significant share in this growth, accounting for 52% of total accommodation inventory, while hotels made up 48%. This shift towards serviced apartments reflects changing traveler preferences, with many opting for longer stays and more flexible accommodations.

Hotel average daily rates (ADR), however, experienced a decline in the same period. The ADR for hotels fell by 11.7% to SAR389 (approximately US$104), while serviced apartment rates dropped by 5.7%, reaching SAR207 (around US$55). Despite these decreases, the overall increase in the number of accommodation facilities and the rise in hotel stays point to a growing demand for travel-related services.

Length of Stays: A Shift in Travel Preferences

The average length of stays also saw a notable increase. Hotel stays averaged 3.8 nights in Q4 2025, a rise from 3.6 nights in the previous year. In contrast, serviced apartment stays remained relatively short, averaging 2.2 nights. This shift suggests a growing demand for both short-term stays and extended visits, with tourists opting for more flexible lodging arrangements that serviced apartments typically offer.

Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Tourism Initiatives

As part of its ambitious vision to become a global tourism hub, Saudi Arabia has been scaling its tourism pipeline in anticipation of major international events. A key initiative is the upcoming Expo 2030 Riyadh, which is expected to attract 40 million site visits. In a bid to attract more visitors and enhance the tourism experience, the Saudi Tourism Authority has partnered with Expo 2030 Riyadh to integrate travel packages and drive visitor flows, making it easier for tourists to experience the event and explore the country.

The country has also set an updated target of 150 million annual visitors by 2030, up from a previous goal of 100 million. This ambitious target underscores Saudi Arabia’s focus on boosting tourism as a major contributor to its economy. By diversifying its tourism offerings and building state-of-the-art infrastructure, the country is well on track to become a leading global tourism destination.

Contribution of Tourism to GDP and Future Projections

Tourism has been an increasingly significant contributor to Saudi Arabia’s economy. In 2025, tourism contributed 5% to the country’s GDP, with plans to increase this figure to 10% by the end of the decade. This aligns with the government’s broader efforts to diversify the economy and reduce its dependency on oil revenues.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recognized Saudi Arabia as one of the fastest-growing tourism markets globally, further validating the country’s proactive measures to enhance its tourism sector. The combination of natural landscapes, religious tourism, cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure is making Saudi Arabia a compelling destination for both regional and international travelers.

Looking Ahead: Tourism’s Long-Term Impact

As the Kingdom continues to push for greater tourism growth, the upcoming years will likely see even higher levels of domestic and international travel. The government’s investments in infrastructure, coupled with its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, will play a crucial role in shaping the sector’s future. With Expo 2030 Riyadh on the horizon and the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its global appeal, Saudi Arabia is poised to become an even more prominent player in the global tourism industry.

With an ambitious revised target of 150 million annual visitors by 2030, Saudi Arabia is not just aiming to expand its tourism sector; it is positioning itself as a leading destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences, world-class hospitality, and vibrant cultural exchanges.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is on an impressive growth trajectory, with nearly thirty million domestic trips recorded in Q1 2026, reflecting a sixteen percent year-on-year increase. The country is making significant strides in developing its tourism infrastructure, attracting both domestic and international visitors. With the continued rise in domestic travel spending, growing hotel occupancy, and a clear focus on major events such as Expo 2030 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is setting the stage for a thriving tourism industry that will contribute significantly to its economic future.

In Q1 2026, Saudi Arabia saw nearly thirty million domestic trips, marking a sixteen percent year-on-year surge in tourism spending, driven by successful travel promotions, improved infrastructure, and increased demand during key holiday periods like Ramadan and Eid.

The Kingdom’s goals of boosting tourism’s contribution to GDP and welcoming millions of visitors by 2030 demonstrate a long-term commitment to establishing Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s top travel destinations. As the country continues to enhance its tourism offerings and attract global visitors, Saudi Arabia is shaping its future as a leading global hub for tourism, hospitality, and cultural exchange.