Saudi Arabia Strengthens Tourism Appeal with Record Spending Across Key Destinations, Here’s All You Need to Know

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Moulina Dhara

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October 31, 2025 20:50 GMT+5:30

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As stated by the Ministry of Tourism, 2025 has also reflected the remarkable growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector, which has welcomed 60.9 million domestic and overseas visitors in the first half of the year. For the Kingdom, and the Vision 2030 blueprint in particular, this is impressive and remarkable growth, given the diversification of the Kingdom’s economy, job creation, and building and fostering cultural ties and exchange opportunities.

In the first half of this year, the Kingdom has also recorded tourism expenditure of SR 161.4 billion (about $43 billion). This is also an impressive 4% growth from the same period in 2024. Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism infrastructure, investments, and the variety of visitor experiences have positively influenced this result.

Longer Stays and Diverse Travel Experiences

The report shows that the average stay for inbound tourists reached 6.7 nights, while domestic travelers averaged 18.6 nights, signaling deeper visitor engagement and longer travel experiences within the Kingdom.

The most popular travel motivations were leisure, shopping, and sports, which together accounted for the largest share of trips. These were followed by religious pilgrimages and family visits, reflecting the Kingdom’s unique ability to blend spirituality, culture, and recreation.

From world-class shopping in Riyadh to Red Sea beach resorts, Formula 1 races in Jeddah, and cultural festivals in AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape now appeals to a wider range of travelers than ever before.

Makkah and Madinah Lead Inbound Tourism

The holy cities of Makkah and Madinah remain the heart of Saudi Arabia’s inbound tourism, drawing millions of Muslims annually for Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages.

Investments in infrastructure — including smart crowd management systems, new hotels, and expanded transport facilities — have enhanced the experience for pilgrims, ensuring safety, comfort, and accessibility.

For the hospitality sector, the pilgrimage seasons continue to drive high occupancy rates, but growth in leisure and cultural tourism means these cities now attract visitors year-round. Tour operators have begun offering combination packages that integrate religious tourism with historical and natural attractions, extending traveler stays and boosting overall expenditure.

Riyadh and the Eastern Province Drive Domestic Tourism

While Makkah and Madinah dominate international arrivals, Riyadh and the Eastern Province are the powerhouses of domestic travel.

Riyadh, the Kingdom’s capital, is evolving into a modern global hub for business, sports, and culture. Mega-events such as Riyadh Season, international exhibitions, and global concerts continue to attract both residents and tourists from across the Gulf.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Province — home to Dammam, Al-Ahsa, and Khobar — offers a vibrant blend of coastal attractions, desert adventures, and family-friendly experiences. Enhanced transport links and resort developments along the Arabian Gulf are helping the region establish itself as a leading domestic leisure destination.

Together, these regions reflect Saudi Arabia’s strategy to spread tourism benefits nationwide, ensuring that both urban centers and regional destinations share in the sector’s growth.

Top Source Markets Highlight Regional Strength

According to the Ministry’s data, Egypt, Pakistan, and Kuwait were the top three countries sending tourists to the Kingdom during the first half of 2025, followed by India and Indonesia.

These figures underscore Saudi Arabia’s strong connectivity with the Middle East, South Asia, and broader Muslim world — regions that view the Kingdom not only as a spiritual center but also as a destination for modern leisure and business travel.

Enhanced air connectivity through Saudia, Flynas, and other international carriers, as well as the rollout of e-visas and visa-on-arrival services, has made it easier than ever for travelers from these markets to visit the Kingdom.

In addition, new flight routes to emerging destinations such as NEOM, AlUla, and Yanbu are supporting efforts to disperse tourism flows across Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes.

Hospitality Sector Expands to Meet Demand

The tourism boom has also stimulated rapid growth in the hospitality and accommodation sector.

Hotels accounted for 43% of total accommodation choices, followed by furnished apartments and private residences. The dominance of hotels highlights strong demand for premium and mid-range lodging, as both international chains and local developers continue to expand across key markets.

Luxury hospitality has particularly flourished, with international brands opening new properties in Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. Meanwhile, major developments under the Red Sea Project, Amaala, and Diriyah Gate are set to redefine global luxury travel, offering sustainability-focused experiences in heritage and coastal environments.

These investments are not only improving visitor satisfaction but also creating new job opportunities in hospitality management, operations, and tourism services.

Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Growth

Tourism’s economic contribution continues to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the fastest-growing travel economies in the Middle East.

The sector’s expansion supports the government’s goal of increasing tourism’s share of the national GDP while reducing reliance on oil revenues. The Ministry of Tourism’s initiatives to train local talent, support small and medium enterprises, and encourage entrepreneurship are creating a dynamic and sustainable tourism ecosystem.

Beyond economic benefits, the growth of tourism is fostering cross-cultural understanding, as millions of international visitors experience Saudi Arabia’s authentic heritage, hospitality, and natural beauty firsthand.

A Vision for the Future of Saudi Tourism

As the Kingdom continues its transformation under Vision 2030, the first half of 2025 stands as a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a top-tier global destination. With major projects like NEOM’s futuristic cityscape , the Red Sea’s sustainable luxury resorts, and Diriyah’s cultural revival, the Kingdom is redefining the travel experience for the 21st century.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Tourism aims to maintain momentum by diversifying and sharpening the focus on the Visitor experience with the pillars of accessibility, technology, sustainable service, and excellence in customer care. There are few places in the world like Saudi Arabia. Travelers experience the seamless blending of the old and the new. With every journey taken, it tells the world of a burgeoning nation.