Saudi Arabia has rapidly transformed into one of the world’s most compelling tourism destinations, driven by the ambitious Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. Over the last few years, the Kingdom has opened up to global travelers, upgraded infrastructure, streamlined visas, and launched iconic cultural and luxury projects — making tourism a cornerstone of national development and a major global travel story. https://datasaudi.sa/en/sector/tourism?utm
📈 Record Tourism Growth & Economic Contribution
Of the total 116 million visits in 2024:
- 29.7 million were international inbound tourists — up 8 % year-on-year.
- 86.2 million were domestic trips, reflecting the strong local appetite for exploration.
Tourism spending in 2024 also hit record levels with about SAR 284 billion (~USD 75.6 billion), including SAR 168.5 billion from international visitors — a 19 % increase from the previous year — showing how tourism is increasingly contributing to Saudi Arabia’s service economy and job creation.
In 2025, the growth momentum continued with the Kingdom attracting approximately 122 million total visitors — a further 5 % rise over 2024 — and generating around SAR 300 billion (~USD 80 billion) in tourism spending.
These achievements reflect sustained efforts in visa reforms, tourism marketing, hospitality investment, and infrastructure development — all aligned with Vision 2030’s targets of attracting 150 million annual visitors by 2030.
🕌 Tourism Segments: Religious, Leisure & Cultural
Religious Tourism
In 2024, religious tourism remained a core driver, with a significant share of inbound visits linked to spiritual travel.
Leisure, Nature & Luxury Tourism
Beyond culture and pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia offers diverse tourism products:
- Red Sea and coastal resorts with diving, beaches, and marine life.
- Desert adventures including safaris, dune experiences, and eco-camping.
- Rapidly growing event tourism with festivals, sports, and entertainment attracting global audiences.
Saudi Arabia is expanding beyond luxury travel to include mid-range options, such as new resorts on Shebara Island and visa-simplification plans for regional visitors, making travel accessible to a broader segment of global tourists.
Cultural & Heritage Tourism
Saudi Arabia is rich in ancient culture and archaeology. Al-Ula, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra — the Kingdom’s first UNESCO site — has become a flagship cultural destination, blending natural beauty, Nabatean history, and luxury experiences.
Historic cities like Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state, and Jeddah’s Al-Balad — with its UNESCO-listed historic core — further strengthen the cultural tourism offer, attracting travelers interested in history, architecture, and heritage. https://saudistandard.com/saudi-tourism-2024/
🏙️ Major Tourism Destinations in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
The capital blends modernity and tradition with landmarks like the Kingdom Centre, cultural museums, and large-scale events such as Riyadh Season, which has attracted millions of visitors and boosted hotel occupancy nationwide.
Jeddah
Known as the gateway to the Red Sea, Jeddah offers historic attractions, seaside corniche views, and world-class culinary and shopping experiences.
Al-Ula
A must-visit for culture and nature lovers, Al-Ula’s ancient sites, sandstone formations, and luxury desert camps are rapidly gaining global tourism recognition.
Eastern Province & Coastal Towns
Umluj and other Red Sea destinations deliver beach relaxation, coral reefs, and marine wildlife experiences, ideal for summer tourism and family travel.
✈️ Accessibility & Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure, including transportation and hospitality:
- Major international airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam connect the Kingdom to global air routes.
- Expansion projects like King Salman International Airport in Riyadh are set to handle up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030, enhancing global connectivity.
- Highways, train networks, and advanced transport systems make internal travel efficient and tourist-friendly. https://visa.visitsaudi.com
📅 Best Times to Visit
Saudi Arabia’s climate varies but offers travel opportunities year-round:
- Winter & Spring (Nov–Apr): Ideal for sightseeing, outdoor and desert activities.
- Summer (May–Oct): Focus on coastal and Red Sea experiences, indoor events, and festivals.
Tourism peaks during key religious seasons and major events like Riyadh Season, Formula 1 races, and other cultural festivals that attract global audiences.
🌍 Tourism’s Role in Vision 2030
Tourism is a major pillar of Vision 2030, aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s economy and society:
- A target of 150 million annual visitors by 2030 — including 70 million international tourists and 80 million domestic visitors.
- Expanded hospitality capacity with thousands of new hotel rooms and diversified accommodation.
- Increased private sector participation and sustainable tourism development.
This strategy supports job creation, cultural exchange, and economic diversification beyond oil — positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism hub.
🧭 Conclusion — A Global Tourism Powerhouse in the Making
Saudi Arabia has shifted from a predominantly religious travel destination to a diverse global tourism powerhouse. Through ambitious Vision 2030 goals, substantial infrastructure investments, streamlined visa policies, and iconic destination development, the Kingdom is attracting record numbers of visitors every year. Whether travelers seek culture, adventure, luxury, or spiritual journeys, Saudi Arabia now offers a rich and expanding palette of experiences — making it one of the most dynamic tourism stories of the 21st century.