Saudi Arabia has hit a major tourism milestone, with inbound spending reaching a record SR153.61 billion ($40.95 billion) in 2024 — a 13.8% annual increase, according to the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).
Key Highlights:
30 million international visitors in 2024 – up 9.5% from 2023
SR498 billion contribution to GDP (12.45%), spanning travel, hospitality, and transport
Leisure tourism now represents 24% of all visits
40% of private tourism investments came from foreign investors
Over 426,000 licensed hotel rooms across the Kingdom
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is transforming into a global tourism and investment hub. Non-religious tourism is on the rise, driven by heritage, culture, business and entertainment offerings.
Strategic Mega Projects Include:
Red Sea luxury resorts
NEOM’s Trojena ski destination
Diriyah and AlUla heritage sites
Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district
Simplified access via eVisas for 66 countries + geographic proximity to 40% of the world’s population strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a high-end, sustainable travel destination.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb:
“Global investor confidence in Saudi Arabia continues to rise as the Kingdom unlocks new tourism potential amid global headwinds.”
With $80 billion in private tourism investment targeted by 2030, Saudi Arabia is not only growing — it’s redefining the future of global tourism.
