Saudi tourism posts record year in 2025

Saudi Arabia recorded a landmark year for tourism in 2025, welcoming more than 122 million domestic and international visitors and generating close to $80 billion in total spending, according to official estimates and sector-wide assessments. The figures underline the scale and pace of change in a country long associated with pilgrimage travel but now positioning itself as a diversified global tourism destination.

Data released by authorities show that domestic tourism continued to form the backbone of visitor volumes, while international arrivals delivered the strongest gains in spending and length of stay. Leisure travel, religious visits, business events and entertainment tourism all expanded during the year, reflecting a broadening mix of attractions across the kingdom.

The surge has been driven by sustained investment under Vision 2030, which identifies tourism as a central pillar for economic diversification and job creation. New destinations, relaxed visa regimes for dozens of countries, and expanded air connectivity have reshaped travel patterns into the kingdom, reducing reliance on seasonal pilgrimage flows alone.

Officials say the introduction of electronic tourist visas and visa-on-arrival facilities has significantly lowered entry barriers. Airlines have added direct routes linking Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam with major cities across Europe, Asia and Africa, while low-cost carriers have expanded regional and domestic connectivity. Hotel capacity has risen sharply, with international brands accelerating openings in key urban centres and emerging destinations.

Religious tourism remained a core driver in 2025, with millions travelling to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah outside the peak Hajj season. Investments in crowd management, accommodation and transport infrastructure have allowed authorities to increase capacity while maintaining safety and service standards. At the same time, officials emphasise that pilgrimage travel is increasingly integrated with cultural and leisure offerings, encouraging longer stays and higher visitor spending.

Beyond the holy cities, heritage and nature-based tourism gained visibility. AlUla attracted growing numbers of international travellers drawn by its archaeological sites and curated cultural festivals, while the Diriyah development near Riyadh positioned itself as a gateway to the country’s historical roots. Coastal tourism also advanced, with Red Sea resorts and island developments receiving their first waves of high-end leisure visitors.

Major entertainment projects played a notable role in domestic travel flows. Large-scale events, concerts and sporting fixtures in Riyadh and Jeddah helped drive year-round visitation and repeat trips by residents. Analysts note that this internal tourism momentum has been critical in smoothing demand across seasons and regions.

Spending patterns in 2025 highlight a shift towards higher-value tourism. International visitors accounted for a disproportionate share of the $80 billion in outlays, particularly in accommodation, retail and dining. Business travel linked to conferences, exhibitions and investment forums also contributed, as the kingdom positioned itself as a regional hub for large-scale events.

Employment figures suggest tourism’s growing economic footprint. Hospitality, transport, entertainment and cultural sectors expanded their workforce, with authorities reporting progress in training and localisation initiatives aimed at increasing citizen participation. Small and medium enterprises, especially in food services, crafts and tour operations, benefited from rising visitor numbers in secondary cities and heritage zones.

Challenges remain alongside the headline growth. Industry observers point to the need for continued investment in skills, service quality and environmental management, particularly as visitor numbers rise in ecologically sensitive areas. Managing affordability for domestic travellers while sustaining premium international offerings is another balancing act facing policymakers.