How Many Tourists Visit Saudi Arabia Each Year? [Tourism Statistics]

Saudi Arabia has rapidly become one of the most dynamic tourism markets in the world.

Once closed to international leisure visitors, the Kingdom has transformed through its Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to diversify the economy and position Saudi Arabia among the top global travel destinations.

In 2024, the country welcomed approximately 106 million domestic and international tourists, including 27.4 million international visitors, setting a new all-time record.

By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to reach 150 million visitors annually, driven by cultural, heritage, and luxury tourism developments.

Key stats: Saudi Arabia Tourism

• 116 million visitors in 2024 — including domestic and international arrivals — marking another record year with ~6% growth.
• 29.7 million international tourists in 2024 — up ~8% from the previous year, highlighting the Kingdom’s rising global appeal.
• SAR 284 billion (~US$75.7 billion) spent on tourism in 2024 — a strong 11% increase year-on-year.
• SAR 168.5 billion from international tourist spending alone — up ~19% in 2024, showing that inbound visitors are spending more.
• 86.2 million domestic trips and SAR 115.3 billion domestic spending in 2024 — domestic tourism remains a major pillar.
• Tourism contributed roughly 11.5% of GDP in 2023, underlining its importance in economic diversification.
• In Q1 2025, international visitor spending alone hit ~US$13.2 billion (~SAR 49.4 billion), up ~10% from Q1 2024.
• The tourism workforce reached 959,175 employees by Q2 2024; hotel room occupancy stood at ~55.4%.
• Average hotel guest stay in Q2 2024: 5.2 nights, rising ~17.6% versus the year before — indicating longer stays.
• Saudi Arabia ranked #1 globally in growth of tourism receipts and among the very top in arrival growth in early 2025 — cementing its status as a rising global tourism destination.

How Many Tourists Visit Saudi Arabia Each Year?

According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the country received 106 million total visitors in 2024, marking a 12% increase compared to 2023. Out of this, 27.4 million were international visitors, up from 24.6 million the previous year. Domestic tourism also reached unprecedented levels, supported by growing interest in local experiences, entertainment events, and coastal destinations such as the Red Sea and NEOM regions.

• 2019: 19.8M visitors (pre-pandemic baseline)
• 2022: 16.6M visitors (recovery phase)
• 2023: 24.6M visitors
• 2024: 27.4M international visitors (record)
• Target 2030: 70M international and 80M domestic tourists

How Much Do Tourists Spend in Saudi Arabia?

Visitor spending has surged alongside arrivals. Tourism revenue reached $67 billion in 2024, contributing around 4% of national GDP, compared to 3.5% in 2023. The government’s investment through the Saudi Tourism Development Fund (TDF) and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) continues to attract global hospitality brands, including Hilton, Marriott, and Accor, accelerating infrastructure growth across Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea.

Average international visitor spending increased by 8% year-on-year, while domestic spending rose by 6%. Luxury tourism—particularly within the Red Sea and Diriyah projects—has been a major contributor to higher per-capita revenue.

Which Countries Visit Saudi Arabia the Most?

Saudi Arabia attracts visitors from across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, with regional travel and religious tourism remaining dominant. Pilgrimage-related arrivals for Hajj and Umrah are the largest single segment, but leisure and business travel are rapidly expanding.

Source: Saudi Tourism Authority, UNWTO, and OAG Data 2024–2025 estimates.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s tourism follows distinct seasonal patterns, with cooler months drawing the largest international arrivals and summer being driven by domestic travel.

What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Saudi Arabia?

The Kingdom’s tourism map is rapidly diversifying, from ancient heritage sites to modern mega-developments.

Hotels Snapshot

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector is one of the fastest-growing globally. The country now has over 300,000 hotel rooms, with 60,000 more under construction across Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea coast.

• Average occupancy (2024): 68% (Riyadh 72%, Jeddah 75%)
• ADR (Average Daily Rate): $184
• RevPAR: $125
• Projected hotel supply by 2030: 500,000+ rooms

The expansion of international hotel brands and investments through giga-projects (NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya) is reshaping the country’s tourism landscape.

Tourism and the Saudi Economy

Tourism has become one of Saudi Arabia’s key growth sectors. In 2024, it contributed $67 billion to GDP, and the Ministry of Tourism projects that by 2030, the sector could represent 10% of total GDP, aligning with Vision 2030 diversification goals. The rise of leisure tourism is complemented by rapid growth in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, boosted by international events and airline expansions by Saudia and Riyadh Air.

FAQ – Saudi Arabia Tourism Insights

How many tourists visit Saudi Arabia annually?
The Kingdom received 106 million total visitors in 2024, including 27.4 million international arrivals.

How much money does Saudi Arabia make from tourism?
Tourism revenue reached $67 billion in 2024, contributing around 4% of GDP.

Which countries visit Saudi Arabia the most?
India, Indonesia, and Egypt are the top source markets, followed by Pakistan and GCC countries.

When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
The best time to visit is between November and February, when temperatures are mild and major cultural events take place.

What are Saudi Arabia’s most visited attractions?
Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh Season, AlUla, and Diriyah are among the most visited and rapidly developing tourism areas.

What is Saudi Arabia’s tourism goal for 2030?
The Vision 2030 plan targets 150 million visitors annually, including 70 million international travelers.

Sources

1. Saudi Ministry of Tourism — Official Tourism Performance Report (106M visitors; $67B revenue)
2. UNWTO — Global tourism ranking and regional data
3. Arab News — Saudi Arabia surpasses 27M international visitors
4. The National News — Tourism sector growth and Vision 2030 investment pipeline
5. Red Sea Global — Sustainability and luxury development insights
6. Diriyah Gate Development Authority — Cultural heritage tourism and DGDA development reports