The International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted the significant growth in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, emphasizing its vital role as a key driver of the national economy. In its latest Article IV Consultation Report for Saudi Arabia for 2025, released in August, the IMF also highlighted the strength of the Kingdom’s economy.
According to the IMF report, international tourism experienced substantial growth, which helped offset some of the outflows from the Kingdom and contributed to reducing the slight deficit in the current account for 2024.
This recognition underscores the steady and rapid progress of the tourism sector in establishing itself as a significant economic engine, thereby enhancing the growth of the national economy and supporting the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia welcomes 30 million inbound visitors in 2024
In 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed around 116 million domestic and inbound tourists, a 6 percent increase from 2023, according to an official report. The Ministry of Tourism’s 2024 Annual Statistical Report highlights key tourism indicators and underscores the sector’s growth following significant advancements in 2023.
The report revealed that total tourism spending for domestic and inbound travel reached approximately SAR284 billion ($75.7 billion), showing an 11 percent year-over-year growth.
Saudi Arabia recorded its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, with around 30 million visitors in 2024, an 8 percent rise from 2023. Inbound tourism spending totaled SAR168.5 billion, up 19 percent from the previous year.
Domestic tourism also saw solid growth, with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, a 5 percent increase from 2023. Domestic tourism spending reached SAR115.3 billion.
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Saudi Arabia poised to welcome 70 million tourists annually by 2030
Saudi Arabia is poised to welcome 70 million tourists annually by 2030, with ambitions to rank among the top seven global tourist destinations, according to the Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb.
At the WEF 2025 annual meetings earlier this year, Al Khateeb highlighted that Saudi Arabia saw a record influx of nearly 30 million international tourists last year. He emphasized the ongoing growth in international tourist arrivals to the Kingdom during his participation in the event.
Al Khateeb credited the success of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector to effective governance and integrated planning. He pointed out essential initiatives, such as the launch of e-visas and the development of airports in major tourist areas, which have greatly increased the number of international visitors.
“Saudi Arabia focuses on enhancing the entire tourist journey, from flights and landing points to mobility and destinations,” Al Khateeb stated. Efforts are in progress to create new destinations and modern airports, including King Salman International Airport, which is expected to accommodate over 120 million travelers. Furthermore, the Kingdom has introduced a new airline, Riyadh Air, to bolster its tourism goals.
