The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is experiencing exceptional growth, with the number of incoming tourists rising by 27 percent in the first nine months of 2024, in contrast to a 14 percent increase during the same timeframe last year, as reported by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb. During his address at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh, Al Khateeb highlighted the sector’s significant advancements towards fulfilling the objectives of Vision 2030.
Surge in international arrivals
The minister disclosed that international arrivals for leisure purposes skyrocketed by an impressive 600 percent in 2023 compared to 2018, and this surge has been matched by an increase in visitors traveling for religious reasons. The Kingdom is actively encouraging these visitors to explore various cities, allowing them to discover its natural and archaeological wonders.
Popularity of rural tourism
Al Khateeb also pointed out the rising popularity of rural tourism, with growing demand noted across the Kingdom’s diverse regions. By the end of 2023, tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) reached 5 percent, with ambitions to double this figure to 10 percent by 2030.
Read more: How are UAE, Saudi Arabia leading way in sustainable tourism?
Economic impact and balance of payments
The minister furhter underscored the economic impact of the tourism sector, revealing a surplus of over SAR41 billion in the balance of payments for the first half of 2024, compared to SAR48.1 billion for all of 2023. This represents a significant shift from 2018, when the balance recorded a deficit of SAR10 billion.
Growth in employment opportunities
Moreover, Al Khateeb also mentioned that employment within the tourism industry has surged, with job numbers climbing from 750,000 to 960,000, while localization in the hospitality sector has reached 35 percent. Under the guidance of HRH the Crown Prince, the Ministry of Tourism is making substantial investments in training and developing local talent. Al Khateeb noted that the ministry allocates an annual budget of SAR375 million to facilitate the qualification and training of up to 100,000 Saudis, including over 10,000 opportunities at prestigious international institutes, preparing them for leadership roles in the industry.
