Saudi Arabia welcomes 116 million tourists in 2024, achieves $75.7 billion in tourism spending

Saudi Arabia welcomed around 116 million domestic and inbound tourists in 2024, a 6 percent increase from 2023, according to a new 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.

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb noted that this strong performance reflects the guidance and support of the Kingdom’s leadership. He emphasized that tourism is a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030, driven by the ministry’s efforts and collaboration with stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem.

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.

Read more: Saudi Arabia issues 2,853 tourism licenses by end of 2024, up 32 percent YoY

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Color Your Summer

Last week, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) launched the “Saudi Summer 2025” program to showcase the kingdom’s openness to the world through a diverse and immersive travel experience. Running until the end of September, this year’s campaign, themed “Color Your Summer,” invites visitors to explore six key destinations that seamlessly blend nature, adventure, and culture.

The Aseer region will be the highlight this summer, featuring a renewed edition of the Aseer Summer Season, filled with cultural, musical, and artistic events such as Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails and outdoor adventures in a moderate climate, surrounded by towering mountains and centuries-old stone houses that reflect the region’s rich heritage.