Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector achieved a record surplus in the 2024 travel account, reaching SAR49.8 billion ($13.3 billion), a 7.8 percent increase over 2023, according to a Tourism Ministry press release. The release highlighted that this remarkable surge was fueled by a 13.8 percent increase in inbound visitor spending compared to 2023, reaching an estimated SAR153.6 billion in 2024, based on preliminary balance of payments data from the Saudi Central Bank.
Collaborative efforts boost the travel account surplus
The ministry attributed the significant growth in the 2024 travel account surplus to collaborative efforts within the Saudi tourism ecosystem, aimed at strengthening the industry and its contribution to national economic growth. “This success also reflects the effective implementation of best practices in tourism development, enhanced services and products, and strong government collaboration, all advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030,” said the release.
Domestic tourism flourishes in 2024 with 44 percent growth in bookings
Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism sector continued to thrive and evolve in 2024, introducing new tourism offerings, diverse destinations, unique accommodations, and a variety of experiences. In its latest comprehensive trends report, Almosafer revealed that domestic bookings in 2024 soared by 44 percent, contributing significantly with over 40 percent to the overall travel landscape in Saudi Arabia.
Family and group bookings have emerged as a primary growth driver for domestic tourism, showing over 70 percent growth in these traveler segments. Travel groups are increasingly selecting destinations that provide event-based and experience-rich travel opportunities.
While iconic cities like Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Madinah remain key tourism hubs, emerging destinations are gaining popularity among domestic travelers. Abha’s cool climate and mountainous views, Al Jubail’s beautiful beaches, Jizan’s coastal allure, Tabuk’s stunning natural landscapes, and Hail’s adventurous desert terrain are becoming more favored among Saudi residents. These rising hotspots showcase the Kingdom’s ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure, opening up exciting opportunities for leisure travelers.
