Saudi Arabia tourism growth reached historic heights as international tourism revenue rose by 148 percent. This placed Saudi Arabia tourism growth at the top among G20 nations. Strong performance came as a direct result of Vision 2030’s strategy to boost entertainment, innovation, and hospitality.
International tourist arrivals climbed to 29.7 million, compared to 18.04 million previously. Moreover, domestic travel nearly doubled, reaching 86.2 million travelers. Saudi Arabia easily surpassed its old goal of 100 million visitors and now aims to attract 150 million tourists annually.
Saudi Arabia tourism growth depends heavily on mega-projects like The Red Sea and Diriyah. The Red Sea project offers carbon-neutral resorts and an eco-friendly airport. At the same time, Diriyah presents a blend of heritage, luxury hotels, and cultural attractions.
Meanwhile, at Qiddiya, major entertainment parks like Aquarabia and Six Flags are nearing completion. These projects reflect Saudi Arabia tourism growth in entertainment and hospitality sectors. In addition, sites like AlUla and Madinah gained global awards for cultural tourism excellence.
The Kingdom also expanded its e-visa program, now welcoming travelers from 66 countries. This move makes visiting Saudi Arabia much easier and faster for millions of people. Furthermore, the country ranked highest in safety among G20 nations, boosting visitor confidence.
Pilgrimage services have seen major improvements under Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia welcomed 16.9 million Umrah pilgrims and 1.61 million Hajj pilgrims. New programs like the Makkah Route Initiative streamlined the pilgrimage process significantly, helping thousands complete their spiritual journeys smoothly.
Transportation between holy sites also improved, with millions using the Haramain Railway, Makkah Bus Network, and Al-Mashaer Metro Line. Healthcare services expanded as well, offering care to hundreds of thousands of pilgrims during their stay.
Saudi Arabia also hosted mega-events that strengthened its global image. The Kingdom secured hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, the first Esports World Cup took place in Saudi Arabia, attracting top players from around the world.
Culturally, Saudi Arabia tourism growth shines through new UNESCO World Heritage Site listings and major archaeological discoveries. The film “Norah” made history by appearing at the Cannes Film Festival, and the first Saudi Arabic opera debuted successfully.
Tourism now plays a major role in the Saudi economy. Employment in tourism reached 966,500 workers, with women making up a growing share. Moreover, investment in tourism skyrocketed from $314 million to $3.95 billion, building hundreds of new hotel rooms.
Clearly, Saudi Arabia tourism growth marks a bright future. It drives economic success, enhances cultural identity, and strengthens global influence. With more projects underway, the Kingdom’s tourism sector continues to break new records.
