Saudi Arabia recorded robust growth in its tourism sector in 2025, achieving the highest tourism spending in its history of more than 300 billion riyals, up from 282 billion riyals in 2024, according to Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib.
Speaking to Al-Arabiya TV on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Al-Khatib said the total number of domestic and international tourists reached 122 million in 2025, compared with 116 million the previous year, describing the increase as a significant leap for the sector.
He noted that the number of international visitors alone reached approximately 30 million, placing Saudi Arabia among the top 10 countries globally in terms of tourism arrivals. Al-Khatib added that the Kingdom has achieved the highest tourism growth among G20 countries over the past five years.
The minister attributed this performance to the comprehensive transformation driven by Vision 2030, which has reshaped the tourism landscape and strengthened the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Al-Khatib highlighted the ongoing launch of major tourism destinations, including Red Sea resorts, Qiddiya and Diriyah, saying these projects have significantly boosted investor confidence and attracted global interest.
He also stressed that continued development in the aviation and airport sectors, including the expansion of international flights and the introduction of new routes, has played a key role in supporting tourism growth and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global destination for tourism and business.
