Saudi Arabia Accelerates Tourism Push with Record Visitor Numbers and Major Investment Drive
Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb outlines strategy to attract 150 million annual visitors and build economy beyond oil under Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia has reported a record 116 million domestic and international tourist trips in 2024, up about 6 per cent from 2023, according to its Ministry of Tourism.
The Kingdom’s inbound visitor count alone reached approximately 30 million, while total travel spending rose to around SR 284 billion (about US$75.7 billion).
At the Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh, Minister of Tourism His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasised that Saudi Arabia is “unlocking the value of this great country” and invites global travellers to experience Saudi hospitality, cuisine and culture.
He positioned tourism as a catalyst for job creation—particularly for youth and women—and a pillar of economic diversification aligned with Vision 2030.
The country is targeting 150 million annual tourists by 2030, marking a nearly three-fold increase in inbound volume since the introduction of open tourist visas in 2019. Infrastructure developments include the launch of airline Riyadh Air, new direct flights such as Delta’s future Atlanta-to-Riyadh route, and expansion of airports and hotel rooms with over 300,000 new rooms planned by 2030.
Minister Al Khateeb also underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability, citing the Sustainable Tourism Global Centre and the conservation of mountain and island destinations as core to its growth approach.
The drive reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader shift away from oil dependence toward tourism, technology, entertainment and events, while leveraging major investments and private-public partnerships to elevate its global travel standing.
With momentum already evident, the real test lies in sustaining growth, enhancing visitor experience, and ensuring that expansion supports employment, cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
The Kingdom’s inbound visitor count alone reached approximately 30 million, while total travel spending rose to around SR 284 billion (about US$75.7 billion).
At the Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh, Minister of Tourism His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasised that Saudi Arabia is “unlocking the value of this great country” and invites global travellers to experience Saudi hospitality, cuisine and culture.
He positioned tourism as a catalyst for job creation—particularly for youth and women—and a pillar of economic diversification aligned with Vision 2030.
The country is targeting 150 million annual tourists by 2030, marking a nearly three-fold increase in inbound volume since the introduction of open tourist visas in 2019. Infrastructure developments include the launch of airline Riyadh Air, new direct flights such as Delta’s future Atlanta-to-Riyadh route, and expansion of airports and hotel rooms with over 300,000 new rooms planned by 2030.
Minister Al Khateeb also underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability, citing the Sustainable Tourism Global Centre and the conservation of mountain and island destinations as core to its growth approach.
The drive reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader shift away from oil dependence toward tourism, technology, entertainment and events, while leveraging major investments and private-public partnerships to elevate its global travel standing.
With momentum already evident, the real test lies in sustaining growth, enhancing visitor experience, and ensuring that expansion supports employment, cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
