Saudi Arabia Records Five Percent Rise in Visitor Numbers, Surpassing One Hundred Twenty Million in 2025
Tourism growth reflects expanding air links, major events and continued momentum under Vision Twenty Thirty
Saudi Arabia recorded a five percent increase in total visits in 2025, with arrivals surpassing one hundred twenty million for the year, according to official figures released by the Kingdom’s tourism authorities.
The milestone underscores the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector as it accelerates efforts to position itself as a leading global destination for leisure, business and religious travel.
The increase builds on strong growth in both international and domestic travel, driven by expanded flight connectivity, simplified visa regimes and a growing calendar of international sporting, cultural and entertainment events.
Officials said religious tourism remained a major contributor, with steady flows of pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah, alongside rising numbers of leisure visitors drawn to destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla and the Red Sea coast.
The data also points to continued growth in conference and business travel, supported by large-scale infrastructure investment and the Kingdom’s hosting of high-profile global forums.
Saudi authorities credited targeted marketing campaigns, new hospitality capacity and public-private partnerships for sustaining momentum despite global economic uncertainty.
The tourism sector is a central pillar of Vision Twenty Thirty, the national strategy aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil, creating jobs and attracting foreign investment.
Officials said the latest figures reinforce confidence that Saudi Arabia is on track to meet its longer-term goal of becoming one of the world’s most visited countries by the end of the decade.
The milestone underscores the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector as it accelerates efforts to position itself as a leading global destination for leisure, business and religious travel.
The increase builds on strong growth in both international and domestic travel, driven by expanded flight connectivity, simplified visa regimes and a growing calendar of international sporting, cultural and entertainment events.
Officials said religious tourism remained a major contributor, with steady flows of pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah, alongside rising numbers of leisure visitors drawn to destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla and the Red Sea coast.
The data also points to continued growth in conference and business travel, supported by large-scale infrastructure investment and the Kingdom’s hosting of high-profile global forums.
Saudi authorities credited targeted marketing campaigns, new hospitality capacity and public-private partnerships for sustaining momentum despite global economic uncertainty.
The tourism sector is a central pillar of Vision Twenty Thirty, the national strategy aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil, creating jobs and attracting foreign investment.
Officials said the latest figures reinforce confidence that Saudi Arabia is on track to meet its longer-term goal of becoming one of the world’s most visited countries by the end of the decade.
