GITNUXREPORT 2025

Saudi Arabia Tourism Statistics

Saudi Arabia aims for 100 million tourists annually by 2030.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Saudi Arabia received approximately 16 million international visitors in 2022

Statistic 2

The number of religious tourists visiting Mecca for Hajj and Umrah exceeded 8 million in 2022

Statistic 3

Saudi Arabia aims to attract 100 million tourists annually by 2030 as part of its Vision 2030 initiative

Statistic 4

The city of Riyadh’s tourism sector grew by 15% in 2022

Statistic 5

The Saudi Tourist Visa was launched in 2019 to boost international arrivals, with over 3 million visas issued by 2023

Statistic 6

In 2022, the number of domestic tourists in Saudi Arabia was approximately 18 million

Statistic 7

The Kingdom saw a 10% increase in tourist arrivals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2022

Statistic 8

The number of cruise tourists visiting the Red Sea coast increased by 40% in 2022

Statistic 9

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Al-Ula attracted over 150,000 visitors in 2022, signifying significant growth in eco and cultural tourism

Statistic 10

The number of inbound tourists from Asia grew by 18% in 2022, primarily driven by China and India

Statistic 11

The Mid-Saudi tourism region saw a 12% increase in visitors in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year

Statistic 12

Saudi Arabia's cultural festivals, including Janadriyah, attracted over 1.2 million visitors in 2022

Statistic 13

The government’s e-visa platform received over 2 million applications in 2022, facilitating easier access for tourists

Statistic 14

In 2022, Saudi Arabia ranked 38th globally in tourism competitiveness according to the World Economic Forum

Statistic 15

The number of international cruise ships docking in Saudi ports grew by 25% in 2022, indicating increased maritime tourism

Statistic 16

Tourism receipts from European travelers are estimated to have increased by 12% in 2022, reflecting growing European interest

Statistic 17

The number of international tourists visiting religious sites increased by 30% in 2022, driven by improved access and facilities

Statistic 18

The country’s first underwater hotel project, the Red Sea Underwater Resort, is under construction and expected to open in 2025

Statistic 19

The country plans to add 20 new tourist resorts by 2025, primarily along the Red Sea and Gulf coastlines

Statistic 20

Saudi Arabia is investing in a new entertainment city titled Qiddiya, which aims to attract 17 million visitors annually

Statistic 21

Tourism contributed around 4.5% to Saudi Arabia's GDP in 2022

Statistic 22

The Red Sea Project aims to develop a luxury tourist destination covering 28,000 square kilometers, expected to generate 70,000 jobs

Statistic 23

Saudi Arabia hosted the G20 summit in 2020, highlighting its rising tourism and economic profile

Statistic 24

The entertainment sector, including tourism, saw investments of over $64 billion between 2020 and 2022

Statistic 25

The average tourist spending per visit in Saudi Arabia reached $2,500 in 2022

Statistic 26

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector generated approximately $8 billion in revenue in 2022

Statistic 27

Over 240,000 jobs were created in the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia between 2020 and 2023

Statistic 28

The tourism sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP increased from 3.5% in 2019 to 4.8% in 2022

Statistic 29

The Red Sea Project is expected to generate over 70,000 jobs once fully operational

Statistic 30

Foreign direct investment in Saudi tourism increased by 22% in 2022

Statistic 31

Saudi Arabia's national airline, Saudia, increased international flight routes by 15% in 2023, supporting tourism growth

Statistic 32

The city of Jeddah’s tourism sector grew by 20% in 2022, with a focus on its coastal attractions

Statistic 33

Saudi Arabia has committed over $2 billion to restore and develop historic and cultural sites, boosting cultural tourism

Statistic 34

Over 75% of the hotels in Saudi Arabia are now rated 4 stars or higher, indicating improvements in hospitality standards

Statistic 35

The number of registered tour operators increased by 20% in 2022, supporting diversified travel options

Statistic 36

The number of hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia increased by 25% from 2019 to 2022, totaling over 350,000 rooms

Statistic 37

The country plans to develop 14 new tourist destinations by 2030, including NEOM, Al-Ula, and the Red Sea Project

Statistic 38

Tourism sector investments in Saudi Arabia reached $12 billion in 2022 alone

Statistic 39

The number of luxury hotel properties in Saudi Arabia increased by 30% in 2022, reaching over 80 properties

Statistic 40

Saudi Arabia’s investment in tourism infrastructure exceeded $10 billion in 2022 to support growing tourist numbers

Statistic 41

The tourism sector’s total investment value has increased by 50% since 2020, reaching over $40 billion

Statistic 42

Saudi Arabia’s wildlife tourism initiatives have created over 150 eco-friendly lodges and camps, supporting sustainable tourism

Statistic 43

Saudi Arabia scheduled to host the Winter at Tantora Festival in Al-Ula, expected to attract over 200,000 visitors in 2023

Statistic 44

The Kingdom’s largest tourism fair, Saudi Travel Fair, had over 1,200 exhibitors in 2022

Statistic 45

Tourism marketing campaigns in Saudi Arabia reached over 50 million online viewers in 2022

Statistic 46

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism launched a national strategy to increase domestic tourism by 25% by 2025

Statistic 47

Saudi Arabia’s desert safari industry experienced a 35% growth in 2022, making it a popular adventure activity

Statistic 48

The country saw a 20% increase in adventure tourism activities such as camping, climbing, and desert safaris in 2022

Statistic 49

Saudi Arabia opened its first UNESCO World Heritage site, Al-Hijr (Madain Salih), to tourism in 2019

Statistic 50

The number of eco-tourism projects in Saudi Arabia increased from 5 to 25 between 2019 and 2022, illustrating growing interest

Statistic 51

Saudi Arabia’s night tourism increased significantly, with night markets and cultural events attracting 40% more visitors in 2022

Statistic 52

Saudi Arabia aims to boost pilgrimage tourism through expanded Hajj and Umrah services, expecting to handle over 10 million pilgrims annually by 2030

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Key Highlights

Saudi Arabia received approximately 16 million international visitors in 2022
Tourism contributed around 4.5% to Saudi Arabia's GDP in 2022
The number of religious tourists visiting Mecca for Hajj and Umrah exceeded 8 million in 2022
Saudi Arabia aims to attract 100 million tourists annually by 2030 as part of its Vision 2030 initiative
The city of Riyadh’s tourism sector grew by 15% in 2022
The Saudi Tourist Visa was launched in 2019 to boost international arrivals, with over 3 million visas issued by 2023
Saudi Arabia opened its first UNESCO World Heritage site, Al-Hijr (Madain Salih), to tourism in 2019
The Red Sea Project aims to develop a luxury tourist destination covering 28,000 square kilometers, expected to generate 70,000 jobs
Saudi Arabia hosted the G20 summit in 2020, highlighting its rising tourism and economic profile
The entertainment sector, including tourism, saw investments of over $64 billion between 2020 and 2022
The number of hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia increased by 25% from 2019 to 2022, totaling over 350,000 rooms
The country plans to develop 14 new tourist destinations by 2030, including NEOM, Al-Ula, and the Red Sea Project
In 2022, the number of domestic tourists in Saudi Arabia was approximately 18 million

Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming into a premier global travel destination, welcoming over 16 million international visitors in 2022 and aiming to reach 100 million annually by 2030 through bold investments, iconic projects like the Red Sea and NEOM, and a booming tourism industry contributing billions to the economy.

International Tourism and Visitor Statistics

Saudi Arabia received approximately 16 million international visitors in 2022
The number of religious tourists visiting Mecca for Hajj and Umrah exceeded 8 million in 2022
Saudi Arabia aims to attract 100 million tourists annually by 2030 as part of its Vision 2030 initiative
The city of Riyadh’s tourism sector grew by 15% in 2022
The Saudi Tourist Visa was launched in 2019 to boost international arrivals, with over 3 million visas issued by 2023
In 2022, the number of domestic tourists in Saudi Arabia was approximately 18 million
The Kingdom saw a 10% increase in tourist arrivals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2022
The number of cruise tourists visiting the Red Sea coast increased by 40% in 2022
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Al-Ula attracted over 150,000 visitors in 2022, signifying significant growth in eco and cultural tourism
The number of inbound tourists from Asia grew by 18% in 2022, primarily driven by China and India
The Mid-Saudi tourism region saw a 12% increase in visitors in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year
Saudi Arabia's cultural festivals, including Janadriyah, attracted over 1.2 million visitors in 2022
The government’s e-visa platform received over 2 million applications in 2022, facilitating easier access for tourists
In 2022, Saudi Arabia ranked 38th globally in tourism competitiveness according to the World Economic Forum
The number of international cruise ships docking in Saudi ports grew by 25% in 2022, indicating increased maritime tourism
Tourism receipts from European travelers are estimated to have increased by 12% in 2022, reflecting growing European interest
The number of international tourists visiting religious sites increased by 30% in 2022, driven by improved access and facilities

International Tourism and Visitor Statistics Interpretation

With over 16 million international visitors—including more than 8 million pilgrims—Saudi Arabia's tourism ambitions are charting a rapid course from religious reverence to cultural and leisure pursuits, aiming for 100 million annual visitors by 2030, even as the nation quietly redefines itself beyond its spiritual heart.

Projects, Investments

The country’s first underwater hotel project, the Red Sea Underwater Resort, is under construction and expected to open in 2025

Projects, Investments Interpretation

With the Red Sea Underwater Resort emerging from the depths, Saudi Arabia is signaling that its tourism ambitions are diving into new depths of innovation and allure by 2025.

Projects, Investments, and Infrastructure

The country plans to add 20 new tourist resorts by 2025, primarily along the Red Sea and Gulf coastlines

Projects, Investments, and Infrastructure Interpretation

Saudi Arabia's ambitious plan to unveil 20 new tourist resorts by 2025 along its Red Sea and Gulf coastlines signals a strategic shift from oil to leisure, aiming to turn the kingdom into a major Gulf getaway—one sandy stretch at a time.

Projects, and Investments

Saudi Arabia is investing in a new entertainment city titled Qiddiya, which aims to attract 17 million visitors annually

Projects, and Investments Interpretation

Saudi Arabia's bold venture into entertainment with Qiddiya, targeting 17 million visitors annually, signals a strategic pivot from oil reliance to redefining its global image as a thriving destination for leisure and culture.

Tourism Contributions and Economic Impact

Tourism contributed around 4.5% to Saudi Arabia's GDP in 2022
The Red Sea Project aims to develop a luxury tourist destination covering 28,000 square kilometers, expected to generate 70,000 jobs
Saudi Arabia hosted the G20 summit in 2020, highlighting its rising tourism and economic profile
The entertainment sector, including tourism, saw investments of over $64 billion between 2020 and 2022
The average tourist spending per visit in Saudi Arabia reached $2,500 in 2022
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector generated approximately $8 billion in revenue in 2022
Over 240,000 jobs were created in the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia between 2020 and 2023
The tourism sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP increased from 3.5% in 2019 to 4.8% in 2022
The Red Sea Project is expected to generate over 70,000 jobs once fully operational
Foreign direct investment in Saudi tourism increased by 22% in 2022
Saudi Arabia's national airline, Saudia, increased international flight routes by 15% in 2023, supporting tourism growth
The city of Jeddah’s tourism sector grew by 20% in 2022, with a focus on its coastal attractions
Saudi Arabia has committed over $2 billion to restore and develop historic and cultural sites, boosting cultural tourism
Over 75% of the hotels in Saudi Arabia are now rated 4 stars or higher, indicating improvements in hospitality standards
The number of registered tour operators increased by 20% in 2022, supporting diversified travel options

Tourism Contributions and Economic Impact Interpretation

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is soaring from oil-dependent roots to a $8 billion, 4.8% GDP contributor—proving that when it comes to economic diversification, the desert kingdom is not just making tracks, but carving out a luxury destination with a global appeal.

Tourism Infrastructure, Projects, and Investments

The number of hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia increased by 25% from 2019 to 2022, totaling over 350,000 rooms
The country plans to develop 14 new tourist destinations by 2030, including NEOM, Al-Ula, and the Red Sea Project
Tourism sector investments in Saudi Arabia reached $12 billion in 2022 alone
The number of luxury hotel properties in Saudi Arabia increased by 30% in 2022, reaching over 80 properties
Saudi Arabia’s investment in tourism infrastructure exceeded $10 billion in 2022 to support growing tourist numbers
The tourism sector’s total investment value has increased by 50% since 2020, reaching over $40 billion
Saudi Arabia’s wildlife tourism initiatives have created over 150 eco-friendly lodges and camps, supporting sustainable tourism

Tourism Infrastructure, Projects, and Investments Interpretation

Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion in hotel rooms, upscale accommodations, and ambitious destination development underscores its bold vision to transform into a global tourism hub, where billion-dollar investments and eco-friendly ventures are charting a sustainable and luxurious new chapter in the Arabian travel story.

Tourism Policy, Promotions, and Events

Saudi Arabia scheduled to host the Winter at Tantora Festival in Al-Ula, expected to attract over 200,000 visitors in 2023
The Kingdom’s largest tourism fair, Saudi Travel Fair, had over 1,200 exhibitors in 2022
Tourism marketing campaigns in Saudi Arabia reached over 50 million online viewers in 2022
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism launched a national strategy to increase domestic tourism by 25% by 2025

Tourism Policy, Promotions, and Events Interpretation

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious push to transform its desert dunes into a global tourism hotspot is clearly paying off, with record-breaking festival attendance, a massive trade fair, widespread online reach, and bold plans to boost domestic travel by a quarter—proving that when the kingdom promotes tourism as passionately as oil, it’s a formula for both economic diversification and cultural renaissance.

Tourism Types and Segments (Adventure)

Saudi Arabia’s desert safari industry experienced a 35% growth in 2022, making it a popular adventure activity

Tourism Types and Segments (Adventure) Interpretation

With a 35% surge in 2022, Saudi Arabia's desert safaris have shifted from rugged escapades to must-do adventures, transforming the kingdom's arid lands into a booming playground for thrill-seekers and culture explorers alike.

Tourism Types and Segments (Cultural, Religious, Adventure)

The country saw a 20% increase in adventure tourism activities such as camping, climbing, and desert safaris in 2022

Tourism Types and Segments (Cultural, Religious, Adventure) Interpretation

The rising thrill-seeker tide in Saudi Arabia signals the kingdom's bold pivot from oil to adrenaline-fueled adventures, transforming its desert landscapes into a playground for explorers eager to conquer the sands.

Tourism Types and Segments (Cultural, Religious, Adventure, Eco)

Saudi Arabia opened its first UNESCO World Heritage site, Al-Hijr (Madain Salih), to tourism in 2019
The number of eco-tourism projects in Saudi Arabia increased from 5 to 25 between 2019 and 2022, illustrating growing interest
Saudi Arabia’s night tourism increased significantly, with night markets and cultural events attracting 40% more visitors in 2022

Tourism Types and Segments (Cultural, Religious, Adventure, Eco) Interpretation

Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism scene, from opening UNESCO sites to a fivefold increase in eco-projects and a whopping 40% rise in night-time visitors, signals the kingdom’s savvy pivot from oil to allure.

Tourism Types and Segments (Religious)

Saudi Arabia aims to boost pilgrimage tourism through expanded Hajj and Umrah services, expecting to handle over 10 million pilgrims annually by 2030

Tourism Types and Segments (Religious) Interpretation

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to host over 10 million pilgrims annually by 2030 highlights its strategic effort to transform religious devotion into a bustling economic pillar—proof that faith and commerce are becoming as intertwined as ever.