Saudi Arabia's tourism soars: 116 million visitors, SR284 billion spending in 2024

Dubai: Saudi Arabia welcomed approximately 116 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, a 6 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism’s Annual Statistical Report released on Sunday.

The report revealed that total domestic and inbound travel spending reached around SR284 billion in 2024, an 11 per cent year-on-year growth.

The surge reflects the Kingdom’s growing appeal as a global travel destination and the effectiveness of its sustained investment in tourism infrastructure, cultural offerings, and streamlined visitor experiences.

A record-breaking 30 million inbound tourists visited Saudi Arabia in 2024, an 8 percent increase over 2023, the highest number ever recorded.

Spending by international visitors soared to SR168.5 billion, a 19 percent rise from the previous year. Domestic tourism also showed robust growth, with 86.2 million residents travelling within the Kingdom, spending SR115.3 billion and representing a 5 per cent increase in volume and value.

Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said: “Tourism is no longer a supporting sector; it is a key economic driver that enables Vision 2030. These figures reflect the commitment of our partners across the tourism ecosystem, from investors and entrepreneurs to cultural institutions and hospitality leaders.”

The ministry emphasised that the sector’s growth builds on the significant momentum gained in 2023 and showcases the effectiveness of recent policy reforms, marketing campaigns, and investment initiatives to make Saudi Arabia more accessible and attractive to global travellers.