Published on
November 2, 2025
A new study shows an increase in tourism activity within Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2025, having over 60.9 million within, and cross-border, tourists. As the Turkish Statistical Institute suggested, the Kingdom recorded tourism revenue rising to SR161.4 billion (USD 43.1 billion), which is an increase of 4% within the same period of 2024. These positive figures imply that Saudi Arabia still remains along the Vision 2030 framework. Furthermore, these results cement the Kingdom’s position in the world as an eminent tourism destination.
In Saudi Arabia, the increase in demand for tourism is helpful in sustaining positive economic growth, which in turn is attributed to the Saudi Arabian economy becoming one of the strongest in the world. This increase in demand comes from the unique and vast attributes the country presents, from the exceptional religious tourism offered to regions like Makkah and Madinah to the modernistic regions of Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
As supported by the Saudi Arabia Tourism, the revenue brought by international visitors was vastly greater, at SR24.05 billion, while domestic visitors. Revenue from domestic visitors was just SR211 million. This increasing supply of religious tourism is now accompanied by additional leisure travel, shopping, and other kinds of tourism.
Saudi Arabia has two main cities of Makkah and Madinah, which top the list for International travellers. This is especially true for those who visit the country for the Hajj or the Umrah pilgrimages. However, new trends indicate that leisure travel is becoming more popular, with people travelling to Riyadh and the Eastern Province to visit their many cultural and shopping and entertainment offerings.
Along with the spiritual centre of the country, Makkah has also turned into a shopping center with many visitors coming in for the exclusive luxury shopping in International Malls, International standard hospitality, and attractions like the Abraj Al Bait Towers and the Great Mosque.
Makkah continues to serve as the spiritual heart of the country and welcomes millions of pilgrims every year. Madinah, though, has seen a steady increase in visitors wishing to partake in other cultural activities, which also hold religious value.
Aside from other reasons, shopping and cultural tourism are the reasons Riyadh city and its peripheries are the focus area of the Eastern Province. Other than the reviews, the uptown architecture drives visitors to the Kingdom Centre Tower, the newest renowned addition to the skyline of Riyadh, alongwith cultural festivities, the extravagant modern art galleries, and other architectural wonders that are part of the city.
The Al Khobar and Qatif districts are still within the ground zero of the Eastern Province. They seem to have the edge due to their coastal geography. Additional reasons and wonders make these districts popular with modern-day tourists; they are still actively the venue for engaging of shopping and other cultural heritage.
Southern Travel and the Growth of the Domestic Tourism Industry of the Country
With the growth of the tourism sector in 2025, along with Riyadh, the Eastern Province seems to be of prime popularity among local tourists. This region and its heritage, along with the natural landscape, draw more local citizens than before. From the beautiful and sandy paved shores of the Red Sea to the green and blooming oases spread in the heart of the emerging Arabian desert, the country offers a multitude of breathtaking sites that are still unexplored by many citizens.
It has been noted that, on average, 18.6 nights are spent by the citizens of Saudi Arabia to fully absorb the various offers and activities the country and its diverse culture offer. The local tourists have an array of activities to indulge in. The options provide a mix of culture with entertainment to engage in, as well as adventure to hike and safari in the sites in Al Ula and Asir.
The Economic Impact of Tourism Spending
In 2025, tourism consumption reached SR 161.4 billion, an increase of 4% compared to the previous year. The increase is due to higher spending by visitors on services and facilities provided to them for accommodation, shopping, meals, and entertainment. The visitors to the Kingdom spend on the necessities of travelling, but they also spend on more luxurious items like high-end resorts with lavish amenities and services.
Saudi Arabia is likely to see continued growth in its tourism sector as more international travellers look for more than just religious experiences. Growing Arabia’s hospitality, entertainment, and transport infrastructure helps this. The expansion of international shopping facilities and entertainment, coupled with the growth in lavish hotels, makes Saudi Arabia an alluring place to visit for both international travellers and local tourists.
Conclusion
Looking ahead at the potential of tourism in Saudi Arabia, the country’s economy is expected to take a huge turnaround in 2025, well ahead of the 2030 vision. The national investment in infrastructure, international cultural events, and the new visa policies that encourage tourism through block events like Riyadh Season and the Formula E Grand Prix point to the emphasis that the country is placing on tourism. These factors combined enhance the country’s position as one of the best in the world for tourism, and progress in the next 7 years is bound to help propel the tourism sector even further.
Tourism in Saudi Arabia is gaining unprecedented momentum. In 2025, the country earned historical revenues as 60.9 million people visited. The attractions in the country, coupled with easy access through international and domestic flights, contribute to positioning the country as a new landmark for tourism. The focus on tourism in Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Province further enhances the prospect Saudi Arabia holds in tourism, and it is promising to provide great infrastructure coupled with high-quality services for incoming travellers, making their experience memorable.
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