Saudi Arabia Tourism Surges 27% in Nine Months, Minister Reports

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector achieved a 27% increase in incoming tourists during the first nine months of 2024, compared to a 14% rise in the same period last year, announced Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh. The milestone underscores the Kingdom’s accelerating progress toward the goals of Vision 2030, as tourism continues to emerge as a key pillar of economic diversification.

Context and Background

The surge builds on a transformative period for Saudi tourism, which has seen rapid expansion since the launch of the National Tourism Strategy under Vision 2030. According to official data from the Saudi Press Agency, international tourist arrivals for recreational purposes increased by an extraordinary 600% in 2023 from 2018. The Kingdom has also seen growth in religious tourism, with authorities encouraging pilgrims to explore other destinations across the country to experience its natural and archaeological treasures.

Key Details from the Budget Forum

Minister Al Khateeb reported that tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) reached 5% by the end of 2023, with a target of 10% by 2030. The sector’s economic impact is reflected in a surplus of over SAR 41 billion in the balance of payments during the first half of 2024, compared to SAR 48.1 billion for the entirety of 2023. This marks a dramatic turnaround from 2018, when the balance recorded a deficit of SAR 10 billion. Employment in tourism has grown substantially, with jobs increasing from 750,000 to 960,000, and localization within the hospitality sector reaching 35%.

Implications for Saudi Arabia and the Region

The strong performance signals Saudi Arabia’s successful positioning as a global travel destination, reducing its historical reliance on oil revenues. The rise in rural tourism popularity across the Kingdom’s diverse regions points to broader economic opportunities for local communities. Regionally, the growth enhances the Kingdom’s leadership in the Middle East tourism market, attracting international visitors from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The tourism surge reflects the effectiveness of Vision 2030’s strategy for a diversified, sustainable economy. The Ministry of Tourism, under the leadership of HRH the Crown Prince, is investing heavily in local talent, with an annual budget of SAR 375 million to train up to 100,000 Saudis, including over 10,000 opportunities at world-class institutes. As the sector continues to expand, it is poised to create jobs, boost non-oil GDP, and showcase Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and heritage to the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the percentage increase in incoming tourists to Saudi Arabia in the first nine months of 2024?

A1. The number of incoming tourists increased by 27% in the first nine months of 2024, according to Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb.

Q2. Where did Minister Al Khateeb announce these figures?

A2. He announced the figures at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q3. How did tourist numbers for recreational purposes change from 2018 to 2023?

A3. International tourist arrivals for recreational purposes increased by an extraordinary 600% from 2018 to 2023.

Q4. What is the current contribution of tourism to Saudi Arabia’s GDP?

A4. Tourism’s contribution to GDP reached 5% by the end of 2023, with a target of 10% by 2030.

Q5. What was the surplus in the balance of payments for tourism in the first half of 2024?

A5. The surplus was over SAR 41 billion in the first half of 2024, compared to SAR 48.1 billion for all of 2023.

Q6. How did the tourism balance of payments change from 2018?

A6. In 2018, the balance recorded a deficit of SAR 10 billion, marking a significant turnaround to a surplus by 2024.

Q7. How many jobs were created in the tourism sector by 2024?

A7. Employment in tourism grew from 750,000 to 960,000, reflecting substantial sector growth.

Q8. What is the localization rate in the hospitality sector?

A8. Localization within the hospitality sector reached 35%, meaning more Saudi nationals are working in hotels and related services.

Q9. How much does the Ministry of Tourism allocate annually for training?

A9. The ministry allocates an annual budget of SAR 375 million to support qualification and training of Saudis.

Q10. How many Saudis are targeted for training under this program?

A10. The program aims to train up to 100,000 Saudis, including over 10,000 at world-class institutes.

Q11. What is Vision 2030’s role in the tourism growth?

A11. Vision 2030 drives the National Tourism Strategy, aiming to diversify the economy and boost non-oil sectors like tourism.

Q12. What types of tourism are growing in Saudi Arabia?

A12. Both recreational and religious tourism are growing, with visitors encouraged to explore natural and archaeological treasures across the country.

Q13. Is rural tourism popular in Saudi Arabia?

A13. Yes, rural tourism has gained popularity, with increasing demand across the Kingdom’s diverse regions.

Q14. Who leads the Ministry of Tourism’s investment in local talent?

A14. The ministry’s efforts are under the leadership of HRH the Crown Prince, focusing on training and developing Saudi talent.

Q15. What was the increase in incoming tourists in the same period last year?

A15. In the first nine months of 2023, the increase was 14%, compared to 27% in 2024.

Q16. How does tourism growth contribute to economic diversification?

A16. The sector reduces reliance on oil by creating jobs, boosting GDP, and generating surplus in the balance of payments.

Q17. What is the 2030 target for tourism’s GDP contribution?

A17. The target is to achieve a 10% contribution to GDP by 2030, up from 5% at the end of 2023.

Q18. How does the Kingdom encourage religious tourists to explore?

A18. Saudi authorities encourage visitors arriving for religious purposes to visit other cities for natural and archaeological experiences.

Q19. What is the significance of the SAR 41 billion surplus?

A19. The surplus shows strong tourism revenue, indicating the sector’s positive economic impact and global appeal.

Q20. What does the 27% increase signal for Saudi Arabia’s future?

A20. It signals sustained momentum for Vision 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination with growing international interest.

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