≡-Saudi Arabia Smashes Visitor Targets For Second Straight Year Welcoming A Monumental One Hundred Sixteen Million Tourists And Igniting Bold New 2030 Vision – Viral of Today

<> Viral of Today <>
Home » Latest Travel News of Saudi Arabia » Saudi Arabia Smashes Visitor Targets For Second Straight Year Welcoming A Monumental One Hundred Sixteen Million Tourists And Igniting Bold New 2030 Vision Monday, June 23, 2025Saudi Arabia marked a significant achievement in 2024 as its tourism sector drew over 116 million visitors, exceeding its annual target for the second straight year. This remarkable achievement reflects the country’s sustained momentum in transforming its tourism sector into a major driver of economic growth under its long-term development framework.According to the latest annual data, the total includes 29.7 million international arrivals, representing an 8 percent increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, domestic tourism accounted for 86.2 million trips, showing a 5 percent rise from 2023. These upward trends underline the Kingdom’s growing appeal as both a global and regional travel destination.Having surpassed its original goal of attracting 100 million tourists annually well ahead of the 2030 timeline in 2023, Saudi Arabia has now set even higher tourism aspirations. The new goal is to welcome 150 million tourists annually by 2030, with 70 million international and 80 million domestic travelers forming the backbone of this vision.Tourism spending in 2024 also reached record levels. Total expenditure surged to SAR 283.8 billion (USD 75.6 billion), reflecting the sector’s increasing contribution to national income. Of this, international tourists spent SAR 168.5 billion, a 19 percent increase year-over-year. Domestic travelers contributed SAR 115.3 billion, with spending levels holding steady and growing by 1 percent compared to the previous year.A highlight of the year was the record influx of visitors in March 2024, which saw 3.2 million inbound tourists—the highest monthly figure to date. On average, international visitors spent 19 nights per trip in the country, with individual spending reaching approximately SAR 5,669 per trip.A key development in 2024 was the sharp increase in leisure-focused travel, with non-religious tourism now making up 59 percent of all international arrivals. This marks a major shift from 2019, when the figure stood at 44 percent. Travel for leisure and holidays dominated this category, with SAR 36.4 billion in spending attributed to tourism beyond religious and pilgrimage-related visits.Among domestic destinations, Makkah continued to lead with 17.4 million overnight guests, making it the most visited city in the Kingdom. On the international front, Egypt emerged as the top source market, contributing 3.2 million tourists to Saudi Arabia’s growing visitor base.Regional data revealed that tourists from Asia and the Pacific made up 33 percent of international arrivals, followed by 28 percent from the Middle East and North Africa. Travelers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries represented 27 percent, while Europe accounted for 8 percent. Visitors from the Americas and Africa each contributed 2 percent to the overall figures.This consistent growth points to the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s focused efforts in expanding its tourism infrastructure, enhancing traveler experiences, and attracting international attention. Investments in air connectivity, airport upgrades, hotel development, and the diversification of tourism offerings have played a critical role in driving these results.The country’s tourism sector has undergone a transformation, moving beyond traditional religious travel to embrace cultural, entertainment, and adventure tourism. National initiatives, destination branding, and cross-sector partnerships have further elevated the Kingdom’s appeal.The sector’s performance in 2024 underscores the success of strategic planning and collaboration between public and private stakeholders. From mega-events and cultural festivals to archaeological sites and natural wonders, Saudi Arabia is crafting a compelling narrative that appeals to a wide spectrum of global travelers.Looking ahead to 2030, the updated goal of reaching 150 million tourists annually signals the country’s intent to position itself as a global tourism leader. With strong demand from regional and international markets, robust infrastructure development, and a commitment to diversified experiences, Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape is set to evolve rapidly in the coming years.The country is not only redefining its own tourism identity but also reshaping the region’s place on the global travel map—turning vision into reality, one record-breaking year at a time.

This information will surprise you!

See also

• Read until the end to discover everything.
• Important information you need to know.
• Interesting facts and helpful tips.

Conclusion

Did you enjoy the news? Keep following us daily!