Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector reached unprecedented heights in 2024, welcoming approximately 116 million domestic and international visitors, marking a 6% increase compared to 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism’s Annual Statistical Report released on Sunday.
The report also revealed that total domestic and inbound travel spending surged to SR284 billion, reflecting an 11% year-on-year growth—a clear indicator of the Kingdom’s growing status as a global travel destination.
One of the most notable achievements was the record-breaking 30 million international tourist arrivals, an 8% increase from the previous year—the highest inbound figure ever recorded in the country.
Spending by international tourists reached SR168.5 billion, marking a 19% increase over 2023. Meanwhile, domestic tourism also showed strong performance, with 86.2 million residents travelling within the Kingdom and spending SR115.3 billion, reflecting a 5% rise in both travel volume and expenditure.
Vision 2030: Tourism as a Key Economic Pillar
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the strategic importance of these figures:
“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 underscored that the sector’s continued growth builds on the strong momentum from 2023, driven by major policy reforms, targeted marketing campaigns, and investment initiatives that have enhanced Saudi Arabia’s accessibility and appeal to global travelers.
