In 2023, the number of international tourists arriving in Saudi Arabia reached approximately 27.5 million visitors. Like many countries in the region, the Kingdom saw a significant drop in visitors in 2020 and 2021 due to travel restrictions in place from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since then, numbers have significantly rebounded and even surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The country has always received high levels of international visitors who came to visit the two holy cities of Makkah and Al-Madinah. In recent years, they have tried to broaden their offerings to much more leisure, sports, and other holiday-focused travel.

The tourism sector GDP share in Saudi Arabia was forecast to continuously increase between 2023 and 2028 by in total 1.9 percentage points. The share is estimated to amount to 9.4 percent in 2028. While the share was forecast to increase significant in the next years, the increase will slow down in the future.Depited is the economic contribution of the tourism sector in relation to the gross domestic product of the country or region at hand.The forecast has been adjusted for the expected impact of COVID-19.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in more than 150 countries and regions worldwide. All input data are sourced from international institutions, national statistical offices, and trade associations. All data has been are processed to generate comparable datasets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the tourism sector GDP share in countries like Lebanon and Jordan.

Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Number of Arrivals data was reported at 18,049,000.000 Person in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 17,994,000.000 Person for 2015. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Number of Arrivals data is updated yearly, averaging 10,873,500.000 Person from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2016, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18,260,000.000 Person in 2014 and a record low of 3,325,000.000 Person in 1995. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Number of Arrivals data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International inbound tourists (overnight visitors) are the number of tourists who travel to a country other than that in which they have their usual residence, but outside their usual environment, for a period not exceeding 12 months and whose main purpose in visiting is other than an activity remunerated from within the country visited. When data on number of tourists are not available, the number of visitors, which includes tourists, same-day visitors, cruise passengers, and crew members, is shown instead. Sources and collection methods for arrivals differ across countries. In some cases data are from border statistics (police, immigration, and the like) and supplemented by border surveys. In other cases data are from tourism accommodation establishments. For some countries number of arrivals is limited to arrivals by air and for others to arrivals staying in hotels. Some countries include arrivals of nationals residing abroad while others do not. Caution should thus be used in comparing arrivals across countries. The data on inbound tourists refer to the number of arrivals, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips to a country during a given period is counted each time as a new arrival.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

In 2022, the number of international tourists arriving in Saudi Arabia amounted to around 18 million, indicating a significant increase from the previous year. The highest number of international tourist arrivals was documented in 2016, reaching nearly 21 million. Tourism industry of Saudi Arabia The tourism industry in Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the level of tourism openness in Saudi Arabia accounted for 2.2 percent of the country's gross domestic product in 2021, which marked an increase compared to the previous year. The government has invested in infrastructure projects and new tourist destinations to attract more visitors. Between 2023 and 2028, the number of international tourists visiting the country was projected to grow consistently, resulting in a total increase of 2.4 million arrivals. By 2028, the total number of arrivals was estimated to exceed 24 million. With its fascinating history, stunning landscapes, and cultural offerings, Saudi Arabia has the potential to become a prominent player in the global tourism market. Saudi Arabia’s hotel industry In 2022, most of the upcoming hotel projects in Saudi Arabia, were categorized as luxury hotels, with the remaining projects classified as first-class hotels. The growing popularity of Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination is also reflected in the increasing demand for hotel accommodations. In 2020, the total number of hotel rooms and similar accommodations in Saudi Arabia was around 453 thousand, which marked a significant increase from 201.6 thousand rooms recorded in 2008. With ongoing efforts to boost tourism and develop new attractions, the hotel industry in Saudi Arabia is poised for further expansion and success in the coming years.

Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Travel Items data was reported at 18.719 USD bn in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 19.346 USD bn for 2015. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Travel Items data is updated yearly, averaging 17.660 USD bn from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2016, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 24.118 USD bn in 2014 and a record low of 4.428 USD bn in 2004. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Travel Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism expenditures are expenditures of international outbound visitors in other countries. The goods and services are purchased by, or on behalf of, the traveler or provided, without a quid pro quo, for the traveler to use or give away. These may include expenditures by residents traveling abroad as same-day visitors, except in cases where these are so important as to justify a separate classification. Excluded is the international carriage of travelers, which is covered in passenger travel items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Number of Departures data was reported at 21,118,000.000 Person in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 20,819,000.000 Person for 2015. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Number of Departures data is updated yearly, averaging 7,896,000.000 Person from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2016, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 21,118,000.000 Person in 2016 and a record low of 2,000,000.000 Person in 2006. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Number of Departures data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International outbound tourists are the number of departures that people make from their country of usual residence to any other country for any purpose other than a remunerated activity in the country visited. The data on outbound tourists refer to the number of departures, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips from a country during a given period is counted each time as a new departure.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Expenditures data was reported at 19.731 USD bn in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 20.366 USD bn for 2015. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Expenditures data is updated yearly, averaging 18.202 USD bn from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2016, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 25.137 USD bn in 2014 and a record low of 4.165 USD bn in 2003. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Expenditures data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism expenditures are expenditures of international outbound visitors in other countries, including payments to foreign carriers for international transport. These expenditures may include those by residents traveling abroad as same-day visitors, except in cases where these are important enough to justify separate classification. For some countries they do not include expenditures for passenger transport items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

In 2022, Makkah welcomed 15.4 million inbound tourists, making the city the primary destination for inbound tourists arriving in Saudi Arabia. In comparison, Riyadh welcomed 2.8 million inbound tourists, making it the second most visited city in the country that year. Tourist arrivals were calculated based on the primary destination, and not secondary cities visited throughout the trip, which would otherwise make Al-Madinah the second most popular tourist destination.

Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Expenditures: % of Total Imports data was reported at 9.960 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 8.235 % for 2015. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Expenditures: % of Total Imports data is updated yearly, averaging 9.705 % from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2016, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 14.858 % in 2002 and a record low of 6.634 % in 2004. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Expenditures: % of Total Imports data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism expenditures are expenditures of international outbound visitors in other countries, including payments to foreign carriers for international transport. These expenditures may include those by residents traveling abroad as same-day visitors, except in cases where these are important enough to justify separate classification. For some countries they do not include expenditures for passenger transport items. Their share in imports is calculated as a ratio to imports of goods and services, which comprise all transactions between residents of a country and the rest of the world involving a change of ownership from nonresidents to residents of general merchandise, goods sent for processing and repairs, nonmonetary gold, and services.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files, and IMF and World Bank imports estimates.; Weighted average;

Tourism Revenues in Saudi Arabia increased to 135 SAR Billion in 2023 from 90.86 SAR Billion in 2022. This dataset provides - Saudi Arabia Tourism Revenues- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Receipts: for Passenger Transport Items data was reported at 1.043 USD bn in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.053 USD bn for 2015. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Receipts: for Passenger Transport Items data is updated yearly, averaging 952.000 USD mn from Dec 2007 (Median) to 2016, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.053 USD bn in 2015 and a record low of 749.000 USD mn in 2009. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Receipts: for Passenger Transport Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism receipts for passenger transport items are expenditures by international inbound visitors for all services provided in the international transportation by resident carriers. Also included are passenger services performed within an economy by nonresident carriers. Excluded are passenger services provided to nonresidents by resident carriers within the resident economies; these are included in travel items. In addition to the services covered by passenger fares--including fares that are a part of package tours but excluding cruise fares, which are included in travel--passenger services include such items as charges for excess baggage, vehicles, or other personal accompanying effects and expenditures for food, drink, or other items for which passengers make expenditures while on board carriers. Data are in current U.S. dollars.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

In 2023, around 55 percent of inbound tourists who went to Saudi Arabia traveled mainly for religious purposes. In comparison, almost ten percent of inbound visitors to the Kingdom had business matters as the main reason for their trip. Tourism and economic diversification Among the economic diversification efforts in Saudi Arabia, which aim to reduce oil dependency, have been initiatives to boost tourism. While the share of GDP attributed to oil and gas production is still high, the travel and tourism contribution to GDP was forecast to grow, reaching a GDP contribution of around 17 percent by 2032. Saudi Arabia was the country with the highest number of international tourist arrivals in the Middle East in 2022, attracting over 18 million tourists. Efforts to make the Kingdom a global tourism hub and appeal to a wider range of interests include ease of travel by introducing e-visas, developing projects like the Red Sea, and hosting cultural events like Riyadh Season. Future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia To achieve the necessary economic and hospitality prestige to attract and welcome the aimed 100 million tourists by 2030, Saudi Arabia has unfolded a series of megaprojects and hospitality industry infrastructure plans. The breakdown of hotel rooms in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia between 2023 and 2028 shows that upper-upscale and luxury hotels account for around 37 percent of rooms, indicating an inclination toward focusing on high-end services. This can also be seen by looking at project-specific values of construction contract awards in 2022, where projects like Neom and Diriya Gate mostly target affluent individuals. Nevertheless, the promotion of budget-friendly activities such as exploring natural landscapes, beaches, or cultural heritage sites that attract cost-conscious tourists is not uncommon.

Explore the tourism activity dataset in Saudi Arabia including expenditure, nights, trips, outbound and inbound tourism, and more.

Expenditure (Billion Riyals), Nights (Million), Trips (Million), Outbound Tourism, Inbound Tourism, Internal Tourism (Domestic Inbound), National Tourism (Domestic Outbound), Domestic Tourism, Expenditure, Trips, SAMA Annual

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Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data was reported at 11.096 USD bn in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 10.130 USD bn for 2015. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data is updated yearly, averaging 6.712 USD bn from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2016, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11.096 USD bn in 2016 and a record low of 4.626 USD bn in 2005. Saudi Arabia SA: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism receipts for travel items are expenditures by international inbound visitors in the reporting economy. The goods and services are purchased by, or on behalf of, the traveler or provided, without a quid pro quo, for the traveler to use or give away. These receipts should include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except in cases where these are so important as to justify a separate classification. Excluded is the international carriage of travelers, which is covered in passenger travel items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

In 2023, the number of inbound tourists to Saudi Arabia rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, reaching 27.4 visitors. This was a 65 percent increase over the previous year. In contrast, Saudi Arabia welcomed 3.5 million tourists the previous year, when the effects of the pandemic were still being felt.

Explore the dataset on expenditure on domestic tourism trips in Saudi Arabia by purpose of visit. Includes information on total expenditure, visits to relatives and friends, holidays and shopping, religious purposes, business and conferences, and more.

Total Expenditure, Visits To Relatives And Friends, Annually, Holidays and Shopping, Other Purposes, Religious Purposes, Business and Conferences, Expenditure, Tourism, Business, visitors, Tourism Statistics, SAMA Annual

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Thailand Per Capita Spending: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data was reported at 203.190 USD/Day in Jun 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 218.210 USD/Day for Mar 2017. Thailand Per Capita Spending: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data is updated quarterly, averaging 165.240 USD/Day from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2017, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 226.190 USD/Day in Dec 2016 and a record low of 97.140 USD/Day in Sep 2005. Thailand Per Capita Spending: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by TAT Inteligence Center. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.Q014: Tourism Statistics: from International Tourist Arrivals.

In 2023, 3.4 million inbound tourists to Saudi Arabia came from Bahrain. By comparison, 800 thousand tourists visited Saudi Arabia from Bangladesh during the same period.

Internal travel and tourism consumption of Saudi Arabia surged by 6.28% from 31.1 billion US dollars in 2018 to 33.0 billion US dollars in 2019. Since the 4.19% decline in 2009, internal travel and tourism consumption soared by 88.22% in 2019. US dollar billion, at current prices and exchange rates.

Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data was reported at 19,550,000.000 USD in Jun 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 20,100,000.000 USD for Mar 2017. Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data is updated quarterly, averaging 7,775,000.000 USD from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2017, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 35,180,000.000 USD in Sep 2016 and a record low of 670,000.000 USD in Jun 2005. Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by TAT Inteligence Center. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.Q014: Tourism Statistics: from International Tourist Arrivals.