Tourism
Transforming Saudi Arabia into a global tourism destination through mega-projects and cultural heritage.
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Overview
Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Saudi Arabia, driven by giga-projects such as NEOM, Red Sea Global, and Diriyah Gate. The Kingdom aims to attract over 100 million visitors annually by 2030, positioning itself as a leading global destination.
The sector includes religious tourism (Hajj & Umrah), leisure tourism, luxury resorts, and entertainment experiences.
Key highlights
- Massive government investment in giga-projects
- Opening the country to international tourism
- Growth in hospitality and entertainment sectors
- Expansion of visa programs
Key stats (2024)
- Merchandise exports (current US$) $305.5B
- Merchandise imports (current US$) $232.8B
- Trade (% of GDP) 54.7%
- International tourist arrivals 20.3M
- International tourism receipts US$ 6B
- International tourism expenditure (current US$) US$ 9.1B
Trade volume over time
World Bank methodology for development indicatorsMarket insights
View all insights-
- International Tourism Arrivals 2024 Visitor arrivals climbed as Saudi Arabia scales hospitality capacity and visa accessibility for leisure and business travel. Read more
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