Tourists in Saudi Arabia Spent Record SAR 135 Billion in 2023

As the number of tourists visiting Saudi Arabia continues to soar, so does the amount spent by international tourists within the Kingdom, with the latest figures from 2023 showing a record SAR 135 billion were spent by tourists from abroad.

This figure represents a 42.3% increase compared to the previous year, as the country tops this UN’s list for international tourism growth. Between 2019 and 2023, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia marked a 56% increase in the number of international tourists.

2023 saw the total number of tourists in Saudi Arabia exceed 100 million, a goal previous set for 2030. 77 million of these tourists were domestic, with 27 million travelling into the country from abroad. As a result of hitting the target so early, the 2030 goal has been raised to 150 million annual tourists, of which 70 million are hoped to come from abroad.

As part of Vision 2030, tourism is intended to contribute 10% of the country’s GDP; tourism’s impact on Saudi Arabia’s GDP currently sits at 4.5%. This increase has involved vast investments in the sector. USD 13 billion in foreign investment has already been welcomed, with around USD 800 billion of the country’s own funds going towards revolutionising the industry in the Kingdom.