Saudi Arabia achieved a significant milestone in 2024 by admitting 116 million tourists, exceeding its annual visitor target for the second consecutive year. This includes 29.7 million overseas arrivals, up 8% from the previous year, and 86.2 million domestic travels, which rose by 5%.
The government had already exceeded its original objective of 100 million tourists by 2023, considerably ahead of the 2030 date. A new, more ambitious aim has been set: 150 million yearly tourists by 2030, with 70 million international and 80 million domestic visitors.
Tourism spending reached SAR 283.8 billion (USD 75.6 billion), a record high. International tourists contributed SAR 168.5 billion, a 19% increase, while local expenditure totalled SAR 115.3 billion.
March 2024 marked the largest monthly visitor count in history, with 3.2 million arrivals. The average stay was 19 nights, with an expenditure of SAR 5,669 per international trip.
Leisure tourism accounted for 59% of overseas visits, up from 44% in 2019. Makkah remained the leading domestic destination, with 17.4 million overnight stays. Asian and Pacific visitors accounted for 33% of all arrivals, followed by the Middle East and North Africa (28%), GCC states (27%), and Europe (8%).
