Saudi Arabia recorded tourism expenditure of SAR151.9 billion (US$40.5 billion) during the first half of 2026, as the Kingdom continued to expand its tourism sector under its economic diversification programme.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced the figures at the opening of the Saudi Land pavilion at the World Travel Market in London on November 3. The country received approximately 61.2 million tourists during the six-month period, representing an increase of around 1 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.
The pavilion brought together 37 tourism partners from the public and private sectors. They presented destinations and travel offerings across Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea and AMAALA to international tour operators, airlines and travel distributors.
The initiative aims to strengthen commercial partnerships and attract visitors during the upcoming winter season and beyond.
Saudi Arabia has set a target of welcoming 150 million tourists annually by 2030. The figure includes both domestic and international visitors and forms part of the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues.
Tourism development has been supported by investment in hotels, transport infrastructure, entertainment facilities and new destinations. Projects along the Red Sea coast and the development of AlUla are among the initiatives intended to expand the country’s tourism offering.
The latest spending figures indicate the scale of domestic and international tourism activity in the first half of the year. The government is seeking to build on this demand through further investment and international promotion.
