Saudi Arabia international leisure tourism forecast to grow 93 percent by 2030

Saudi Arabia tourism growth projected at 93 percent through 2030#

International leisure tourism to Saudi Arabia is projected to expand 93 percent between 2025 and 2030, according to a Tourism Economics report presented at WTM Spotlight Riyadh on 9 September 2026. The projection exceeds the global average of 30 percent and the Middle East regional rate of 64 percent for the same period. Dave Goodger, Managing Director EMEA at Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, presented the figures from the report titled "Saudi Arabia: An Emerging Global Tourism Powerhouse". The measurement tracks overnight arrivals of international leisure travellers.

International arrivals increased 67 percent from 2019 to 2025#

International travel to Saudi Arabia recorded 67 percent growth between 2019 and 2025, while the Middle East recorded 20 percent and global travel recorded 5 percent for the same period, according to the Tourism Economics analysis. The Kingdom accounted for approximately three quarters of international travel growth across the Middle East during those six years. Saudi Arabia has driven around 15 percent of global travel growth since 2019, according to Goodger's statement at the conference. International visitors now account for approaching half of all nights spent in the Kingdom.

Leisure spending component rises from 9 percent to 28 percent#

International leisure visitor spending represented 9 percent of total tourism revenue in Saudi Arabia in 2019, rising to 28 percent in 2025, with a projection of 31 percent by 2030, according to the Tourism Economics report. The figures track the composition of tourism revenue as the sector expands. The data was presented alongside overnight arrival figures and market share analysis during the WTM Spotlight Riyadh conference held in September 2026.

Chinese travel agents identify Kingdom among top MENA destinations#

More than half of Chinese travel agents surveyed by Dragon Trail International currently sell Saudi Arabia as a destination, while 32 percent identified the Kingdom as having the greatest future potential for Chinese tourism among MENA destinations. The survey found that 42 percent of Chinese travel agents identified high net worth and luxury travellers as the segment with the greatest potential for recovery and growth in the MENA region. Among experiences sought by Chinese customers, 54 percent of agents identified nature and scenery, 45 percent identified adventure and outdoor activities, 41 percent identified museums and cultural landmarks, and 41 percent identified interactions with local people.