Saudi Tourism Created Over One Million Jobs by August 2025

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector generated more than one million jobs by the end of August 2025. Employment growth covered hospitality, travel services, food and beverage, transport and related industries, according to Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb.

Tourism contributed around 5% of gross domestic product in 2024, with plans to increase this to 10% by 2030. Saudi Arabia recorded about 116 million domestic and international visitors in 2024, exceeding its Vision 2030 target of 100 million tourists seven years ahead of schedule. Tourism’s share of national exports rose from 6% in 2019 to 11% in 2024, alongside an increased contribution to the trade surplus over the same period.

The minister highlighted rising participation by women in the sector, the growth of small and family-owned businesses, and renewed activity across historic and natural destinations including AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah and the Red Sea coast. He cited ongoing investment in infrastructure, aviation, digital systems and destination development, together with regulatory reforms and an expanded electronic visa system covering citizens of 66 countries, as factors underpinning recent growth.