Saudi Tourism GDP Reached USD 178 Billion After 7.4% Growth in 2025

Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector recorded GDP of around USD 178 billion in 2025, following growth of 7.4%, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The expansion outpaced both the global average growth rate of 4.1% and the Middle East average of 5.3%, positioning the Kingdom’s tourism sector among the fastest growing globally.

The total contribution also makes Saudi Arabia the largest travel and tourism market in the region, accounting for nearly half of the Middle East’s total.

Officials attributed the growth to continued investment in large-scale tourism projects, infrastructure, and connectivity under Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil revenues.

International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia rose by 8.2% in 2025, exceeding the global average increase of 3.2%. Business travel was identified as a key driver, with spending in that segment increasing by more than 55%, reflecting the country’s growing role in business events and investment activity.

The Kingdom has already surpassed its initial target of 100 million visitors and is now aiming to reach 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade.

Regionally, travel and tourism GDP in the United Arab Emirates reached USD 68.5 billion in 2025, with international visitor spending of USD 56.9 billion.

Jordan recorded sector growth of 5.5%, with visitor spending reaching USD 8.5 billion, while Oman reported similar growth of 5.5% and international visitor spending of USD 4 billion.