RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism gross domestic product rose 7.4 percent in 2025 to about $178 billion, outpacing global growth, as the Kingdom accelerates investment to diversify its economy.
Travel and tourism GDP expanded nearly twice the global sector growth rate of 4.1 percent and about 40 percent higher than the Middle East average of 5.3 percent, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.
The expansion comes as the Kingdom ramps up investment in large-scale tourism projects, infrastructure and connectivity under its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to reduce reliance on oil revenues and position the country as a global tourism hub.
Having already surpassed its initial goal of attracting 100 million visitors, Saudi Arabia is now targeting 150 million annually by the end of the decade.
In a post on his official X account, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb said: “Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism economy grew at nearly twice the global rate in 2025. This momentum reinforces that investment in destinations, connectivity, and quality delivers real, sustainable economic impact.”
The sector’s total contribution of roughly $178 billion makes Saudi Arabia the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism market, accounting for nearly half of the region’s total, the report showed.
“The Middle East’s performance in 2025 highlighted the strength and long-term potential of Travel & Tourism, with the sector continuing to act as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and international connectivity across the region,” said Gloria Guevara, president and CEO, WTTC.
International visitor spending in the Kingdom also rose 8.2 percent in 2025, significantly outperforming the global average of 3.2 percent, further underlining Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a leading global destination and its position as a regional leader.
“Business travel has been a particularly strong driver, with spending increasing by over 55 percent, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for business, events, and investment,” the WTTC said.
In the region, the UAE’s travel and tourism sector reached $68.5 billion in GDP in 2025, with international visitor spending of $56.9 billion.
Jordan’s travel and tourism GDP grew 5.5 percent, with international visitor spending reaching $8.5 billion, while Oman recorded similar growth of 5.5 percent, alongside international visitor spending of $4 billion.
