Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is experiencing an extraordinary boom. In the first quarter of 2025, international visitor numbers more than doubled, surging 102% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Tourism revenue during this period reached $13.16 billion (49.4 billion riyals)—nearly a 10% improvement over the same period in 2024. These figures underscore the kingdom’s rapid emergence as a leading global travel destination under its strategic development framework.
Boost in Tourism Through Strategic Mediterranean Outreach
To maintain this momentum, Saudi Arabia is forging tourism partnerships with Greece and Cyprus. These agreements focus on:
- Forming a joint technical committee to oversee implementation of tourism cooperation.
- Expanding air connectivity and logistical coordination, with the aim of making seasonal routes year-round.
- Conducting technical-level follow-up meetings to fine-tune operational planning and execution.
These efforts reflect a proactive approach to simplifying travel and encouraging cultural exchange across the Mediterranean and the Middle East. These partnerships not only enhance inbound tourism but also position the region as interconnected and culturally rich.
Growth Fueled by Vision 2030 Projects and Diversified Offerings
Saudi Arabia’s tourism explosion is part of the broader Vision 2030 economic diversification initiative. Among the flagship projects are:
- Neom megacity, designed as a futuristic hub blending sustainable tourism with cutting-edge development.
- Amaala, a luxury wellness destination set to open its first phase in 2025, featuring resorts and a yacht club along the Red Sea coast.
- Soudah Peaks, a high-altitude mountain destination in Asir Province earmarked to welcome millions of visitors by 2033.
Beyond infrastructure, the kingdom is also creating the world’s largest tourism education institution, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals to support a booming industry. A newly launched national carrier further enhances access and connectivity—making travel to and within Saudi Arabia easier than ever.
Tourism Sector Impact and Future Outlook
The first quarter results are impressive, but the World Travel and Tourism Council also forecasts that tourism will contribute over 447 billion riyals to the Saudi economy in 2025—an impressive slice of the national GDP. This growth is reshaping the national economy, spurring job creation, and diversifying revenue sources away from oil.
Industry leaders foresee Saudi Arabia becoming a top-five global travel destination by 2040, driven by a strategic focus on reducing seasonality, developing multiple tourism niches—from religious and cultural to leisure and medical—and expanding quality infrastructure and workforce training.
Inclusive and Cultural Tourism Strategy
Saudi Arabia’s approach to tourism is multifaceted:
- For Greece, the strategic partnership connects Saudi travelers to European cultural experiences while introducing Greeks to Saudi heritage and innovation.
- Cyprus stands to benefit from increased tourist inflows, cultural collaboration, and improved flight links, especially as Saudi visitors seek new leisure destinations.
- For both Mediterranean partners, these alliances expand their tourism markets and open doors to economies with strong travel demand potential.
The joint technical committees not only ensure coordination and implementation of projects but also allow for expertise and resource sharing—setting the foundation for long-term tourism synergy.
Summary and Forward Look
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is entering a golden era. With visitor numbers and revenue climbing at unprecedented rates, the kingdom’s Vision 2030 projects are transforming its travel landscape. Partnerships with Greece and Cyprus extend this growth further, enhancing connectivity, cultural exchange, and regional collaboration.
For tourists, these developments mean more seamless travel experiences, diverse destination options, and a glimpse into the future of international tourism—a future where Saudi Arabia increasingly plays a starring role.
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