Saudi Arabia is no stranger to making bold moves — but this time, it’s not about oil or politics. It’s about something far more surprising: tourism.
In just the first few months of 2025, the Kingdom has skyrocketed to the top of global tourism rankings, proving that it’s not just playing the game — it’s changing it.
Breaking Records — And Expectations
According to the World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, Saudi Arabia was ranked #1 in the world for the growth of international tourism spending in Q1 2025, compared to the same period back in 2019.
Let that sink in for a second: the fastest-growing tourism economy in the world right now is Saudi Arabia. And it’s not just about money being spent — the number of people visiting is exploding too.
102% More Visitors? Yes, You Read That Right
In Q1 2025, Saudi Arabia saw a 102% surge in international tourist arrivals compared to Q1 2019. That’s more than:
- 30 times the global average increase of 3%
- Double the Middle East average of 44%
The Kingdom also ranked third globally for arrival growth and second in the region. It’s a clear sign that something big is happening — and people from around the world want to see it for themselves.
How Did This Happen So Fast?
Honestly? It’s no accident.
This tourism boom is the result of years of planning, investment, and vision. Under Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is reshaping itself into a destination that’s exciting, open, and incredibly ambitious.
What’s behind the growth?
- Futuristic mega-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea, and Diriyah Gate
- A booming hospitality and entertainment sector
- New cultural landmarks and world-class events
- Easier visa access and international partnerships
- And of course, a serious push to diversify the economy
This is Saudi Arabia saying, “We’re open — and we’ve got something worth seeing.”
A Summer Like No Other
To keep the momentum going, the Saudi Tourism Authority just kicked off Saudi Summer 2025 with the “Colour Your Summer” campaign. Their goal? To attract 41 million visitors this season alone.
It’s not just marketing. It’s a movement — to get locals and travelers exploring everything from cool highland escapes to Red Sea beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities.If you thought Saudi Arabia was just desert and dunes, it’s time to take a second look.
From Hidden Gem to Global Giant
For years, Saudi Arabia was a bit of a mystery for global travelers — known mostly for religious tourism. Now? It’s making its mark as a must-visit destination for adventure, culture, luxury, and history.
What makes this shift so powerful is that it’s not just driven by numbers — it’s built on vision, storytelling, and opening up a whole new side of the country to the world.
Where Great Events Begin — With the Right People
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Let’s elevate your next event — contact BM Events today and experience staffing that delivers, every time.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a fluke. It’s a clear message: Saudi Arabia wants to be one of the world’s top travel destinations — and it’s well on its way.
Whether you’re a curious traveler, a tourism investor, or just someone who loves seeing big changes unfold — Saudi Arabia is officially on the map. And it’s not slowing down.
If you haven’t added it to your travel list yet, now might be the time.
