Saudi Arabia is the second biggest tourist destination in the Middle East with over 16 million visiting in 2017. Although most tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages, there is growth in the leisure tourism sector. As the tourism sector has been largely boosted lately, the sector is expected to a significant industry for Saudi Arabia, reducing its dependence on oil revenues. This is proved as tourism sector is expected to generate $25 billion in 2019. Potential tourist areas include the Hijaz and Sarawat Mountains, Red Sea diving and a number of ancient ruins. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2018, Travel and tourism in Saudi Arabia added 9% to the Kingdom’s total economy which is worth $65.2 billion. In December 2013, Saudi Arabia announced its intention to begin issuing tourist visas for the first time in its history. Council of Ministers entrusted the Ministry of Tourism with visa issuing on the basis of certain regulations approved by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs. On 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia formally announced the issuance of the tourist visa to visitors from 49 countries for a fee of $80. The visa can be either obtained online (eVisa) or on arrival. Ten days after the implementation of instant tourist visas, 24,000 foreign visitors entered Saudi Arabia. China visitors topped the list, with the UK and the US in second and third. Popular places to visit in Saudi Arabia are Makkah, Medina, Mada'in Salih, Yanbu, Tabuk, Jeddah and Riyadh. Arriving in Saudi Arabia can be through 13 international airports served by various global airlines. There are also 15 domestic airports connecting the country's regions and cities. For moving within the country, there are budget airlines like Flynas, Fyadeal, Nesma Airlines, in addition to Saudi Airlines and SaudiGulf Airlines.

Museums

Saudi Arabia has a variety of museums ranging from historical museums, archeological museums, and cultural and scientific museums. These museums exhibit the art life, old handicrafts, and antiquities of the Kingdom and including:

World Heritage Sites

There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia inscribed from 2008 to 2023; they are as follows:

Main festivals and events

Religious tourism

Tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages. Mecca and Medina receive over three million pilgrims a year during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah in Hajj, and around two million during the month of Ramadan to perform Umrah. During the rest of the year, Mecca and Medina receive around four million for Umrah. The Hajj, or pilgrimage to the city, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Only Muslims are permitted in Mecca, while non-Muslims can enter Medina.

Saudi Seasons

In 2019, in support of Saudi Vision 2030, the country launched an initiative known as Saudi Seasons to help promote domestic and international tourism. Backed via public and private sector investments, Saudi Seasons consists of "seasons" in specific areas of the country throughout the year, which serve as a collective brand for cultural and entertainment events (including festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, sports, and other attractions) held during the periods: Riyadh Season, the largest of the events in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, runs from October through March annually. The inaugural edition of Riyadh Season generated six billion riyals in revenue and over eleven million visitors.

Other sites

The Red Sea Project is being developed as a beach resort where women can wear bikinis. The construction began in 2019. The Red Sea is one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. Known for its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, it is listed as one of the best diving locations in the world.

Tourists in Saudi

The Travel & Tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is set for impressive growth, with an anticipated annual average increase of 11% over the next decade, positioning itself as the fastest-growing industry in the Middle East. This positive trajectory is highlighted by a projection that the Kingdom is expected to attract a substantial 22.1 million international arrivals by 2025. Such a promising outlook not only emphasizes the increasing allure of Saudi Arabia as a travel destination but also signifies the country's strategic efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global tourism landscape. Most visitors arriving in Saudi Arabia on a short term basis were from the following countries:

Future prospects

Saudi Arabia’s overall number of tourist trips is on course to be 93.8 million by 2023, up from 64.7 million in 2018. Riyadh and Jeddah hosted Color Runs in late 2019. Hotels are no longer required to ask Saudi couples for proof of marriage for a check-in. The government is spending billions on bringing forms of entertainment such as wrestling, tennis, car racing, expensive restaurants and concerts to expand tourism. Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The country announced its bid in October 2023, and was the only nation to submit a bid by the deadline, presenting a significant and promising opportunity for the future development and global recognition of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy is closely aligned with the 2030 vision, seeking to significantly enhance the sector's role in the domestic economy. The plan targets a contribution of over 10% to the growth of domestic product (GDP), the creation of one million new job opportunities, and the attraction of 100 million annual visits by 2030. This ambitious agenda reflects a comprehensive effort to position the Kingdom as a prominent player in the global tourism landscape. Embarking on a transformative journey to diversify its economic, social, and cultural dimensions, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince has unveiled four pivotal projects under the ambitious 2030 vision. Qiddiyah Entertainment City, a colossal recreational and entertainment hub, promises a world of theme parks, sports facilities, desert tracks for motorsports, and a diverse array of historical and cultural events. NEOM, a $500 billion endeavor, envisions a futuristic city near the Red Sea, incorporating multiple cities, airports, seaports, and innovation centers. Meanwhile, the Red Sea Project focuses on luxury tourism, highlighting the natural wonders of the Red Sea through sustainable practices. Amaala Resort, an ultra-luxurious project, centers on wellness, healthy tourism, and cultural experiences, all aimed at not only elevating the nation's income but also transforming the quality of life for its citizens through world class tourism and entertainment experiences. With these visionary projects under the 2030 vision, the future prospects for the nation's economic, social, and cultural landscape appear promising and transformative.

Tourism Projects Under Construction

The following list contains major Saudi Vision 2030 tourism projects under construction:

Promotion

Lionel Messi as ambassador

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed Argentine professional footballer and Inter Miami forward, Lionel Messi, as its tourism ambassador in May 2022. Messi was signed by Saudi Arabia as its ambassador during a trip he made to the country’s port city of Jeddah, along the Red Sea. Saudi’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb officially announced the signing in a tweet by writing, “This is not his first visit to the kingdom and it will not be the last”, indicating the footballer’s future visits to Saudi for promoting its tourism. The news received critical reactions from media and human rights groups calling it Saudi Arabia’s use of sports to improve its reputation.

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