Religious tourism drives Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking boom

Religious tourism drives Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking boom

08-12-25

Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is experiencing a historic moment. In 2025, tourism spending reached 73.3 billion dollars, while the number of visitors climbed to 116 million, consolidating the country as one of the fastest-growing destinations worldwide.

This boom is no coincidence, but the result of a determined and multifaceted strategy driven by the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the national economy and reduce its dependence on oil. As part of this plan, massive investments have been made in tourism infrastructure: new world-class hotels, leisure complexes and modern transportation systems that make it easier for visitors from all over the world to access the country.

One of the key pillars of this growth is religious tourism. The holy cities of Mecca and Medina continue to attract millions of pilgrims every year. In addition to the traditional Hajj, the Umrah pilgrimage, which takes place throughout the year, has also seen a considerable increase. Investments to expand the capacity of the holy sites, as well as to upgrade airports and transport networks, have facilitated access and stays for worshippers, increasing their contribution to overall tourism spending.

However, Saudi Arabia is not limited to religious tourism alone. The country has strongly boosted cultural and heritage tourism by promoting ancient sites such as AlUla, historic Diriyah or the old town of Al-Balad in Jeddah — many of them recognized by UNESCO. Added to these are cultural events, arts festivals, concerts and activities designed to attract travellers interested in history, culture and authentic experiences.

The country is also undergoing a clear shift towards luxury and leisure tourism. New developments along the Red Sea coast, high-end resorts, spas, golf courses and exclusive experiences are transforming the region into a reference destination for high-spending travellers. Projects such as NEOM and other coastal developments aim to combine luxury, modernity and natural beauty, attracting those looking for a different kind of holiday.

At the same time, new forms of sustainable and adventure tourism are emerging: deserts such as the Rub' al Khali, mountain areas, nature reserves, coral reefs along the Red Sea coast and relatively unexplored islands offer an alternative to traditional circuits. Hiking, safaris, diving and nature-based activities are beginning to flourish as attractive options for a more adventurous and environmentally conscious tourist profile.

The economic impact of this growth is remarkable. In 2025, tourism already represents a key share of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, generates thousands of jobs and drives development not only in major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah or Mecca, but also in rural or previously underdeveloped areas. This new dynamism helps to balance income distribution and brings progress to regions that had long remained on the sidelines.

Although forecasts for the future remain highly positive — with ongoing investment, expanded infrastructure and a more diversified offering — the main challenge now will be to maintain this pace without sacrificing sustainability, heritage preservation and the balance between high visitor numbers and quality of experience. Saudi Arabia aspires to consolidate itself as a truly global destination, but must also manage this surge responsibly.

Recent data confirms that Saudi Arabia is no longer just a religious destination or a country associated solely with oil: it is transforming into a comprehensive, versatile and modern tourism destination, attractive to a wide range of travellers. If it manages to sustain this momentum, it could become one of the most powerful engines of economic and social transformation in the region.

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