Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector achieved significant growth in 2025, setting new records for spending and visitor numbers, becoming a key driver of economic transformation, SPA reported, citing the kingdom’s tourism minister.
The tourism sector’s contribution to GDP has increased from 3.5% in 2019 to 5% now, with a target of 10%. Employment has also increased from about 750,000 to over 1 million,” said Ahmed Al-Khateeb, speaking at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Private Sector Forum being held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
The Minister said the aim was to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from R300 billion to R600 billion, while at the same time the private sector would continue to create jobs by recruiting national talent.
He was speaking at a gathering of the ministerial panel “When Government Works for Business” held as part of the forum.
These achievements came from Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy beyond traditional sectors, he added.
The minister pointed out that Saudi tourism accounts for about 10% of the global economy and is a global job creator.
He emphasized the role of local content in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, PIF and stakeholders, and noted continued opportunities for the private sector, according to the SPA report.
PIF is active in developing major tourism destinations such as the Red Sea and Qiddiya projects, building infrastructure to attract investment and open opportunities for private sector involvement in hotels and tourism experiences.
In conclusion, he confirmed that the government is strengthening the tourism business environment through incentives and loans from the Tourism Development Fund through PIF.
He added that upcoming major events such as international exhibitions and sports competitions are expected to increase tourist arrivals to 150 million, encouraging investors to take advantage of the available opportunities.
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