Saudi Arabia hits 50% non-religious tourism share milestone

THE NEWS: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism reported that non‑religious motivations accounted for 52 percent of overnight international arrivals in 2025, up from 44 percent in 2019, indicating a marked shift in the kingdom’s inbound tourism mix.

DETAILS:

• Total domestic and inbound visitor spending reached a record SAR 304 billion in 2025, underscoring strong economic impact.
• The ministry is establishing multiple leisure hubs outside traditional pilgrimage routes to diversify visitor experiences.
• The figures come from the 2025 Annual Statistical Report released on 18 June 2026.

WHY IT MATTERS: The rising share of leisure‑driven visitors and record spending signal expanding opportunities for hotels, tour operators, and investors beyond pilgrimage tourism, encouraging development of new attractions and services that cater to non‑religious travelers in Saudi Arabia.

FAQ

What percentage of overnight international arrivals in Saudi Arabia were motivated by non‑religious reasons in 2025?
The Ministry of Tourism disclosed that 52 percent of overnight international arrivals in 2025 were for non‑religious motivations, up from 44 percent in 2019, according to the 2025 Annual Statistical Report released on 18 June 2026.

How much did total domestic and inbound visitor spending total in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
Saudi Arabia recorded a total domestic and inbound visitor spending of SAR 304 billion in 2025, described as a record level in the ministry’s 2025 Annual Statistical Report published on 18 June 2026.

What initiative is the Saudi Ministry of Tourism pursuing to diversify its tourism sector?
The ministry is developing multiple leisure hubs outside traditional pilgrimage routes, aiming to broaden the tourism offering and attract more non‑religious visitors, as highlighted in the 2025 Annual Statistical Report.

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