Record growth in domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia for the first quarter of 2026
Preliminary data released by the Ministry of Tourism revealed a significant leap and substantial growth in the domestic tourism sector in Saudi Arabia during the first quarter of 2026. These figures reflect the success of national strategies aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of domestic destinations, with the number of domestic tourists estimated at approximately 28.9 million, achieving remarkable growth of 16% compared to the same period in 2025.
The strategic roots of the development of the Saudi tourism sector
This success didn't come about by chance; it's the fruit of sustained efforts that began with the launch of Vision 2030, which established the tourism sector as a key pillar for diversifying income sources and reducing dependence on oil. Since the launch of the National Tourism Strategy, the Kingdom has worked to develop its infrastructure, streamline travel procedures, and launch mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. These historic transformations have made the Kingdom an attractive destination not only for international visitors but have also boosted the confidence of citizens and residents in the quality and diversity of the entertainment options available domestically.
Record figures reflect the strength of domestic demand
In a related context, total tourism spending related to domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia reached SAR 34.7 billion during the first quarter of 2026, an increase of approximately 8%. This rise reflects the strength of domestic demand and its continued support for the Kingdom's tourism sector despite any fluctuations in the regional landscape. Data also showed that the total number of tourists (domestic and international) reached approximately 37.2 million, with total tourism spending reaching a substantial SAR 82.7 billion, confirming the sector's ability to adapt to crises and ensure market stability.
Economic dimensions and regional and international impact
This growth carries profound economic and social implications. Domestically, the resurgence of domestic tourism is creating thousands of jobs for young Saudis, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and fostering the development of local communities across the Kingdom. Regionally and internationally, these figures solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a rising tourism power in the Middle East, capable of competing strongly in the global tourism market. The stable flow of tourists sends positive signals to foreign investors, indicating that the Saudi market possesses high resilience and sustained purchasing power.
Occupancy rates and the leading positions of religious and coastal destinations
Regarding hotel occupancy, data showed that the average occupancy rate in tourist hospitality facilities reached approximately 59%. Medina topped the list of destinations with an occupancy rate of 82%, followed by Mecca at 60%, and then Jeddah at 59%. This ranking reflects the significant importance of religious tourism, alongside the growing appeal of coastal cities.
Holiday seasons are a key driver of domestic tourism growth in Saudi Arabia
The Ministry announced exceptional performance during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr school holidays. The number of tourists visiting various destinations during the holiday reached 10 million domestic tourists, representing a 14% increase. Domestic tourism spending also rose during this period to SAR 10.2 billion, a 5% increase compared to the previous year.
Successful promotional campaigns and effective partnerships
This season has been a busy one for leisure tourism, particularly in Red Sea destinations and Jeddah, bolstered by a promotional campaign launched by the Saudi Tourism Authority under the slogan "Eid Mubarak." The campaign included tourism packages developed in partnership with the private sector, resulting in occupancy rates reaching 100% in some targeted resorts. The Ministry of Tourism affirms that these indicators reflect the market's strength and resilience, noting that it will soon release a comprehensive and detailed report on its official platforms, encompassing all indicators for the first quarter of 2026.
