The Kingdom rises to 29th globally in the 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, advancing 17 places since 2019; and the sector is consolidating its role in diversifying the economy

Riyadh | BETH

Saudi Arabia rose to 29th place globally in the 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index issued by the World Economic Forum, advancing three places from 2024, and 17 places since 2019.

The progress comes after the Kingdom recorded around 123 million domestic and international tourists in 2025, with tourism spending reaching nearly SAR 304 billion, while the target has been raised to 150 million visits annually by 2030.

The index reflects improvement in tourism infrastructure, services, air connectivity, and cultural attractiveness — factors that have become increasingly important amid intensifying competition among global destinations.

BETH Reading

Saudi Arabia’s jump does not only mean an increase in the number of visitors.

More importantly, tourism is gradually transforming from an emerging sector into an economic pillar based on spending, investment, hospitality, aviation, and events.

The next phase will not be measured by visitor numbers alone, but by the Kingdom’s ability to extend length of stay, increase spending, expand destinations, and turn tourism growth into sustainable economic value.