Riyadh: Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed bin Saud bin Khalid emphasized the rapid growth and achievements in the Kingdom’s tourism sector, attributing success to the alignment and integrated efforts among all entities. She revealed that spending in the tourism sector has reached SAR275 billion, with domestic and international tourists exceeding 116 million, setting a new target of 150 million tourists.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Princess Haifa, speaking at the Budget Forum 2026, identified tourism as a key sector for diversifying the national economy. She highlighted a 14% increase in European tourists and a 15% rise in tourists from East Asia and the Pacific this year. Domestic tourists were underscored as vital for sustainable sector growth.
Princess Haifa noted that by the third quarter of 2025, domestic tourist spending surpassed SAR105 billion, an 18% increase. Private hospitality facilities experienced a 1,250% growth compared to the previous year, with over 31,000 licenses issued for rural inns and private homes. She reiterated that these successes are part of ongoing efforts toward achieving future targets and discussed initiatives by the Ministry of Tourism to attract both domestic and foreign investment.