International visitor spend in Middle East to hit $194bn in 2025: WTTC

Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism sector is poised to deliver a record-breaking SAR447.2bn economic boost this year, as global travel and tourism reach historic highs, according to the latest data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The WTTC forecasts that international visitor spending globally will hit an all-time high of $2.1tn in 2025 — surpassing pre-pandemic levels by $164bn. This growth is part of a broader global surge, with the sector’s total economic contribution expected to reach $11.7tn, making up 10.3 per cent of the world’s GDP.

Travel and tourism-related employment is also set to climb by 14 million jobs this year, reaching a total of 371 million — more than the entire population of the US.

A mixed global picture

Despite the strong global performance, some major economies are showing signs of a slowdown. The US, while still the largest travel and tourism market globally, continues to fall short of its 2019 international visitor spending levels.

In China, although international spending exceeded pre-pandemic levels last year, growth is projected to taper off sharply in 2025.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom

In contrast, Saudi Arabia stands out as a global success story. The kingdom’s travel and tourism sector is on track to contribute more than 10 per cent of national GDP by 2025.

Employment in the sector is projected to hit a record 2.7 million jobs, underscoring the strength of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism strategy.

Read: Saudi Arabia launches TOURISE, a global platform to reshape the ‘future of tourism’

Driving this growth is a powerful combination of rising international and domestic spending. Inbound visitor spending is forecast to reach nearly SAR200bn  this year, while domestic tourism spending is expected to hit an unprecedented SAR162.5bn.

Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO, said: “The kingdom is redefining what’s possible, and will not only meet, but exceed the ambitions of Vision 2030.”

Regional momentum

The broader Middle East region is also benefiting from this surge. Travel and tourism in the region is projected to contribute $367.3bn to the regional economy and support 7.7 million jobs in 2025.

International visitor spending across the Middle East is expected to reach nearly $194bn — 24 per cent above 2019 levels — while domestic spending is forecast to hit almost $113bn.

As Saudi Arabia cements its status as a global tourism powerhouse, the kingdom’s record-breaking year reflects a larger regional transformation driven by strategic investment and visionary leadership.