WTTC report: Saudi Arabia emerges as Mideast tourism leader as sector represents 14.1% of GDP

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia remains the leading tourism destination in the Middle East, with the travel and tourism sector accounting for 14.1 percent of the country's GDP, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) latest report. The kingdom's commitment to tourism growth is evident through its investment of 19.4 percent in 2025, driven by Vision 2030, investor-friendly reforms, and large-scale tourism projects.

The WTTC's report, titled "Economic Impact Research: Global Trends Report," projects that the Middle East will become the fastest-growing travel and tourism region in the world between 2026 and 2036, with sector GDP expanding at an annual rate of 6.3 percent. International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia is forecast to double over the next decade, driven by expanded destinations, infrastructure, transportation networks, and visitor experiences.

The Kingdom's long-term investments in tourism are strengthening its ability to navigate challenges and sustain growth, positioning Saudi Arabia as a prominent engine of tourism growth through 2036.