The total number of tourists in the Kingdom, both domestic and international, reached approximately 37.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, with total tourism spending estimated at around SAR 82.7 billion, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Tourism.
Of this total, domestic tourists accounted for about 28.9 million, representing a growth of approximately 16% compared to the same period in 2025. Domestic tourism spending during the same period reached SAR 34.7 billion, an increase of around 8%.
The ministry noted that these figures reflect strong domestic demand and its continued contribution to supporting the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
Hospitality facilities recorded an average occupancy rate of 59%, with Madinah leading at 82%, followed by Makkah at 60%, and Jeddah at 59%.
During the school holiday season for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, domestic tourist numbers reached around 10 million, up 14%, while spending totaled SAR 10.2 billion, a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Alkhateeb tweeted that the growth in domestic tourism demonstrates that the sector has the necessary capabilities and local demand drivers to navigate current conditions with confidence and stability, while sustaining long-term growth potential.
Tourism Sector in Q1 2026
Indicator
Q1 2026
Notes
Domestic tourists (mln)
28.9
+16%
Total domestic tourism spending (SAR bln)
34.7
+8%
Total tourists-domestic and international (mln)
37.2
–
Total tourism spending- domestic and international (SAR bln)
82.7
–
Occupancy rate in hospitality facilities
59%
–
Domestic tourists in various destinations during holidays (mln)
10
+14%
Domestic tourism spending during holidays
10.2
+5%
The total number of tourists in the Kingdom, both domestic and international, reached approximately 37.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, with total tourism spending estimated at around SAR 82.7 billion, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Tourism.
Of this total, domestic tourists accounted for about 28.9 million, representing a growth of approximately 16% compared to the same period in 2025. Domestic tourism spending during the same period reached SAR 34.7 billion, an increase of around 8%.
The ministry noted that these figures reflect strong domestic demand and its continued contribution to supporting the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
Hospitality facilities recorded an average occupancy rate of 59%, with Madinah leading at 82%, followed by Makkah at 60%, and Jeddah at 59%.
During the school holiday season for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, domestic tourist numbers reached around 10 million, up 14%, while spending totaled SAR 10.2 billion, a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Alkhateeb tweeted that the growth in domestic tourism demonstrates that the sector has the necessary capabilities and local demand drivers to navigate current conditions with confidence and stability, while sustaining long-term growth potential.
Tourism Sector in Q1 2026
Indicator
Q1 2026
Notes
Domestic tourists (mln)
28.9
+16%
Total domestic tourism spending (SAR bln)
34.7
+8%
Total tourists-domestic and international (mln)
37.2
–
Total tourism spending- domestic and international (SAR bln)
82.7
–
Occupancy rate in hospitality facilities
59%
–
Domestic tourists in various destinations during holidays (mln)
10
+14%
Domestic tourism spending during holidays
10.2
+5%

