Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for tourism and aviation are no secret, but the speed at which the Kingdom is delivering results is turning heads far beyond the Middle East.
From topping global charts in tourism receipts to setting new benchmarks in aviation performance and hospitality development, Saudi Arabia is proving that Vision 2030 isn’t just about transformation, it’s about fast-tracking global leadership.
For the international travel trade, the message that this is a destination on the rise, is loud and clear.
Tourism growth that’s breaking records and turning heads
Few destinations have seen their tourism fortunes rise as dramatically as Saudi Arabia’s in recent years. The latest data from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Economic Forum confirm what industry watchers are already seeing – that Saudi Arabia is officially the world’s leader in tourism receipts growth for Q1 2025.
Tourism spend has skyrocketed 107% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels, an extraordinary feat in an increasingly competitive global landscape. This growth is driven not just by clever marketing but by targeted investment in infrastructure, strategic destination development, and a clear, unwavering ambition to position the Kingdom as a year-round tourism hotspot.
These figures aren’t just great talking points. They signal opportunity across all sectors – whether in leisure, luxury, culture, sport, or corporate. It’s evident that demand for travel to Saudi Arabia is growing, and the smart players are already moving to align with this momentum.
Hospitality on the rise
Adding further weight to Saudi Arabia’s tourism success story is the remarkable growth in its hospitality sector during Q2 2025, according to research by CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate.
Driven by a mix of leisure, cultural, and religious tourism, the sector saw a 48% YoY increase in international visitors for the quarter. This surge is being further buoyed by Saudi Arabia’s pipeline of mega-events, from global sporting tournaments to Expo 2030.
Hospitality developments are surging, especially in Riyadh, where a growing pipeline of new hotel projects, such as the Hilton, and international brand debuts, such as IHG’s EVEN Hotel, are adding diversity and depth to the market. These projects are setting the tone for long-term, sustainable growth in the sector.
“By welcoming foreign investment, we anticipate a transformative shift, driving substantial growth in inbound capital over the next five years. This will not only support the ambitious FDI targets but also stimulate private sector development, diversify the non-oil economy, and generate wealth for landowners.” – Matthew Green, Head of Research MENA at CBRE
Green further noted the potential social impact, highlighting that these developments would help drive population growth, economic stability, and homeownership opportunities for foreign residents, a milestone moment for Saudi Arabia’s evolving real estate and hospitality landscape.
Saudia sets the pace for global aviation punctuality
While tourism receipts are soaring, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is also delivering world-class results. Saudia Group, the Kingdom’s national carrier, has been named the world’s most punctual airline for June 2025 by aviation analytics leader Cirium.
Clocking an impressive 91.33% on-time arrival rate and a 90.69% on-time departure rate, Saudia’s achievement speaks volumes about its commitment to operational excellence, a factor that benefits not only passengers but the broader network of travel partners who rely on consistency and reliability to deliver seamless customer experiences.
Meawhile, flyadeal also ranked first in the Middle East and Africa for on-time arrival performance, achieving a rate of 91.77% across more than 5,900 flights.
Riyadh’s King Khalid International raising the bar
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport continues to position itself as a key connector bridging East and West, earning recognition as the world’s best-performing medium-sized airport for on-time performance in June 2025, with an OTP of 90.41%. Operational efficiency is critical as Riyadh cements its status as a major aviation hub, and this latest accolade reflects Saudi Arabia’s focus on future-proofing its infrastructure to meet growing international demand.
Further validating its leadership credentials, Riyadh Airports Company (RAC) recently secured four prestigious awards at the 2025 Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference and Awards, including:
- Middle East and Africa Regional Award for Opening of the Year for the Infin’eat Food Hall
- Airport Restaurant Design of the Year
- Food Hall of the Year
- Highly Commended Award for Airport Chef of the Year
These accolades aren’t just trophies for the shelf. They’re confirmation that the Kingdom is investing in elements that matter most to today’s travellers and trade partners, inlcuding smoother journeys, smarter operations, and a future-minded approach to growth.
Why this matters to players in the travel trade
All of these achievements mark Saudi Arabia’s arrival as a serious player not just in the Middle East, but on the global tourism and aviation stage. For airlines, DMCs, tour operators, and hospitality brands, it is clear Saudi Arabia is a market with momentum, investment, and vision. And it’s moving fast.
As the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, talent, and experience-driven tourism, those who build relationships and expertise now will be best placed to benefit as Saudi Arabia opens up to more travellers and more business.
The reality is, Saudi Arabia isn’t waiting for permission to lead. It’s already setting the pace!
