Visitor spending also reached unprecedented levels, with total expenditures amounting to SR53.2bn ($14.2bn), a 15 per cent year-on-year increase.
The Aseer Region stood out with exceptional growth, recording a 49 per cent rise in tourist arrivals from GCC countries compared to the previous summer.
Saudi tourism boom
The Ministry said the results reflect the success of the Kingdom’s tourism ecosystem in delivering innovative offerings and enhancing service quality in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism hub.
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb launched the program in June at a workshop that brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
Themed “Colour Your Summer,” the campaign promoted six diverse destinations, including Jeddah, the Red Sea, Taif, Al-Baha, and Aseer, showcasing coastal escapes, mountain retreats, cultural events, and entertainment experiences.
Highlights included the Esports World Cup, Jeddah Season, and Aseer Season, which attracted global visitors with concerts, shows, and sporting events.
Building on the success of the Summer campaign, preparations are already underway for the launch of the Winter season, which will feature global events and innovative tourism products to continue boosting visitor numbers year-round.
