Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has revealed that the total number of domestic and inbound tourists to Saudi Arabia during the first quarter of 2026 reached about 37.2 million, while total domestic and inbound tourism spending reached about SAR 82.7 billion.
The ministry explained that the number of domestic tourists reached about 28.9 million during the same period, growing 16% compared with the first quarter of 2025, while total domestic tourism spending reached SAR 34.7 billion, up 8%, reflecting strong domestic demand and its continued support for the Kingdom's tourism sector, according to a post on the Saudi Press Agency website.
In terms of occupancy, preliminary data showed that the occupancy rate in tourist hospitality facilities reached about 59% in the first quarter of the year, with Madinah topping the destinations with the highest occupancy at 82%, followed by Makkah at 60% and Jeddah at 59%.
It noted that this growth was achieved despite volatility in the regional landscape, confirming the diversity of tourism demand drivers and the ability of the Saudi tourism sector to adapt to crises and maintain market stability and the flow of tourists.
The ministry also revealed strong domestic tourism performance during the Ramadan school holiday and Eid Al-Fitr, with domestic tourists during that period reaching about 10 million, up 14%, while domestic tourism spending reached SAR 10.2 billion, up 5% compared with the same period last year.
It stressed that this season was an active period for domestic leisure tourism, especially in Red Sea and Jeddah destinations, supported by a promotional campaign launched by the Saudi tourism ecosystem, represented by the Saudi Tourism Authority, under the slogan "Eid Is Blessed in You".
It added that the campaign included tourism packages prepared in partnership with the private sector for booking at targeted resorts in the Red Sea, Jeddah, AlUla and other destinations, with occupancy at some of these facilities reaching 100%.
The ministry stressed that these indicators reflect the strength and resilience of the Saudi tourism market, supported by strong domestic demand and the diversity of tourism types, strengthening the sector's stability and its ability to maintain its pace of growth.
It noted that it is preparing to issue an exceptional report containing all the details of the tourism sector's indicators for the first quarter of 2026, which will be announced via the ministry's social media accounts and official website as soon as it is available.
For his part, the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, stressed the Kingdom's constant keenness on Gulf unity and the integration of regional efforts, stressing its continued efforts to support the GCC states in a number of related areas, including logistical coordination and air connectivity, helping support the region's stability and the continuity of visitor and traveler flows. This came during the Kingdom's participation in the extraordinary meeting of ministers and officials responsible for tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council states, according to the ministry's post on its account on X.
To view the post on the Saudi Press Agency website, click here.
