Local tourists' spending hits record in first quarter 2026
The tourism sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieved a new record during the first quarter of 2026. The average daily spending by local tourists reached approximately 420 million Saudi riyals, with total tourism expenditure amounting to 37.8 billion riyals—a 17% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the number of domestic tourists rose by 7%, reaching 26.6 million visitors. The average length of stay for Saudi nationals was 5.9 nights, while for non-Saudis it was 7 nights. The most visited areas were Makkah, which recorded 5.9 million Saudi visitors and 3.3 million non-Saudis, followed by Riyadh and the Eastern Province. Data also indicates that 42% of Saudis visit for entertainment purposes, while 37% visit to see relatives. Regarding accommodation preferences, 39% opt to stay in private residences, and 40% choose hotels. The introduction of visa packages has also facilitated international travel experiences.
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