Saudi Arabia Tops Global Tourism Growth With 67% Jump

Saudi Arabia just claimed the top spot in global tourism recovery, with international arrivals jumping 67% between 2019 and 2025 according to a new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The OECD's Tourism Trends and Policies 2026 report placed the Kingdom ahead of every other country worldwide in attracting overseas visitors during the post-pandemic recovery. Morocco came in second with 53% growth, followed by Egypt at 47%.

The dramatic turnaround stems from Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, which transformed tourism into a cornerstone of economic diversification. The Kingdom made visiting easier through simplified visa procedures and expanded airline routes while pouring investment into cultural sites, heritage projects and entertainment venues.

Brazil and Colombia rounded out the top five destinations with visitor increases of 46% and 45% respectively. Japan saw a 34% rise, while Chile recorded 33% growth.

Several European destinations also recovered strongly, with Turkey posting 21% growth and Portugal reaching 20%. Spain, France and Greece each exceeded their 2019 visitor numbers, though with more modest gains ranging from 11% to 16%.

The Ripple Effect

Saudi Arabia's tourism boom represents more than impressive numbers. The sector now drives job creation across hospitality, transportation and cultural industries while reducing the Kingdom's historic dependence on oil revenues.

The success story extends beyond the Middle East, with North Africa emerging as a tourism powerhouse. Morocco and Egypt both cracked the top three, signaling renewed global interest in the region's rich history and diverse landscapes.

The findings paint a picture of resilient global travel, with destinations worldwide surpassing pre-pandemic visitor levels through strategic infrastructure investment and traveler-friendly policies. The recovery proves that thoughtful planning and bold vision can reshape entire economies.

Saudi Arabia's transformation from oil-dependent nation to tourism leader shows what's possible when countries invest in their cultural assets and open their doors to the world.